Wednesday 19th April 2006
Click here to listen to Peter's version of the 'Modern Way'
"Peter Grant has come along like a much needed breath of fresh air.
In a business where over-praise is commonplace and the word ‘star’ is used to describe anyone who stands before a microphone, it’s a great joy to sit back and listen to Peter. Amazingly, he doesn't just sing songs, he lives them."
Don Black, songwriter of “On Days Like These”, “Diamonds Are Forever” & “Walk Away”
"Peter Grant's version of “Joanna” is simply outstanding. He is a great singer and this is the best version of the song since Scott Walker’s “.
Legendary songwriter, Tony Hatch, who originally wrote “Joanna” for Scott Walker
18 year old singer/pianist from Yorkshire Peter Grant releases his brilliant debut album on 24th April - a collection of truly classic songs re-interpreted by an exceptional new artist.
There are not many lads who combine a voice like Matt Monroe, chilled to perfection piano skills and looks that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Paul Smith ad. In short, there are not many lads like Peter Grant, in the north or anywhere else.
“I think it’s because I started singing so young,” laughs Peter when you mention the confusion that comes trying to match up this regular teenager to a voice so smooth, assured and stylish. His sound is so highly developed that it will literally have you turning the CD over in your hands to check you haven’t put the wrong one in. “I’ve been singing since I was six or seven and I was playing working men’s clubs from the age of 13,” he says. “I suppose I loved the attention though I’ve always been passionate about the music side of it.”
The result of this lifelong dedication is Peter’s debut album which more than lives up to the praise of the classic songwriters who are championing him. He has re-worked a fantastic and varied selection of some of the finest songs of the 50's, 60's and 70's using his remarkable voice to give an ultra cool makeover to songs like Scott Walker’s “Joanna” and Barry White’s “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything”. The album also features under-appreciated classics like “On Days Like These” from 'The Italian Job' and Lennon/McCartney’s “The Fool on the Hill” slipped into the mix.
Eschewing faddish nods to the past, the songs have been re-interpreted with love and a real enthusiasm by Peter, whose voice serves as an impeccable connection bringing the past into the present. “I love these songs,” says Peter, whose musical taste crosses right over from singer-songwriters to soul, hip-hop and free jazz. “No one ever told me to listen to this kind of music, it’s just what I listened to growing up".
Its not just legendary songwriters Don Black and Tony Hatch who have been impressed by Peter’s amazing musicianship. Jimmy Webb, author of the Richard Harris and Sinatra classic ‘Didn’t We’, another great track covered by Peter on his album, was equally blown away – “ I just love that kid !! “
Praise indeed from the originators themselves…
Peter Grant’s debut album is released on Monday April 24th on UMTV / Globe Records.
Click here to buy 'Peter Grant - New Vintage'
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
