Biography

On the heels of Blind Pig recording artists PETER KARP and SUE FOLEY’s 2010 critically acclaimed and artistically daring collaboration “HE SAID-SHE SAID” comes their next exciting CD: “BEYOND THE CROSSROADS.” A high voltage, plank spankin’, piano boogyin’, slide guitar stompin’ blues-rockin’ CD that showcases 12 brilliantly crafted and unique original compositions that have become the trade-mark of these two noted singer-songwriter guitarists.

“BEYOND THE CROSSROADS” is a loud celebration of triumph over tragedy, optimism over despair and faith over hopelessness. It delivers on the promise of their groundbreaking, critically acclaimed 2010 song-cycle, “HE SAID–SHE SAID”; an inspired and compelling anthology of original songs, adapted from long distance letters and e-mails the two shared over a particularly difficult and dark period in their lives.

“What started as a casual exchange became a revealing account of the personal struggles and dramatic changes that were happening in our lives,” says Karp.

“Our shared thoughts became intimate. Then, we turned those letters into songs and made a great CD together” adds Foley. They encompassed folk, jazz, flamenco & blues resulting in an event and a recording that was moving, literate, romantic, rocking & exciting.

The CD hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Blues Charts and was #1 for 6 weeks on the National Blues and Roots Charts. For the last two years they have kept up a frenetic touring pace with features at the Bayfront Blues Festival, New York State Blues Festival, Pittsburgh Blues Festival, Bethlehem Musikfest, the Americana Festival, and Castel San Pietro Blues in Italy. “HE SAID–SHE SAID” was featured on Sirius/XM Radio, NPR, CBC radio, PBS TV, The House of Blues Bluesmobile and Woodsongs Radio Hour among others. They earned nominations at the International Blues Music Awards in Memphis and the Maple Blues Awards in Canada.

The reactions to the CD and to live performances of the “HE SAID–SHE SAID” show from audiences were overwhelming. The critics were impressed, too:

“He Said-She Said (the concept) is a unique, daring idea beautifully executed by two talented, inspired artists unafraid to express themselves in songs of love, hope, longing, emptiness and frustration.” – HAL HOROWITZ • BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE

“This is a great record, absolutely not to be missed. 14 tracks of some of the sexiest, steamiest, dramatic, and comedic tunes I have ever heard from two very different artists. There is chemistry here.” – ROD AMES • NO DEPRESSION MAGAZINE

“This is a risky and welcome recording that asks modern blues fans to suspend their preconceptions and listen to the music as it evolves in this new century, and an album to make those fed up with blues clichés hear something truly and beautifully different.” – THOM JUREK • ALL MUSIC GUIDE

“BEYOND THE CROSSROADS” marks the newest chapter in the Karp-Foley collaboration. Recorded in the US and Canada it features their road band, Mike Catapano on drums and Niles Terrat on bass, as well as some old friends and bandmates. “BEYOND THE CROSSROADS” is a natural extension of what we started with “HE SAID–SHE SAID” in that we’re writing songs with themes in mind. Positivity, renewal, absolution.” says Foley.

“These times are trying - in the heart and in the streets. Restless winds are blowing. It’s personal not business. Now is the time to fire up the amps and blow heat.” quips Karp.

“Singer-songwriter-guitarist Peter Karp is easily one of the most innovative lyricists in the world of contemporary blues.” – RICHARD SKELLY • ASBURY PARK PRESS

“Foley is the master of her domain and as her own chief song-writer she charts the course. Nothing seems doctored or manipulated by an unseen hand.” – TORONTO GLOBE & MAIL

“Foley and Karp are both fine musicians. The 90-minute set showed off some of Foley’s guitar chops plus Karp’s wicked slide work and piano skills. After one such fierce jam, Karp observed that we had just witnessed a “guitar-gasm.” – PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE

“It’s not a concept you see two artists chronicling their growing relationship in song. Make those artists as gifted as Peter Karp and Sue Foley and the results are as compelling as they are candid.” – NICK CRISTIANO • PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

ABOUT PETER KARP: Gifted singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist and American troubadour, PETER KARP, is a master songsmith with an art for spinning true-to-life emotions, humor, and candor. With an upbringing that was equal parts southern Alabama and the swamps of New Jersey, Karp’s music is fueled by the Yankee-Rebel juxtaposition. He first caught national attention with help from Rolling Stone guitarist Mick Taylor who recorded and toured with Karp on his first label release “THE TURNING POINT.” Karp further established himself on the national scene as a critically acclaimed songwriter, and accomplished guitarist and pianist with the release of his Blind Pig debut entitled “SHADOWS AND CRACKS.” On the road across the U.S. and Canada, Karp repeatedly transfixes his live audiences. Critics compare his songwriting to John Hiatt and John Prine, with impressive guitar and slide licks infused by his love of Freddie King and Elmore James. Peter Karp personifies the amorphous Americana sound, seamlessly blending blues and roots music with a high sense of entertainment.

ABOUT SUE FOLEY: SUE FOLEY is considered to be one of the finest blues and roots artists working today. Born to a working class family, Sue spent her early childhood moving from Canadian town to town with her mother. At sixteen, she embarked on her professional career. By twenty-one, she was living in Austin TX and recording for the legendary blues label, Antone’s Records. Her first release, “YOUNG GIRL BLUES,” quickly established her unique talents as a blues guitarist and songwriter. Throughout the 90’s she took to the road with her paisley Telecaster and honed her craft, working and sharing the stage with such artists as BB King, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty. After moving back to Canada, Sue won the prestigious Juno award for her critically acclaimed CD “LOVE COMING DOWN”, as well as 17 Maple Blues Awards.