If you're hankering for a little bit of live music, and you're wondering where to find a few top-notch acts, ask around. Chances are that the name of veteran one-man act Alex Peters will crop up. A stalwart of the pub scene in the 80s, Alex made something of a comeback last year after an absence from the scene for close to five years. Word has it the man is better than ever.
Alex Peters has always been known for his ability to outperform most live bands with an airtight combination of recorded keyboard, bass and rhythm tracks and explosive guitar work and he demonstrates a determination to evolve as a musician, an aim few of his contemporaries can claim to share.
While he has not made obtaining a recording contract a priority, Peters has been busy writing and recording his own material. With a sound that blends Indian musical influences with the sensibilities of late 60s/early 70s fusion rock, Peters has managed to put together a 50-minute tape of music that is almost wholly original. In fact, the only 'cover' is a drastic recording of the Frank Zappa song Stevie's Spanking, a track that featured blistering guitar player Steve Vai. In fact, Alex was able to meet up with Steve Vai and pass him his demo which features his version, called Stevie's Raga. Determined not to sacrifice his musical integrity to unscrupulous organisations, Peters is taking his time to finding a distributor for his planned album.
His live set has also undergone something of a mini-overhaul in recent years, although Alex says that he still has to end his show with all the old favourites, including his famous treatment of Dire Straits' Sultans of Swing.
