The release of the stunning new album ‘Lights On’ by the hugely soulful Pete Belasco has put the music of this vastly ignored performer firmly into the spotlight. In fact he first made his mark back in 2004 with the lusciously seductive ‘Deeper’ that at the time was described as tapping into classic, sexy R&B grooves while remaining entirely up to date. That said, fans of Belasco remain slavishly devoted to his 1997 debut album ‘Get It Together’ that Jazziz labeled as “a brilliant collection of R&B Jazz fusion”.
Belasco began his musical journey by playing piano at a young age and later turned his attention to saxophone. By the time he reached high school Pete was already playing in rock bands but soon he became primarily interested in jazz and studied sax at Rutgers University and the Hartt Conservatory. What could have been a career ending setback (he broke both hands in a boating accident) turned to Pete’s advantage when he used the several months when he was unable to play to cultivate his talents as a song-writer and vocalist. His debut CD, the aforementioned ‘Get It Together’ was released on Verve Forecast and showcased the way in which his musical development had been so influenced by the likes of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. ‘Deeper’ stayed with the common theme of sensual, relaxed and erotic intimacy yet the intervening eight years found Belasco going into something akin to a self imposed exile. He took a break from the music industry to dedicate himself to raising his children and writing music. Aside from rare appearances, Belasco maintained a low profile but now ‘Lights On’ is finally here. It’s another signature album of mood music that weaves soul with jazz in the most accessible of ways.
Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Lights On’.