Reviews
The Walk by Dave Pettigrew, Somebody’s Else’s Records, 2011
Length: 5 tracks/ 29:55
Mention the phrase indie rock and most people see visions of painfully skinny, success-disdaining musicians traveling in bio-fuel-fed vehicles between college towns to regale the small but dedicated fan bases with their cryptic lyrics, lo-fi instrumental approach and decidedly hipper-than-thou attitude. Not so with Dave Pettigrew. Admittedly, the Rhode Island native has yet to sign on the dotted line with the likes of Essential, Forefront or Sparrow Records. And, his credentials as a bona fide member of the independent community are all but cemented by the fact that his current single sits perched in the pole position on the charts at IndieHeaven.com, arguably the most popular and influential online resource for unsigned Christian artists.
Be that as it may, despite his certifiably non-major-label status, Pettigrew’s approach to music-making has remained decidedly mainstream, falling somewhere between the adult alternative pop/rock stylings of Train and the heartland rock of artists like Geoff Moore and Bob Seger. This, of course, is hardly a revelation to the already converted, and the good news for them is that the very attributes that rendered Pettigrew’s last two studio releases (2005′s Somebody I’m Supposed to Be and 2007′s Every Minute Miracles) such winning endeavors – his potent vocal work, unflinchingly honest self-assessment and sparkling, full-bodied production aesthetic – are all very much present and accounted for here on the latest outing.
Taken as a whole, though, The Walk may just get a slight nod over its forebears. This edge is due, in large part, to the fact that the five songs on the EP are joined by a singular thematic focus that bonds them together into a more tightly unified whole. While Miracles touched on a topics ranging from interpersonal relationships to the need for God in everyday life, the present project is focused almost exclusively on the actions and attributes of the Divine. “Even if Not” (I know my God will rescue me/ I know my God will come/ And save the day) offers an unwavering declaration of the Lord’s faithfulness and power. “The Love of Jesus,” on the other hand, testifies to His steadfast mercy and compassion. And “I Give You All” (To the One victorious/ There is none more glorious/ To the only God I know) and “Hallelujah” are, at their core, simply the results of Pettigrew setting his most intimate and heartfelt observations about his Savior to music.
It should be noted that The Walk is a distinctly more understated affair than either Somebody or Miracles. That said, it still carries the same poignancy and impact as its imposing predecessors. Much of the credit for this undergirding strength lies in Pettigrew’s consummate use of timing and restraint. The towering leadoff track, “The Love of Jesus,” is a prime example; starting off quietly and swelling slowly, but deliberately, to its inevitable conclusion rather than merely pummeling the listener over the head from start to finish. The shimmering piano-driven ballad, “Even If Not,” which pulls a page from the playbooks of artists like Mat Kearney and Daniel Powter, is likewise appropriately subdued in its approach. And, at six-plus minutes each, “We Will Remain” and the equally stirring “I Give You All” are, thankfully, in no hurry to make their important, and excellently-stated, points.
Unlike the last two efforts, The Walk isn’t so much a collection of three-and-a-half minute, radio-ready singles as it is a suite of extended, and interconnected, compositions, each of which builds upon the cuts before it and sets the mood for those that follow. Indeed, where most of the songs on the previous releases stood perfectly well on their own, the current mini-album is best appreciated when listened to straight through in a single sitting. Given its average track length of just under six minutes, this may well be a no-go for members of the short attention span crowd and iPod owners whose units are permanently set to shuffle mode. Serious music lovers willing to invest the time and energy to listen to Pettigrew’s new project with an open ear, on the other hand, will surely find their patience and grace most richly rewarded.
Concert Review – Woodbridge NJ
Christian Rocker Brings Down the House at Woodbridge Church Concert
Famed Christian musician, Dave Pettigrew inspires as he rocks the house at United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, NJ. By Janelle Griffith for Woodbridge Patch
The event promoted as a “Contemporary Christian Concert “ was orchestrated by church secretary, Carol Rutherford. She spent the past year scouring the state for a talented artist to perform at this year’s concert and chose Pettigrew – a decision that neither Rutherford nor concertgoers would regret.
Pettigrew and his band performed to a full house of United Methodist Church parishioners and passersby. He shared the stage with his guitarist Tommy Hayes and bass player Jeff Constantine. Pettigrew had beautiful vocals and range. His soulful style is reminiscent of Pop/Rock artists like Edwin McCain and American Idol alum, Chris Daughtry.
He began the concert with a song he said spoke of the beauty and grandeur of God, appropriately titled, “How Great Thou Are.”
The concert itself consisted of more than just musical performances. Instead it was reflective and introspective. Before each song, Pettigrew addressed the audience, giving a brief explanation on the inspiration behind the tune. He also related each track to everyday, real world scenarios to make his experiences more relatable to the general audience.
For instance, Pettigrew’s song, “God’s TV” asks the simple questions: if our lives were a television show and God tuned in, would we live it the same and what exactly would he see? Pettigrew was inspired to pen this tune in light of America’s obsession with reality TV and with watching the lives of others, an act that takes away from self-reflection. This was one track that seemed to resonate within the crowd.
Other crowd pleasers were tracks like “Teach Me How to Drive,“ which explores handing over the wheel to God and trusting in him, “Why Won’t You Love Me” and “Closer to You,” the latter of which Pettigrew emphasized, “God hears, he cares, he loves.”
This tactic of introspection proved beneficial for many concertgoers. One group of seniors, who are parishioners of the church said Pettigrew’s candid and sometimes comedic interpretations helped lend to his relatability, both as an entertainer and a Christian.
Another crowd member, Donna, came to the concert at the suggestion of a close friend and said, “It was moving. I like worship music and I thought he was very talented.”
Midway through the concert Pettigrew admitted to and apologized for battling a head cold, but one would have never been able to guess had he not said so.
Pettigrew ended the concert with a closing prayer, asking concertgoers to join him in a prayer for patience. “Sometimes it takes you [God] longer than we prefer. We pray for patience. God answers our prayers and he loves when we worship.”
EVERY MINUTE MIRACLES – Review – Bert Gangl (Sockspider/Phantom Tollbooth)
As odd as it might seem for a pop/rock artist with such a formidable singing voice, Dave Pettigrew didn’t spend his teen years before a full-length mirror learning to emulate powerhouse vocalists like Robert Plant, Luther Vandross or even Steve Perry. On the contrary, it was at the tender young age of five that Pettigrew’s musical education began in earnest as he stationed himself in front of the family TV each week to catch a glimpse of Lennie Baker playing saxophone for none other than doo wop revivalists Sha Na Na on the group’s musically-based late ‘70s sitcom. Sufficiently impressed, he not only took up the instrument but continued playing it all the way up to the time of his entrance into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston . In fact, it wasn’t until after he’d already been accepted to Berklee that Pettigrew first discovered, and subsequently decided to hone, his latent vocal talent.
One listen to his sophomore effort should be enough to convince most listeners that the decision was a wise one. Indeed, Pettigrew’s sturdy, sure-footed singing is the perfect complement for the stellar leadoff cut, “Change (Follow Me),” a gritty, rock/country/blues hybrid that calls to mind the very best works by everyone from Springsteen and Mellencamp to the Black Crowes and Train. The equally stimulating “What Would I Do” finds him taking on gospel and blue-eyed soul with similarly convincing results. On the softer side of the equation, Pettigrew possesses a vocal clarity and control that help polish the 4Him-inflected pop of “Proof of You” and “God’s TV” to a near-irresistible sheen. Perhaps the best showcase for his talent, though, is the exquisite, piano-led ballad, “The Best That He Can Be,” which allows the purest look at Pettigrew’s crystalline singing voice and, in itself, justifies the price of admission for the album.
Interestingly, despite the tangible sense of enthusiasm that cuts across the bulk of both the faster and slower tracks, a large portion of Miracles is given over to what might be considered darker thematic elements. This hardly represents a liability, though. On the contrary, songs like “What Would I Do” (It’s so hard to understand/ What it is about me that keeps you comin’ back) balance their depiction of human neediness with a correspondingly vivid portrait of the steadfastness of God. “With My Faith” is likewise careful to stitch together its narrative of uncertainty with a thread of trust. And first-rate cuts such as “Proof of You” (Won’t you give me a sign/ Throw me a line/ Maybe this time/ I’ll find my way to you) are instilled with a refreshing, no-holds-barred honesty that ultimately renders them as encouraging as they are poignant.
The record does lose a bit of steam toward the end, and not all of its tracks are as instantly memorable as “Change” or “The Best That He Can Be.” That said, despite its indie markings, the project sports an absolutely topnotch production aesthetic – crystal clear, and yet not so glossy as to strip the music of its underlying grit – that renders it a work of consistent beauty. Likewise, even on those rare occasions when the energy level flags, Pettigrew and his band compensate with a commanding precision and tightness that renders even the album’s least animated cuts no less than thoroughly engaging. Perhaps the strongest selling point, though, is the way in which the words of the new release flow just as smoothly straight off of the lyrics sheet as they do within the context of their respective songs – an acid test that is deceptively difficult to pass. And it is this lyrical sharpness, together with the aforementioned production savvy and superlative instrumental skill, that ultimately renders Every Minute Miracles one of the most solid and consistently appealing independent releases of the past year.
EVERY MINUTE MIRACLES – review by Jana Pochop – (Indie-Music.com)
Artist: Dave Pettigrew
CD: Every Minute Miracles
Home: New York City
Style: Christian Rock
Quote: “Pettigrew doesn’t mince emotions and doesn’t stand on a pedestal and deliver a sermon with this record; he’s on the same path as his listeners and delivers a solid thesis about struggle and spiritual growth.”
In 2004, Dave Pettigrew had a batch of tunes ready to record for his first album, but as Pettigrew puts it, they were all “pretty generic pop songs.” Shifting directions, Pettigrew and his co-writer and producer Frank Di Minno turned out a record full of Christian pop-rock songs — music with a message. This new direction and purpose felt right to Pettigrew, and his second release, Every Minute Miracles, continues with songs full of faith and inspiration. It’s a well produced pop album with tight arrangements and solid musicians, radio-ready and performed with Pettigrew’s gritty but pleasing vocals.
Most of the album’s tracks were co-written by Pettigrew and Di Minno, and the songs call on concrete details to show faith’s presence in Pettigrew’s life. In “God’s TV,” Pettigrew takes an unusual frame and wonders what God’s television set shows when tuned to the singer’s life. “If my life’s a show on God’s TV, He must be tired of the re-runs,” Pettigrew admits.
There’s a humbleness to the tone of Every Minute Miracles, and Pettigrew realizes the listener doesn’t need to be preached at, just related to as a human being navigating through a temporal life.
On “Something More,” Pettigrew addresses the tendency toward a loner mentality that is ultimately unfulfilling:
This is my life, I’ll live it my way,
this is my time, these are my days
But what am I really living for?
Clearly solid and grounded in his belief system but constantly searching to strengthen it, Pettigrew openly struggles with every day temptations and doubt. “Proof of You” sums up Pettigrew’s everyman approach to writing and music with, “Give me something to hold onto, something my mind knows is true, just a little proof of you.”
Every Minute Miracles is a discussion of faith and the daily journey toward stronger belief. Pettigrew doesn’t mince emotions and doesn’t stand on a pedestal and deliver a sermon with this record; he’s on the same path as his listeners and delivers a solid thesis about struggle and spiritual growth.
SOMEBODY I’M SUPPOSED TO BE – Jennifer Layton (Indie-music.com)
Artist: Dave Pettigrew
CD: Somebody I’m Supposed to Be
Home: Ridgewood, New Jersey
Style: Christian Pop
Quote: “You could put the lyrics of regular rock fare to this music and it would still work, but the spiritual nature of the lyrics makes the soul soar even higher.
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of Christian rock and pop artists who understand, thankfully, that “Christian” music does not have to mean “Bible-pounding, preachy, don’t-you-dare-mention-anything-secular” music. I have to wonder if many of these artists grew up like me, listening to “Faith of Our Fathers” for the forty billionth time on a rickety old organ while everyone in the congregation snoozed. That would explain the joyous, inviting, non-judgmental and just flat-out fun vibe I’m hearing from a lot of these now-grown artists who are submitting their music to Indie-Music.com.
Dave Pettigrew is the latest example. A couple of tracks do slip over the line into overly-sentimental territory, but for the most part, this is a powerful, uplifting, musically sound collection of Christian rock and pop that almost blew out my speakers. Never underestimate the vocal power of a man singing about God.
Pettigrew kicks things off with “Teach Me to Drive,” a song with rock-band energy that focuses on letting go of the wheel and letting a Higher Power take over. Each song that follows offers a message that anyone of any faith can understand. If you’ve prayed at all, you understand the frustration of the ballad “Closer to You”: “Do you hear me when I pray, or am I just a thorn that you ignore?” (I also love the line, “I’m lost inside a maybe.”) Pettigrew also connects with the feeling of having nothing going for him in this world but hope and faith (“What Your Love Can Do For Me” and “Strength of Angels”) and seeing light in the darkest of places (“God on Broadway”). Each song is produced with full-throttle, 90210 meets The O.C. rock/pop production – very, very radio friendly.
My favorite track almost blew me out of my chair. “Movin’ On” raises the roof, startles the neighbors, and if you’re not careful, has you doing the chair dance while you’re trying to write a review. This is raw, hungry, blues-flavored, relentless music with Pettigrew pouring everything he’s got into his voice to pull it off. You could put the lyrics of regular rock fare to this music and it would still work, but the spiritual nature of the lyrics makes the soul soar even higher.
A few tracks like “Little Girl” are ones I can only recommend for fans of Lifetime movies and Oprah, but thankfully, Pettigrew focuses on his own prayers for the rest of the CD, being as honest about his shortcomings as he is about his faith. We get humility, and we get solid, energetic, powerful songwriting and production. That will save my soul faster than a rickety organ any day.
EVERY MINUTE MIRACLES – Jason Elkins (Transparent Christian.com)
Dave Pettigrew sings like a man on a mission. When I first listened to the New Jersey rocker’s new CD, “Every Minute Miracles” I noticed my mood (spirit) was elevated. Pettigrew’s vocal stylings remind me a bit of another New Jersey Native–Jon Bon Jovi. His sound has also been appropriately compared to Pat Monahan, of the very cool rock band Train.
The next thing that hit me was the musicianship, and the quality of the recording. I was listening to With My Faith through a set of headphones and the guitar intro was spinning from left to right…Pure ear candy!
The band is tight and doesn’t sound canned or bland. There are interesting and complex parts that compliment Dave’s outstanding vocals on every track, including unexpected breaks, timing changes and mixed instrumentation. The syncopated high-hat drum backdrop on God’s TV is an example of a subtle and important part of a song. As are the strings on Best That He Can Be, (5 real violins) some incredible sax solos, and the Hammond B3 sound on What Would I Do. There is also the wonderful use of harmony singers…As an example, the female vocal on All I Need Is You melts you like paraffin!
After some digging, I found out the studio folks aren’t necessarily the people he takes on the road with him, and all of his road guys are amazing too! I watched a video on Dave’s MySpace page from the Doorway Coffeehouse in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and was totally blown away by the guitar player . The slinger’s name is Paul Grassini, and he just shredded an acoustic guitar on the solo. Dave told me that Paul only played on one track on the cd. That’s when I started wondering about who else Dave knows. I was expecting another “A-List” musician when I heard the sax solo on All I Need, and when I checked it out, it was none other than Dave himself! (Solo starts at 3 minutes and 41 seconds).
The title track Change (Follow Me)is a jam, and sounds like a big hit–something you would hear on a Top 40 or Rock station.
The melodies on “Every Minute Miracles” are STICKY! There is an instant familiarity with many of the songs and I found myself singing along on the first pass. Good songwriters could hunt for years and not have half of the sticky melodies that Dave has on this ONE CD. Because the melodies are such a core component of his song construction, I found the songs very satisfying even when they had a non-traditional and quirky theme like “God’s TV”If my life’s a show on God’s TV, I wonder if it’s shot in colorSometimes I feel so black and white. If you’re like me, you will find yourself singing along at the end “Thanks for tuning in tonight” Good luck hitting that smooth vibrato though!
Some other standouts on this cd are With My Faith and my current favorite All I Need is You.
Today I’m on fire. Tomorrow I might be ashes
I know, all I need is you.
Some days I ride the sunshine, Others lightening crashes
I know, all I need is you.
Later in the song he croons,
Sometimes I feel so weak, I feel like I should just let go
Then You pick me up, and breathe Your life into my soul
Still the question lingers, who am I supposed to be
Dave Pettigrew is supposed to be exactly who he is. An extremely talented singer, songwriter and musician, on a mission to elevate spirits and sing like God and his life depended on it!
EVERY MINUTE MIRACLES – Christian Music Central
I appreciate Dave Pettigrew for his faithful musical ministry to the long neglected Northeast. Pettigrew and his very solid band work the New York tri-state area hard. But even if not for that, it would be easy to recommend Every Minute Miracles, a ten track collection of God-centered pop rock songs relating to the spiritual issues of daily life. He and producer/co-writer Frank DiMinno serve up both thoughtful lyrics and arrangements, at times reminiscent of Steven Curtis Chapman (The upbeat “Big Enough” encourages us to ‘dream big enough for God.’)
The disc shows a breezy diversity, from the guitar-driven, radio-ready opener “Change (Follow Me),” its edgy guitar riffs injecting a country vibe, reinforced by Pettigrew’s pleasingly raspy vocals, to the bouncy, playful pop of “What Would I Do,” with Pettigrew’s own howling sax solo. He shows a quirky way with a lyric as well; “God’s TV” relates television terms to spiritual realities, like the Lord’s constancy and our neediness. Another sax solo adds warmth to the gentle acoustic ballad “All I Need Is You,” bearing the compelling lyric: ‘But just like You I have to believe in me.’
Pettigrew also knows his way around a ballad, lacing the quietly moving “The Best That He Can Be” with a wide array of thoughtful strings. Rolling piano chords propel the melodic movements of “Proof Of You.” And Pettigrew makes another pensive choice to close with a softly rootsy rendition of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman’s “Wonderful Maker.” Pettigrew’s hushed vocal and soft instrumentation allows the sincere worship to shine through, making “Wonderful Maker” the perfect closer for a very satisfying sophomore project from Dave Pettigrew, friend to the forgotten Northeast.
SOMEBODY I’M SUPPOSED TO BE – Mita Pogue (truetunes.com)
There’s a neat little breakout album out by indie artist Dave Pettigrew. He says it best when he mentions the musical influences of his youth, who were some of the rock-solid pillars of the Christian Music world – “I grew up listening to all of the pioneers of CCM,” recalls Dave. “Guys like Keith Green, Mylon LeFevre, Petra, Sweet Comfort Band, Randy Stonehill, Degarmo & Key & a bunch of others. It was great stuff that really kept me focused on God and also impacted my musical life as well.”
You can really hear that impact in this album. Definitely not short on strong, raspy vocals by Pettigrew, the project also sports some pretty powerful guitar riffs and is liberally peppered with some very savory piano solos. Many of the songs on the album were either co-written or written by Frank DiMinno, who not only produced the project, but has also been writing with Dave for some time.
The opening track, “Teach Me How To Drive”, imparts a picture of how a believer might relinquish control of the driver’s seat in their journey through a life of faith and learn to really trust in Jesus. “Closer To You” is ballad-like, an honest rendering of the doubts we’ve all had in our lives and the prayer so many of us have prayed. “Little Girl” is an indictment of the uninvolved father, and a real tear-jerker. One particularly upbeat song, “Movin’ On,” reminds me very much of – dare I say it? Brian Duncan. There, I said it. Very R&B with a Pentecostal flair… one of my favorite genres of music.
On the whole, “Someone I’m Supposed To Be” is a very good first effort from Pettigrew and well worth making a “note to self” about. (Note to self – need to get this album!)
SOMEBODY I’M SUPPOSED TO BE – Tony Thomas (kazradio.com)
If there is one thing that Dave Pettigrew does very well, it is to put skin on the Christian life. In his debut album, “Somebody I’m Supposed To Be,” Dave brings his struggles and yearnings for a deeper walk with God (“Teach Me How to Drive,” “Closer To You”), the joys of owning true love (“She Believes”) , the heartaches of a child (“Little
Girl”) and more to life with powerful vocals, a mix of both tap-your-foot and heart-touching music and strong production. I honestly cannot listen to this CD too much! These are the sort of tunes that you nod your head and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there” or “I’m there now.” I’ve heard it said that Rock n Roll is what happens on the weekends, while Country music is what happens the other five days of the week. Although Dave Pettigrew’s music doesn’t necessarily fit into either genre, the analogy is a good crossover: if Worship & Praise music is what happens on Sundays, Dave’s music is what happens the other five days of the week. It hits you where you live and this CD should be a part of any Christian’s collection. I’m eagerly anticipating his future work! Bullseye, Dave!
SOMEBODY I’M SUPPOSED TO BE - Kimberly Clarke (grassrootsmusic.com)
| I know there is something just beyond the headlights, somebody I’m supposed to be, croons singer/songwriter, Dave Pettigrew. I was moved by the both the music and the message. After all, aren’t we all on that same journey, grasping at moonlight, trying to discover who we are? Most of the songs on Pettigrews album are extensions of his prayer life, and a deep and complex prayer life it is, as evidenced by the first three songs on the project, Teach Me How To Drive, Closer To You, and I Will Follow. They came together beautifully, revealing an artist with a heart to encourage and uplift. Somebody Im Supposed To Be touched my heart with its recurrent themes of prayer and praise; of how we are all fellow travelers on the same road, in search of our own spirituality.Beautiful lyrics and great melodies add up to amazing talent. Dave Pettigrew is a man with a lot of heart. While the music flirts with a slight country flair, Pettigrew manages to explore multiple genres, making it unwise to label this fine, emerging artist.
Check out Somebody I’m Supposed To Be, and if you are anything like me, you’ll be hoping to hear more from Dave Pettigrew very soon.
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