Search - Pete Mayes :: For Pete's Sake

Texas blues guitarist and vocalist Pete Mayes's debut album was a long time coming. Though his name didn't appear on an album cover until 1998, he was a figure on the Texas blues scene as early as the 1950s. The years of polishing his skills and playing with such blues greats as T-Bone Walker, Junior Parker, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown show amply on For Pete's Sake, which hums through its 12 tracks like a well-oiled machine. Unlike a machine, though, this CD has heart, from the opening beats of the sassy "Pony Tail," through the smooth shuffle of "Mother-in-Law Blues," the sheer joy of "I Like Your Style," the wistfulness of "You're Still My Baby," and the playful exuberance of "House Party." Mayes's backing band is strong as well; mention must be made in particular of pianist Gene Taylor, whose work on "You Don't Understand" is nothing short of excellent. Overall, an excellent debut. --Genevieve Williams