CD Review of :
Still In One Peace Review by HardRock Haven

Written by: Mike Debbage- Staff Writer

Peter Mayer may not be related to John by blood but there are some similar musical comparisons that would suggest that they are musical cousins. Nevertheless Jimmy Buffet's guitarist goes beyond the sensitive singer songwriter mentality with pop hook sensibilities and adds elements of jazz and spirituality creating a musical banquet table of accessibility and mysticism.

The album opens with the overtly optimistic title track with its simple but effective wordplay. Driven by Mayer's velvet vocals and acoustic guitar, he is perfectly complimented by piano fills from Bill Payne. The optimism continues by way of the rather funky and jazzy "Dirty Hands Dirty Feet" with Chris Walters on piano this time around. With a Bruce Hornsby atmosphere the song will have your toes tapping in no time. Though if you enjoyed the wordplay of the title track the mellower affair of the uncomplicated ballad "Be Etc" may be just as pleasing.

The musical moods are many with the folk roots of "Before And After" with an emphasis on the mandolin from Maggie Estes. She also appears on the ballad "The Hands Of Love" but this time on violin. However, the focus is Mayer's exquisite acoustic guitar work that would even make George Harrison weep. Mayer is just as effective on the more offbeat "The One For Me" inclusive of the muted trumpet of John Lovell which would interest anyone who enjoys the atmospheric jazz ramblings of Sting's solo work.

While Mayer's lyrics do not contain the "in your face forceful faith" approach it is still very clear who he is paying tribute to. Mayer plays the fine line of being blatant but not barmy and appeals to the faithful without ostracizing the mainstream audience. The high quality of musical content found on Still In One Peace along with his built in recognition association with Buffet's Coral Reefers will only leave you begging the question why Mayer's solo material, that began over a decade ago, is still largely falling on deaf ears. Still In One Peace is further evidence that his time is way overdue.

Track Listing:
1. Still In One Peace
2. Heaven Help Us
3. Waterfall
4. Easy
5. Before And After
6. The Hands Of Love
7. Dirty Hands Dirty Feet
8. Good Medicine
9. The One For Me
10. Be Etc.
11. Hymn Medley (Be Thou My Vision/ I'll Fly Away/Amazing Grace)

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10