Peter Mulvey Trouble With Poets CD

For sheer musicianship, it is difficult to think of many contemporary guitar playing singer-songwriters who can claim superiority to Peter Mulvey. His third studio album, The Trouble With Poets demonstrates once again the originality and technical proficiency of his guitarwork, incorporating echoes of accomplished fretsmiths like Leo Kottke and Ani DiFranco into a style that is distinctly his own (on "Wings of the Ragman," he even manages an effective impression of the Sundays' David Gavurin). The Trouble With Poets is also more satisfying as a thematic whole than his previous efforts, realizing to a new extent Mulvey's considerable promise as a lyricist. The album opens by defining the poet as one who can "see poetry everywhere." From that point on, Mulvey proves that he fits the definition through an illuminating excavation of metaphysical realities lurking beneath the surface of everyday events. Mulvey sees poetry in a rope slapping against a flagpole, a child sneaking outside late at night, a man waiting for the train in the morning. "It's all around you now," he says in one song. "Still you don't see." Unfortunately, for all his skill as a guitarist, Mulvey's musical compositions only fitfully match the brilliance of his lyrics. Melody has never been his strongest suit, and he is somewhat limited as a singer. But despite the inconsistencies, it doesn't take a poet to see poetry in The Trouble With Poets. ~ Evan Cater.

With this album Mulvey has perfected his innovative amalgamation of beat sensibility with the fervor of modern rock.Featuring guest vocals by Chris Smither and Jennifer Kimball, THE TROUBLE WITH POETS is the most commanding lyrical and musical statement of Peter Mulvey's career.

Recorded at Howz Media Workshop, Allston, Massachusetts from August 10-18, 1999.

Personnel: Peter Mulvey (acoustic guitar); Chris Smither, Jennifer Kimball (vocals); Goody (acoustic guitar); Lou Ulrich (bass instrument); Mike Piehl (drums).

Personnel includes: Peter Mulvey (vocals, acoustic guitar); Jennifer Kimball, Chris Smither (vocals); Goody (acoustic, electric, & slide guitars, mandolin, bass); Lou Ulrich (bass); Mike Piehl (drums).

CMJ (4/10/00, p.32) - "...An acoustic guitar style that encompasses the groove-based approach of Dave Matthews with the hard-edged rhythm of Ani DiFranco..."
Mojo (Publisher) (6/00, p.110) - "...Not only an extraordinary fellow but a walking repository of other people's songs....With complex lyrical constructs a specialty, his distillation of funk, folk and rock influences...is unique....Worth the effort."