Press Reviews and Buzz

Published Reviews:

Keep Your Hat On Pete Petersen and the Porkpie Septet
(This CD Review by George Fendel was originally published in the Jazz Society of Oregon’s JazzScene magazine, January 2008 issue)

Get ready for some swinging, down the center of the groove, well-paced, scintillating straight ahead jazz and bop from a Portland cat who writes and plays in the best of the tradition. Pete Petersen’s original compositions breathe, giving all players room to cook up energetic solos. His arranging has been compared to that of stalwarts like Marty Paich, Neal Hefti, Sammy Nestico and Frank Foster, although all those cats wrote mainly for big bands. In the case of Petersen, the writing is for a septet that flows with such enthusiasm that they often sound more like a big band. Each original is a distinct, solid little adventure and all comers contribute mightily. In addition to Petersen’s spirited tenor, the septet includes Brian Dickerson, alto sax; Greg Garrett, trumpet and flugelhorn; Ben Medler, trombone; Brian Ward, piano; Andre St. James, bass; and drum chores split between Ed Pierce and Donny Osborne. The two familiar tunes are “Falling In Love With Love” and Ray Brown’s “Uptown Sop.” The other seven tunes are Petersen’s own, and every one of them rings out with the joy of playing the real deal.
– George Fendel, JSO jazz critic

From the Seattle Times, Friday Jan 11, 2008:
Pete Petersen, a retro sax man originally from Boise, Idaho, and now living in Portland, debuts a fine new disc, "Keep Your Hat On" (Pony Boy). Petersen's band, the Porkpie Septet (named in honor of Lester Young's signature porkpie hat), sports a four-horn front line and swings with Kansas City verve. Some of Petersen's arrangements actually sound like the sophisticated, Count Basie New Testament band of the '50s and '60s, more than the K.C. outfit Young played in back in the '30s.

Which is just fine. Petersen's an accomplished player. He has a big, throaty tone and a blowzy, swashbuckling style with the conversational touch of old-time sax players.

– Paul de Barros, Seattle Times jazz critic

Audience Reviews submitted by Email:

“Pete and Band...I love your CD!!
I have listened to it many times and played it for friends who were amazed this great music was live here in town for our dancing pleasure!
Great selection of songs, incredible musicianship. I'm looking forward to many more from you.
cheers!”--- Linda, Portland, OR

" …the best performance of swing music I've heard in this town in a long time.”--- Dan, Portland OR

"No doubt - after last night they're EASILY my favorite band in the northwest. The amount of energy they put into that room was incredible. I've just never heard a band that good playing so many classic swing tunes.." --- Kevin, Eugene, OR

"Great fantastic stupendous show. Please please tell the rest of the guys how much we enjoyed the music. In case you couldn't tell, we REALLY enjoyed the music. REALLY!!!" --- Amy, Seattle, WA