For many live gig fans, between 2001 and 2006 Pete Courtney would have been one of the best international solo performers going. Though he flew below the media radar for most of that time he was proficiently active here in Ireland and especially in Spain, Germany, France, India and the USA.
Pete started recording “karma biscuits” in 2007 after not being satisfied with follow up recordings to his critically acclaimed self released debut “One Of These Kids” in 2001.
Recording and releasing creativity for him was about personal reflective quality, not quantity. In that same intuitive spirit Pete has waited until now to release his new offering as he believes a socially fresh and positive cycle has returned and the music industries dynamics have favourably shifted.
So an album about one particular soul’s journey and how it maintains its spiritual strength and application of unconditional love to all relationship idioms, and to do it all with a contented smile on its face is totally apt.
Pete’s debut album “One Of These Kids” lifted him from the trenches into the national consciousness. Critics and the public overwhelmingly enthused over his humble offering which was released through his own independent company Tonal Music. Participation in the 2001 Witnness Rising tour and the festival itself in Fairyhouse upped Pete’s profile immensely, eventually creating a wider listening audience for his left-of-center style.
Idea’s that came to Pete while living and playing in New York have shaped the style and manifestations of his creations.
The Irish media adopted this man to their hearts wholesale when he released “one of these kids”, the pure organic/sonic nature and beauty of awareness in his lyrics soothed their souls. He was the first to perform live on Ruth Scott’s show on 2FM, Galway Bay FM’s John Richards included a live recording for one of his annual “undercurrents ” album, Dave Fanning has played him often, aside from being on the 2FM play list, Leagues has featured Pete’s video for “Fingers and Face” when the great No Disco was televised, and 98FM TodayFM and 104FM and all regional stations play his album regularly. More importantly Pete has always made himself available to independent radio above the majors, naturally he would say.
Pete’s emphasis within music has always been to create and perform honestly and naturally. One can expect some self-effacing stories as well as many tricks and sonic gadgets that other folk would not consider employing into music. Sometimes guest appearance’s from the most evolved session musicians based in Ireland join in with him to enhance the experience of his shows.
An innovative sonic singer/songwriter that massages your heart and transforms the ordinary into something naturally beautiful!
“The most amiable man in Irish music” – Cat Hughes Dublin Event Guide
“A live one to remember, a voice and guitar playing prowess up there with the best” – John Meagher Irish Independent
“Perfect for thoughtful wandering and traveling light” – Kim Porcelli Hot Press
A few things you might not have known about Pete
He is commonly known as the real Peter Pan, or the Hobbit.
When Pete played the second Witness rising tour in 2001, the organisers were so impressed with his performances that they got him a late call up to the main festival that year, where he not only played the café tent, but also the TV tent also.
Vyvienne Long occasionally joined him onstage.
Pete was once employed as a contemporary bard for some Theatre Productions off Broadway NYC in 1997.
During the late’90’s Pete had a Dublin based band and on occasion Cathy Davey used to sing guest backing vocals.
Adrian Crowley was once the guest guitarist in same band.
When Pete launched “one of these kids” in Whelan’s in 2001, Dave Kitt, Damien Rice, Steve Fanagan, Canadian song smith James Moore and Alice Jago all played with him for the encore.
He was the only orthodox performer invited to play at the Experience festival in India, hosted by the World University of Consciousness in 2003, playing 5 shows over 10 days.
When playing on the same bill in New York in 1997, Jeff Buckley was talking with and encouraged Pete to follow his heart, he has done ever since.
Pete was one of the merry troupe who sang “hey day” for the Mic Christopher tribute and rang in the new year on the Gay Byrne special in 2004.
Since 1993 Pete has played as special guest/support to many including John Martyn, Paul Brady, The Frames, Damien Rice, Dave Kitt, Kila, Juliet Turner, Rodrigo Y Gabriella, Declan O’Rourke, Adam Coen, The Mary Janes, The Hothouse Flowers, Adrian Crowley and anyone and everyone who was around or passing through Dublin in the ’90′s and early ’00′s and with all respect, way, way, way too many to mention
