Peter
Miller, "Songs Without Words," 2014
Aussie
Peter Miller is in absolute control of the steel, wood and the
vibrations emanating from his guitar on "Songs Without Words,"
his third full length CD. A deft touch that is as delicate as it is
articulate creates musical paintings, which are alternately lush and
austere evoking pathos, joy, peace and solitude. Miller's tunes
absorb and enfold the listener in each moment and each note merging
sound with thought and space. The opening track, "Pluie Du Soir"
and the closing track, "Ice Over", are perfect examples of
the rich sonic qualities conveyed with exquisite technique and
execution the abound on this disc. The same is true of "The Way
Of The Painter" the subtle and seductive "Late Night At The
Brown's". A smattering of effects including the tantalizing use
of reverb are present on several tracks such as the aforementioned
"Ice Over" and the haunting "Snowdonia" giving
"Songs Without Words" an appealing sophistication that is
clearly contemporary. Both "Stroll To Croaghaun" and the
lone traditional arrangement "The Derry Air" add a Celtic
and traditional touch to this otherwise starkly original collection
of compositional gems. There is mastery inherent in the craft of both
composition and performance here that is undeniable fresh, appealing
and consistently pleasing from first note to last. These attributes
are rooted in a recording process that captures pristine clarity and
rich sonic qualities. In other words, considering this CD is
self-produced, Miller is obviously equally at home behind and in
front of the guitar. Adding to the sonic breadth, several musicians
contribute fiddle, flute, and percussion. "The Quiet Man"
featuring Steve Wickham (The Waterboys) on fiddle proves to be a
joyful yet reverent collaboration. If "Songs Without Words"
is any indication, Peter Miller is a rare and resonant talent!
©
James Filkins
Peter
Miller's Website
Buy
it at Amazon.com
