PETER WHITE

LIGHT OF DAY

Lobster Music Inc.

Peter White, guitar/composer/bass/keyboards/accordion/recorder/programming; Dave Dyson, Roberto Valley & Nate Philips, bass; Eric Valentine, drums; Frank Joseph, keyboards/ programming; Michael Egizi, keyboards/programming; Sascha Brezina, organ; Matthew Hagar, finger snaps/sonic guidance; Vincent Ingala & Ernie Watts, saxophone; DC, additional programming; Kenny Herrera, percussion; Marc Macisso, saxophone/flute/harmonica; Shannon Kennedy, flute; Rick Braun, flugelhorn; Ilya Serov, trumpet/flugelhorn.

Peter White’s latest release, “Light of Day,” made its debut on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2025.   This is his 17^th album. White’s intent is to bring us the brilliance of love, hope, determination and optimism reflected in his original songs. This is a celebration of White’s 50^th anniversary as a professional musician.  His first album was released 35 years ago titled, “Reveillez-vous” where he established his light, pop, Latin, R&B, Smooth Jazz guitar stylings.

I enjoy White’s fingerstyle guitar playing that he applies in every contemporary jazz composition. Most of his songs beam with happiness and joy.  The “Catalonia” tune featured on this album sounds like a repeat of the song released in 1994 as “Reveillez-vous” only this time, it’s produced lushly with strings.

“I was working on the album mostly during the pandemic and in many cases the songs are deeper and more introspective than some of my more recent albums. I picked the title, ‘Light of Day,’ because it reminded me that yes, we all go through challenging times, but through the darkness, there is always light and better times ahead,” said the British-born, Los Angeles-based White.

On this album, multi-instrumentalist Peter White plays guitar, bass, keyboards, accordion, recorder, and electronic programming.  On a tune called “Cityscape” he features Rick Braun on trumpet.

Several more Smooth Jazz tunes follow. This is easy listening. The tunes meander along like a slow cruise down Pacific Coast Highway with the top down on your convertible and the sun on your face. When we get to “Overdrive,” featuring Ilya Serov on trumpet, the arrangement starts driving fast-forward with an up-tempo groove. The bass line rides like a rock anthem beneath powerhouse drums. “Dreaming of You” quickly becomes another favorite. “Enchanted” allows guest artists, Ernie Watts to put the “J” in jazz on his soulful saxophone.  It’s another favorite of mine with a tender melody and cha-cha rhythms.

“I Love you Still” sounds like an old R&B love song anthem. Peter White sings the melody on his guitar in an emotional way.  All in all, this is an enjoyable Smooth Jazz album, with pleasant compositions by White and his all-star crew of musicians.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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