Customer Reviews

Gather Up

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My first listen to Peter was in 2004 when he was part of the duo known as Eastmountainsouth. A friend and I caught their show at a local venue and I was immediately blown away by his vocal and instrumental talents. I was happy to see that he released a solo album this year. Since purchasing the album, it has been in constant rotation in my cd changer. Each song on the album is solid, but there are stand-outs: "One Foot Down", "Chant", "Little Stranger" and "Gather Up". My favorite on the album, however, is "Upside Down". It's one of those songs that hits you in the heart. Peter has the rare ability to translate moments in his life into words and music that touches your soul. You feel the emotions not as a voyeur, but as though you've experienced those same moments and situations yourself. And in many cases, you probably have. "Gather Up" is a strong debut album from an incredible talent.

I played Eastmountainsouth until I knew it like I knew the Beatles -- OK, I'm an old guy. But in the old days, we'd listen to a few records deeply. Now we tend to listen to a million of them superficially. But Eastmountainsouth was something I just couldn't get enough of. I listened until I knew it note by note. I was sad when I heard they'd broken up and that Peter Bradley Adams was going solo - but I shouldn't have been. Right from the first listen to "Gather Up," there was that same haunted, timeless quality. This music creeps up on you; it washes over you; it's familiar from the first listen. Like the famous potato chip, I betcha can't eat one -- listen once, and you'll play it again, thinking it's good. Then you'll play it a third time, and you'll really like it. Then, at play Four, it'll be one of your favorite albums ever. Play Five -- well, write your own review.

Being an eastmountainsouth fan, I was eager, yet a little hesitant, to pick up the Peter Bradley Adams album. About 4 songs in, I was very glad that I made the purchase. The songwriting and voice that made eastmountainsouth one of my favorites is evident in the Gather Up CD. My favorite tracks include "One Foot Down", "Teresa", and "Gather Up"...but all of the songs are pretty good. The album has a great acoustic, mellow, yet driving vibe with Peter's voice tying it all together.

A few years ago my favorite record was eastmountainsouth's cd. The band that Robbie Robertson from The Band signed to Dreamworks Records. I really couldn't get enough the ems cd. It became a soundtrack for me the year it was my favorite, and I was lucky enough to save it for a vast driving trip from Santa Fe NM to Bozeman MT. I couldn't wait until the next eastmountainsouth record. I must have listened to ems a hundred times on that long trip alone.

Well, ems has since disbanded, and Peter Bradley Adams, the chief song writer has gone off on his own. Peter wrote most of the songs on the ems record, but I still didn't know what to expect on "Gather Up."

I'm happy to say "Gather Up" has blown me away. I'm so picky that I really didn't expect lighten to strike twice. There are masterpieces on this cd. My favorite's are the incredibly emotional and vulnerable "Little Stranger," "One Foot Down," "Queen of Hearts," "Chant," and "One Picture." But picking favorites on this cd is awkward because it's such a complete piece of work. Peter Bradley Adams has the rare ability to sing in a way that delivers music both vulnerably and confidently at the same time. It's like hearing the inside of the human heart. Powerful stuff!

Thanks for reading!

The first time I heard "Little Stranger," I was moved to tears. Peter songs communicate emotions beautifully. This record is a gem from start to finish, with captivating lyrics and melodies. It's a fine example of Peter's gifts as a solo artist.

The general rule (with notable exceptions) is that solo albums from members of a great band are never as good as the band's unified magic. Think the Beatles. Think the Eagles. Think 10,000 Maniacs.

Peter Bradley Adams without Kat Maslich Bode is too gloomy, dark, and monotonous. The magic is gone, Pete. He can write beautiful music, but Kat Bode's voice made the songs soar, while the two together made complex harmonies that are glaringly missing from this album. Eastmountainsouth was a phenomenal group, a brilliant album, and if Peter B. Adams knows what's good for him, he'll get on a plane out of L.A. go back to Virginia, and get Bode to record these songs over with him. Not one track on this album can hold a candle to "Show Me the River," and anyone who's listened to that track (chime in here, folks) will agree. When ya comin' home, Pete Adams?

I agree with the previous commenter as far as this is NOT Eastmountainhigh.

The comment/review on eastmountainhigh is right on: "Kat Maslich's is a classic folk voice, warm and resonant, and Peter Adams' counter melodies are always beautiful. "

Peter's music and voice are wonderful, but it needs Kat to play against. Alone his voice is too predictable and verging on monotonous.

KAC

His voice lacks the magical harmonics created within the ems mix. I heard one cut on the radio, singed in here and bought his CD. But I won't memorize these songs, use them at a wedding or funeral as I did ems. They lack the magic that draws you to them. As a woman, I loved blending with Kat's voice. As a musician, I admired the harmonics in their special blend. Please reunite! You will do much better in the music world and please your old fans so much!!!