Press/Reviews for Jersey Town
BLUES ROCK REVIEW PREMIERES VIDEO FOR SINGLE
On February 5 Blues Rock Review premiered a video from singer-songwriter Peter Karp, "House Full Of Love," from his upcoming album Jersey Town. The video was filmed at the legendary Stanhope House in New Jersey just before the venue closed. The Stanhope House was a historic music landmark that hosted musical legends like Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Karp played there regularly when he was first starting out. The venue's presence adds poignant resonance to "House Full Of Love," a song that pairs intimate storytelling with roots-rock and blues influences. Blues Rock Review
(Link to full review and video)
“(This) is an album that proves Karp’s mojo hasn’t gone anywhere. Jersey Town maintains the high standards the singer-guitarist-keyboardist has displayed throughout his career. This is a concept album in the loosest sense. The North Jersey influence comes through mostly through the set’s spirit – gritty, street-smart, life-scarred but resilient – which cements Karp’s authenticity as a back-alley bard.”
Nick Cristano, Rock and Blues Muse
(Link to full review)
"Jersey Town is Peter Karp’s love letter to the blues-soaked, hard-driving soul of that era. Trust me when I tell you, it’s a keeper.” Sound Waves
"It’s called Jersey Town and it’s a doozy. Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist-Producer-bigtime blues man Peter Karp, born in Bergen County 66 years ago, has carved out one epic career for himself. The Jersey Sound
(Link to full review)
“Honest, direct songs drawn straight from everyday life—performed with raw power and impact, devoid of any cheap theatrics: Peter Karp embodies brilliant storytelling within a blues-infused roots-rock framework like few others.” Blues News/ Switzerland
(Link to full review)
“Bluesman? Americana singer/songwriter? Soulful roots-rocker? Check, check, and check. Peter Karp ticks all those boxes, and a few more, in a career that started over a quarter century ago. It’s tough to nail down Karp’s sound which, along with his always organic approach, is what makes this album so consistently exciting. His honesty and authenticity, musically, vocally and lyrically, bursts from the speakers, even in the quieter pieces. On the often rowdy but always tasteful Jersey Town, Peter Karp’s diverse yet connected influences are channeled into outstanding songs. These already fiery performances are further energized in his memorable live shows. Don’t miss him when he plays near you.” Hal Horowitz, Rock & Blues Muse
(Link to full review)
"Peter is considered one of the USA’s finest contemporary singer-songwriters in the Blues field and this album is resolutely consolidating this position. He is one of the most complete artists I have heard in a long while and I cannot recommend this release highly enough." Blues Matters/UK
"Jersey Town resonates with listeners because of its propulsive drive, emotional force, and the fact that it’s built around the talents of an artist who understands how to swagger.
(Link to full review)
"Jersey, despite its Turnpike exits, has talent that rivals California. They have Laurel Canyon, we have Alpine. They have the Pacific Palisades; we have the real Hudson Palisades. They have Disneyland; we had Palisades Amusement Park. They don’t have Peter Karp… Karp goes J.J. Cale-like with narrative expertise on “Fate Is a Train.” Excellent groove. Can Peter rock? He’ll have Springsteen looking over his shoulder with “What Has Happened Here?” Powerful." Americana Highways
(Link to full review)
"Peter’s brand of blues rock is infused with soul, witty lyrics, and great music! The new album is a keeper!!" Ben Vee, Blues Beats
Reviews for Magnificent Heart
"Karp’s heart is as big as the Grand Canyon and it shines clean on through his compositions: all 13 of them. His voice is like hearing the return of an old friend. His guitar chops still ring with clarity. Add Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds on blues-harp and 11 other unerring musicians and you’ve got a contender for Album Of The Year." Mike Greenblatt, Goldmine Magazine
"The very best albums are those which reward repeated listens, that uncover something new with every spin. Magnificent Heart certainly ticks that box. For all its invention, there is a continuity to its variety, a cohesion to its broad pallet. Production is lush and expansive, but not too over-powering. (Karp) has managed to craft an album of undeniable sincerity."
Chris Wheatley, Rock and Blues Muse
"It’s tough for a straight blues player to break through to a wider audience. Other blues loving artists from the Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt and many more all expanded out of their blues base to effectively cross over commercially. Peter Karp is another entry onto that long list. Call it Americana/roots/blues if you must pigeonhole his music. But Peter Karp’s seemingly effortless yet always bracing blend dodges easy categorization. It makes this one of the finest albums of his eclectic, yet always blues-based, career."
Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter
"Karp has sung and written some of the most honest and compelling songs over the past two decades. And, he is still doing so as Magnificent Heart stands alongside his very best work. As per usual, Karp’s eye for detail, the range of emotions, and clever sense of humor prevail. His multi-instrumental skills and raw soul inform the former while his stunning wordplay informs the latter. More than anything this album is about strength and perseverance. Karp’s endured plenty personally but emerges steadfast and triumphant through his honest songwriting."
Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine
"Magnificent Heart Is Striking Lyrically. Possessing a slightly gravelly voice which lends to Peter Karp’s distinctiveness & authenticity he adds equal doses of Jon Dee Graham, Otis Taylor, John Hiatt, & Buddy Miller. With that, he takes what he’s absorbed from the blues, with a guitar tone similar to the late John Campbell & refined it into a more commercially viable roots sound – not an easy task."
John Apice, Americana Highways
"Veteran songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Peter Karp has always infused his music with insight into his life, deepest thoughts and observations of the world swirling around him, and that approach shines through like a diamond in this sometimes gritty, sometimes sweet collection of originals. Pick this one up! It’s a great CD for anyone who appreciates quality tunesmanship."
Marty Gunther, Blues Blast Magazine
Another sweet record from Peter Karp. Combining blues, Americana and rock & roll, Magnificent Heart is a casually deep and quietly urgent album that makes for exceptional company. Those muscular slide guitar solos don’t hurt either. This is one that’ll stay with you for a a very long time."
John Kereiff, Gonzookanagan
"Peter Karl is an exceptional artist on many levels. His skills on guitar, piano and vocalist are second to none. What I find most impressive is his work as a songwriter. The album is solid Americana with strong blues roots…strong enough to please most blues enthusiasts. Whether you want to it the dancefloor or simply kick back and relax, this one delivers. It also offers food for thought. This is top shelf."
Bill Wilson, Reflections in Blue
Reviews for Blue Flame
“Karp’s eye for detail, the range of emotions, and clever sense of humor prevail. Throughout, Karp impresses with his expressive voice and passionate playing. There’s bristling animation and energy in these baker dozen’s tunes that surpasses much of Karp’s previous work.”
Jim Hynes, Elmore Magazine
Read full article
“The list of musicians who have stepped up to play alongside bluesman Peter Karp is a long one — from old school blues icons like Willie Dixon and John Lee Hooker to contemporary ones like Don Henley, Ric Ocasik and Jackson Browne. Karp, however, is seldom starstruck, so even when a guy like Mick Taylor, formerly of the Rolling Stones, calls him up for a collaboration, Karp sees it as validation for the work he’s doing.”
Steve Wildsmith, Daily Times, Maryville, TN
Read full article
“It isn't difficult to see why so many critics and fans support this man and his music. Not only can Karp play a truly mean guitar...but he's also got a totally cool soulful voice that provides the perfect focal point for his songs. Peter's obviously a crowd pleaser. Check out any of his live videos for some solid proof.”
Babysue
Read full article
“His blend of blues and roots styles is diverse, passionate and powerful...written from deep wells of experience. Reminiscent of John Prine and Bob Dylan in many respects, Karp has learned that there is nothing more powerful or effective than the truth. This is good on so many levels. If you're a fan of roots music with roots deep in the blues, this is one album you will want to add to your collection. “
Bill Wilson – Reflections in Blue
Read full article
“Karp is a singular musician whose ability to tap tradition and keep in contemporary, finds him expressing the very essence of a fertile heartland sound.”
Randy Patterson, Boomercity
Read full article
“Peter Karp is one of those people who is keeping the singer/songwriter tradition alive. Blue Flame is a worthy addition to that tradition and a must for your collection.”
Rhetta Akamatsu, Making A Scene
Read full article
“A rocker with more blues than rock in his slide guitar attack, this is a top shelf act that delivers the goods with plenty of bounce to the ounce. Smoking hot killer stuff that never quits, that's a winner throughout.”
Midwest Records
Read full article
“Every track with its soulful voice and original songwriting style is a must to listen to and keep listening to. This new disc remains in my CD Player “
Foto’s Blues Rock and More, Netherlands
Read full article
“A blistering slide guitarist, Karp’s sound blends Americana and blues elements into muscular evocative melodies featuring his expressive voice, a voice that oozes with sonic allusion and lingering overtones. Blue Flame promises to be a yummy presentation of roots-blues music that will boil your blood and leave you panting for more. Karp knows how to bring heat to the blues.”
Randall Radic, Blogcritics
Read full article
"Blue Flame will likely end up on several best-of lists at the end of this year."
Rock and Blues Muse
Read full article