GIRI PETERS, JUST WHITTLIN’ AROUND

GIRI PETERS
JUST WHITTLIN’ AROUND

No Label
No Number

The debut album from eleven-year-old, Nashville-based Giri Peters features his talents on mandolin, fiddle, and vocals. He is joined by his eight-year-old sister, Uma, on clawhammer banjo and vocals on three cuts, along with Brandon Bostic on guitar and resonator guitar, Austin Ward on bass, and Joey Gibson on Scruggs-style banjo. In liner notes, Peters thanks producer and renowned fiddler Deanie Richardson, hoping that someday he will “be the caliber of musician and person she is.” He also thanks his mandolin teacher, Ashby Frank, for coaching on tone, timing, chops, and singing.

The album starts out with a solid version of “Salt Creek” which spotlights Peters on mandolin, followed by a second mandolin solo and harmony line from Alan Bibey. Next, Giri launches into “Zoe’s Reel,” an impressive original tune. He shows off his vocal style on “Blue Night,” complete with the octave jump on the last note. Giri and Uma veer off into more traditional territory with “Long Ford Of Buckhorn.” Uma’s clawhammer banjo gallops comfortably along, and Giri adds a traditional fiddle.

Peters shines on “Limerock,” landing notes and stellar tone on the fiddle with an accuracy and spirit beyond his years. Then he absolutely nails the difficult tune on the mandolin. Uma sings and plays a brilliant version of “Banjo Pickin’ Girl” by Lily May Ledford. “Brilliancy” is performed immaculately at a sedate and stately tempo on mandolin by Giri, as he swaps leads easily with Bostic on guitar. The set includes two more vocals: “Pretty Polly” from Giri and “Pig In A Pen” from Uma. Another original from Giri, “Spunky Creek,” has interesting, uptempo melodic patterns and progressions on the mandolin. Peters’ finale is “Fisher’s Hornpipe,” executed at the perfect speed on mandolin, again swapping leads with Bostic. Giri exhibits precision and control on this tune, balanced with a creative flair, mature tone, and natural feel for the spaces between the notes. All this takes place on mandolin, and then he wraps it up with an equally fine round on fiddle.

Congratulations to Peters on an extremely impressive first effort. Fans of traditional music will enjoy this record. It could also be a great teaching tool for intermediate level musicians of all ages who want to practice by playing along.  Keep an eye on the impressive Giri Peters and his talented little sister Uma. (www.giripetersmusic.com)NC