The music of vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist Pete Belasco brings to mind such a mix of comparison. On this, his debut release, his pop and jazz influences and sensibilities move through styles from Mose Allison and Elvis Costello-it’s something in the voice-to the Beatles, Terrance Trent D’Arby and Ramsey Lewis-that “In Crowd” groove. Belasco might even find airplay on urban contemporary radio with tunes like his “Love Train.” Bassist Christian McBride and percussionist Ray Mantilla plus some special guests back Belasco, a do-it-all artist on piano, vibes, saxophone and more. Strings are also added on some of the more romantic numbers. Belasco has a distinctive, breathy quality which could be very marketable.
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