[TR24][OF] Pete Alderton – Cover My Blues - 2009 (Blues)

Pete Alderton was born in Felixstowe, England as the son of an American G.I. and an English mother. His sphere of activity is in Germany, where he lives now as a resident of Paderborn. Specialized on blues classics he started his career with the debut album Living On Love, which was released on Ozella Music in 2006. This album was produced by Carsten Mentzel and Dagobert Böhm.

Pete is supported by the same team on his new album Cover My Blues, which was released in March, 2009. Pete, who sings and plays blues harp, is joined by Carsten Mentzel (guitar, bass, keys), Gerold Kukulenz (upright bass), Michel Roggenland (drums) and further guest musicians.

Pete's album is like a walk on Memory Lane. Our first step is the song Walking Blues. Robert Johnson, one of the most famous Delta blues musicians, wrote this song during his most productive phase in the 30's. His vocal phrasing, his guitar style and his songs have influenced a whole generation of blues singers. Pete catch some of the old Mississippi spirit in his smoky voice. Jan Lessner on blues harp underlines Pete's authenticity.

Blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson's ("the father of modern blues harp") Help Me is best known in the legendary version of Booker T. & The MG's Green Onion. Pete smacks this song with relish.

When I listen to Georgia On My Mind I have immediately to think at the great Ray Charles. Ok, nobody can compete this genius but Pete Alderton's version is notable and impressive.

Scottish folk singer Paul Joses shares Pete's fate. He moved to Germany and has released records on the German label Ozella Music. Don´t Give A Damn is his song and Pete Alderton the man, who gives that song a bluesy finish.

Fever was originally a R&B hit of Little Willie John and later for Peggy Lee (1958). Covered by numerous artists the song gained a high popularity in Germany which Pete pays tribute to.

Bill Wither's hit Ain´t No Sunshine is from the same caliber. Pete's rough vocals really fit to the smoky timbre of the song. Little Red Rooster features Udo Timmermeister on slide guitar, together with Pete's vocals the best approach to Howlin' Wolf's original following Willie Dixon's intention.

With Running For Cover adds Carsten Mentzel an own composition in the moody style of the previous songs. The classic jazz song par excellence is George Gershwin's Summertime. I assume it's the most covered jazz classic of all time. Not an excuse but an explanation that Pete couldn't resist to fill the old song with new life.

I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man is the second song composed by Willie Dixon and originally performed by Muddy Waters. According to Wikipedia the Hoochie Coochie was a dance that became wildly popular during and after the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Pete Alderton finds his own way of interpretation.

John Lennon excitingly expressed on Cold Turkey the pain of withdrawal. No one can surpass the original. So let's take Pete's version as homage. Cover My Blues is a composition by Dagobert Böhm and Pete. A slow piece with your chance for contemplation. The album is closed by the bonus track Grinning In Your Face by Eddie James "Son" House, Jr. rising the emotions for a last encore.

Pete Alderton's album Cover My Blues is a fantastic opportunity to discover the blues and an interpret who should be unquestionably in the limelight.