Customer Reviews

Studio Confessions

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Peven Everett's "debut" full-length cd is a soulful affirmation of the do-it-yourself recording spirit. Peven,a Chicago native, is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with creds in the jazz, hip-hop, house and soul fields. "Studio Confessions' is actually a redux version of a release that Peven put out himself on his own family of labels last year. The new version has now been sonically beefed up and edited down to an essential state. The real difference howeveris in the track listing -- each version of Studio Confessions is essential underground soul for the modern soul junkie. The 2002 version is stripped down to 10 banging tracks-- including 4 new tracks not found on the 2001 version (while 7 of those tracks including the outstanding "Runaround" has been ommitted here/confused?). Studio Confessions 2002 presents Peven's patented style of simple,layered grooves, arrangements occassioned by bright horn charts and loungy piano lines and static/programmed drum patterns set against perculating percussion. His sound is at once distinctive and recognizeable, and the music serves to cushion Pevan's yearning/crooning vocal style. This all works together to create an enjoyable effect. This is music which is not assaultive to your senses but is involving and draws you in. Seemingly simplistic, each listen is rewarded with new layers of interesting touches. If you are tired of the overprocessed, overly-slickened and vapid offerings of modern r-n-b, then try Peven on as a healthy alternative. Definitely one to return to again and again. I hope he finds an appreciative audience -- he is a real talent who deserves wide recognition.

This Chicago native has really done it. I first heard him on the Giant Step Records Soul Sessions II compilation, and I was on a search from that point on to find his CD. Once I found it, I was not disappointed. "Everyday Girl" and "You are to me" are my personal favorites, but his CD definitely has something for everybody. I think if a comparison was necessary, I would put him alongside the likes of Rahsaan Patterson. But his style is definitely all his own, his vocals are really smooth, and his instrumentation on it's own is stellar. This is one that you would definitely throw on at a dinner party or social that will keep the convo and drinks flowing, as well as the steppers stepping.

What do you get when you mix together a handful of Rahsaan Patterson, a couple tablespoons of D'Angelo, a pinch of Musiq, and a fresh approach to musical delivery? Chicago native Peven Everett is the result. After a series of independent releases void of packaging and personnel (Kissing Game, Speed Of Light and My Brazil), this ABB Soul release comes with artwork, credits and quality production. Peven's musical direction is steeped in Hip-Hop, Jazz, R&B, Latin Grooves, World Music and elements of Classic Soul. His voice is simple and uncluttered, somewhere between the lines of the aforementioned artists. This ten song collection showcase the fact that Peven can handle varying styles of music, without coming off as contrived. There is really not one moment not worth investigating, but highlights include the hip-hop inflected They So Cold, the infectious You Are To Me (originally titled Consuela), the melodically repetitious Testin' Me, and the delightful One More Time. Peven is credited for writing, arranging and producing the entire project, an impressive feat for an artist whom I can't wait to hear more from. This CD will definitely become an underground success, but may even make it's way into the mainstream.

The first full and official album from Peven Everett -- a professional release that pulls together the strands from his underground, self-released albums of the past few years! After knocking around as a young up and comer on the east coast scene, Peven went underground in Chicago a while back, and only issued titles in handmade format, on CD-R releases with little or no artwork. This album's the first one that he's issued with professional packaging, formatting, and recording quality -- and it's the culmination of a number of years of woodshedding in the studio. The set's great -- and builds off of tracks that Peven recorded for his previous self-issued Speed Of Light CD, plus new tracks -- all produced and presented to perfection, in a setting that's sure to rise Peven's star as much as we've been hoping. The whole thing's wonderful -- smooth, soulful, and classic -- in a mode that we haven't heard since D'Angelo or Omar first came onto the scene. Titles include "World Love", "Everyday Girl", "They So Cold", "I Can Give It", "Sankofa", "Say It Back", and "I Wanna Make Love". (Reviewed at www.dustygroove.com)

I could only give it 4 stars, because Sankofa didn't fit with the rest of the songs. Sankofa should have been on the "Kissing Game" cd. Nevertheless, THIS IS A CLASSIC!!!!

This album is the standard that I hold ALL neo-soul, and alternative R&B albums to. And this isn't even his best work!

Not knowing about this artist I came away with respect for his craft. Indeed he has talent and looking forward to listening to more of his work.

It is something to be said for an artist who can speak only a few words and tell a complete story. Peven is that artist. He is my idol and I cannot fully explain how much his music impacts me but he is just full circle as an artist. His music, melody, vocals message just resignates so true. World Love is just what we need. I know you testin me. Every track touches a cord and makes you reflect on those times. His is deeper than the ocean and I mean that. I just hope that I will have the pleasure of meeting him one day.

The sound is definiately Peven...His "Studio Confessions" release should have included his underground hit with Roy Davis' "Gabrielle"