Studio Confessions

by

Peven Everett

Edit

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.