Peter Mulvey is yet another acoustic singer song writer who hasn’t quite made it to the top but has all the talent and professionalism needed.  He’s been around long enough and his self produced debut album “Brother Rabbit Speaks” was created in 1992 which showed the self motivated and self produced quality that Peter has in his pocket.

To get an idea of his sound, think Newton Faulkner but a bit less rhythmic and more melodic approach while his singing voice is more mature and consistently boasts top notch lyrics.  Peter has a showman feel about him and his material and this could be partly due to his busking background which got him noticed in his local Wisconsin – USA.

Peter’s music is mainly just his voice and his acoustic guitar so all the talent, melody and rhythm needed to create a decent song as to be generated by himself paying testament to his skills.  The track “Road to Mallow” is a fine example of a slow song and,  although gentle, is is an enticing listen.  “Charlie” is the track that displays his best work in my eyes as complicated melodies are busted out while calming smooth vocals ring out at the same time with similar style to Newton Faulker.

If I’m honest then I’d have to admit that I don’t think Peter will ever make it into the mainstream but he is one of those well kept secrets and to be aware of his material is a privilege.  He’s worth a listen and hopefully we’ll see plenty more music to add to the vast back catalogue he already has.

iTunes have announced 10 days of gigs starting next Thursday as part of their iTunes Live series. All the gigs will be available to download from iTunes after the 10 day festival is over. Last year’s festival was a bit later in the year, but were a significant success – dare I say it, but this years gigs aren’t anywhere near as impressive – I mean, come on, Nizlopi headlining? Tony Christie? Really?

The gigs will take place from February 21 to March 2 at AIR Studios, Lyndhurst Hall, London. The artists will play acousticcally for what is sure to be some very special evenings. Tickets cannot be bought, and are only available from the iTunes Live website as part of a ballot..

Thursday 21st February – Jose Gonzalez, Charlene Soraia, Julian Velard and Stephanie Dosen
Friday 22nd February – Nizlopi, Soweto Kinch
Saturday 23rd February – Alphabeat, Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong
Sunday 24th February – Billy Bragg, KT Tunstall, Foy Vance, Leo Abrahams
Monday 25th February – Daniel Merriweather, Estelle, Tawiah
Tuesday 26th February – Charlie Winston, Natalie Clein, Tom Baxter
Wednesday 27th February – Laura Marling, Mystery Jets
Thursday 28th February – Jason Mraz, Ron Sexsmith
Friday 29th February – TBC
Saturday 1st March – Roisin Murphy, Tony Christie
Sunday 2nd March – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Spiritualized

Photo of Roisin Murphy is taken from her myspace.