Kathy Parsons with Mainly Piano (San Francisco)Stephen Peppos - 2008 / Tarvin Music / Sonic Bear - 1.2 hours length
"Vertigo," Stephen Peppos' debut release as a solo artist, is a mind-boggling mix of electronica, "nu" jazz, new age, and pop stylings. Peppos has produced more than two thousand tracks for his original music libraries, composed national TV jingles, and worked with some of the best music libraries in the world. Heard on some of the most popular American TV shows, Peppos' music has earned him six Telly and Rim awards to date. Already named The Best CD of 2008 (it's only February) by Jamey Osborne of Audiosyncracy, "Vertigo" is generating some major buzz and should bring this extraordinary artist some well-deserved attention. The music is so varied that it's amazing that one person composed all of it. Two years in the making,this CD clearly demonstrates Peppos' versatility as a composer as well as his incredible musicianship. Playing keyboards, guitar, and a dizzying array of musical instruments (via keyboards), Peppos is joined by his son on one track (guitar), Tommy Loyola on saxes on four tracks, and Rob Dominick on trumpet on one. Otherwise, it's all Stephen Peppos, providing a richly textured sound with a very cinematic quality. Several of the "bigger" tracks remind of some of Yanni's music, but there are also several tender, graceful pieces that melt the heart.
"Lazy Day" begins the CD with a smooth jazz piece for piano, guitar, and some accompanying strings and other instruments. Upbeat and accessible, I would expect this one to get some heavy airplay. "In the Piano" is one of my favorites. One of the more subdued pieces, Tommy Loyola's sax sets it on fire. "The Blessing" is a graceful beauty with an intoxicating slow-dance rhythm. "Atmos" ramps up the energy level a bit, with guitars as the lead instruments and a variety of other sounds layered for great effect. "Forever" is a gentle love song that begins as a piano solo and evolves into a piano and cello duet, adding more orchestration near the end - another favorite. The title track pulls out all of the stops. Starting out with piano and percussion, Kevin Peppos' guitar work and the strong rhythm are the soul of this intense and passionate piece. "Summer's End" begins with the sound of ocean waves, becoming a combo made up of piano, bass, trumpet, guitar, and even organ. Dark and sultry, the melody is slow and melancholy. I also really like "Chasing the Sun," a piece that swirls and sparkles with warmth and enthusiasm. "The Way Home" is a lovely ballad full of longing and nostalgia. Poignant and and deeply emotional, it would be perfect for the closing credits of a really good movie. "End" sums everything up with orchestration; voices; a strong melody; jazz piano, organ, and guitar; and a big, triumphant quality that leaves the listener feeling very satisfied. "Vertigo" is an auspicious beginning for Stephen Peppos as a solo artist, and I'm sure this CD is going to do great things.
Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Kathy Parsons with Mainly Piano
LINKS - www.StephenPeppos.com
MYSPACE for Stephen Peppos
iTunes
Vertigo by Stephen Peppos
2008/SonicBear / Tarvin Music 72:23
Reviewed by Michael Debbage at Solo Piano Publications (New York City)
Vertigo is an utter musical potpourri bender blender touching on elements of electronic, nu-jazz, smooth jazz, and the occasional softer shades of new age. Peppos is an adventurer who peppers his craft with a multitude of musical herbs and spices resulting in a freshmen effort that is as colorful and busy as the artwork found on the cd booklet.
Though Vertigo represents Stephen’s first solo effort, he has produced over two thousand tracks largely for television production. While the former were mostly jingles there is very little indication of that formula on Vertigo which is creatively demanding and at times almost outrageous. Though a very unique and innovative artist, check out “Lazy Day”, “The Blessing” and “Atmos” to uncover the influences of the Rippingtons, Yanni and Mars Lasar, respectively.
However, if you are looking for innovation and originality, check out the progressive nature of the title track that clocks in over six minutes. It is here that Peppos excels pushing the musical envelope with cascading effects and arrangements within a composition that includes several moods and shades. The twin engine ambitious drive comes from the father-son combination with Dad’s powerful majestic keyboard string effects complimented by the bold guitar work of his son Kevin Peppos. The results are a tour de force. One can only imagine the linear improvements if this song was manned by a full orchestra. If progression is the name of your favorite game then the jazz fusion of “Snowball’s Chance”, that also includes the flighty saxophone work of Tommy Loyola, will also catch your attention.
In complete contrast you will find solace courtesy of the beauty ballad “Forever” where Stephen reveals his tender side. The song is precise and passionate giving you as a listener a time to breathe and recover from the musical aerobics. Similar themes are played out on “Air Floats”. There is also additional pastoral relief via “The Way Home” though this time around this ballad is a little more complex and challenging then the aforementioned. Concluding with the mid tempo ballad entitled “End” that begins slowly and gently blooms, it will only leave you realizing what a array of musical landscapes Peppos is capable of creating.
With very little musical boundaries placed on this very impressive freshman effort, the exploration on Vertigo is at times dizzy, living up to its namesake. That said, there are occasions when Peppos tends to clutter some of his songs such as “End” to the point of excess, but overall Vertigo is energetic and entertaining. Needless to say, it is very doubtful that this is the last we will hear from this musical adventurer who is willing to take risks that are richly rewarding.
CD available at:
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Reviewed by Nicole Coxe at Evolution Of Media (San Francisco)
Stephen Peppos started playing the piano at age six and his first mastered song was Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire." Ever since then Stephen has been playing and creating music. He has produced over 2000 songs, including songs on television shows like CSI, Survivor, Gilmore Girls to name a few, as well commercial jingles. While his television work has earned him several awards, it was time for Stephen to release something that represented him. On Vertigo, Peppos was trying to go for more of a nu-jazz/electronic feel, but the music still showcases his contemporary classical talent, with some pop melodies in there for good measure. Although he has been recording music for several years, Vertigo is considered Peppos' debut solo-release.
Vertigo is evidence about how much Peppos' emotions play out in his music. While the music is mostly uplifting, there are definite moments of sadness. For instance, on "The Blessing" the piano is heartbreaking and melancholy. Maybe it's just my penchant and adoration of dark-piano inspired tunes, but Stephen's best musical moments are during those somber piano numbers. In future releases I would really like to see Peppos go for some darker pieces; I can even imagine him putting Danny Elfman out of job by scoring the next Tim Burton film. His music really has a true cinematic quality which is far from strange since his background has been in television. Unlike some of his contemporaries though, Peppos does not bring the cheesy side of television music production, but a darker side with a pop edge.
Peppos resides in Virginia with his family; his son even plays guitar on one of the tracks. Vertigo is already earning a lot of acclaim, being named to people's top albums of the year lists--a definite sign that Peppos is here to stay.
Written By: Nicole Coxe
Pontevedra, SPAIN (Roberto Vales, A Ultima Fronteira)
February 19, 2008 - "Stephen Peppos is a composer and pianist, a man that carries in his soul the passion for the music he creates, and that is revealed in each one of his compositions. With his VERTIGO release, this disc presents a work that reflects new age and jazz styles but with pop inspired melodies. Vertigo is a CD that is a beautiful work to hear, a very upbeat and friendly disc, and with each one of his compositions it is very dynamic . . . in moments comes to recall Yanni's better works. Stephen's music is not limited to the use of the piano, in this disc we find an array of instruments including guitars, trumpets, saxes, orchestral and synthesizers accompanied by soprano voices in places, ... Vertigo is a clear example of music carried out with heart, for the enjoyment of those that have the opportunity to listen, and where what truly matters, is the music. . . it leaves the listener very satisfied and upbeat."
Roberto Vales, A Ultima Fronteira
JAZZREVIEW.com Featured Artist: Stephen PepposCD Title: Vertigo
Year: 2008 Record Label: Sonic Bear Music
Style: Various Jazz Styles
Review: JazzReview.com
A very heavy new-age influence dominates this album touted as a mix of “Nu Jazz,” new age, and electronica. For a fleeting moment here and there, there is perhaps a slight trace of the electric punch on acoustic piano often only seen or heard from the likes of renowned pianists David Benoit and David Lanz, but, for the most part, pianist Stephen Peppos is, quite simply, a magnificent artist who handles new age quite well in his latest release, Vertigo.
This very generous 16-song album is a listening pleasure whether you’re just lounging about or driving along some picturesque coast. This is a very imaginative set, full of spirit, and Peppos leaves the interpretation of this beautiful music to the listener. The canvas has been placed before you and the groundwork laid for whatever path you choose to take. This artist really attempts to pass on to you his imagination in a very generous fashion. The music is the one complement that makes your own imagery quite easy to conjure up.
When you sit back and listen to pieces like the serene yet rousing “The Blessing,” you quickly understand the formula this pianist has concocted, and you like it. Before you sink too deeply into that bliss, Peppos tosses in a funkier ditty like “Beach Baby” or a new-age mover with a twist in “Snowball’s Chance” to keep it all so very interesting. A quality recording.
Tracks: Lazy Day, In the Piano, The Blessing, Beach Baby, Atmos, Forever, Vertigo, This Time Around, Summer's End, Snowball's Chance, Air Floats, Chasing the Sun, Enchantment (prelude), Enchantment, The Way Home, End
Artist Website (Stephen Peppos.com)
Reviewed by: Ronald Jackson