Biography

-2010-

The Mathematics of Love is the debut national release from incendiary guitarist Peter Parcek. Produced by Ted Drozdowski, the CD features special guest appearances by legendary keyboardist Al Kooper and guitarist Ronnie Earl. Other guests include bassist Marty Ballou, mandolinist Jimmy Ryan and violinist Dan Kellar.
Considered one of New England’s best kept secrets, virtuoso guitarist and vocalist Peter Parcek presents to the world an amazing calling card with The Mathematics of Love, weaving beautiful mosaics of sound on the album that reflect his interests in blues, rock, jazz, folk and country music.
As someone who was lucky enough to experience the British blues explosion first hand while living in London in the late 1960s, Parcek got a chance to see Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and especially Peter Green in the clubs, making a lasting impression on the young guitar player. Parcek soon became a Peter Green fanatic, and he acknowledges his mentor with a smoking take of Green’s early Fleetwood Mac classic, “Show Biz Blues,” which kicks off the new album.
Elsewhere, Parcek dazzles the ears exploring the deepest roots of American music, covering songs by Mississippi Hill Country legend Jessie Mae Hemphill (“Lord Help the Poor and Needy”), seminal bluesman Kokomo Arnold (“Kokomo Me Baby”) and the great Ray Charles (“Busted”), which features special guest Al Kooper on organ. Other covers includes Lucinda Williams’ “Get Right with God” and Cousin Joe Pleasant’s “Evolution.”
On Parcek’s originals, he demonstrates not only a wonderful depth of soul in his approach to the songs, but also a knack for a variety of sounds, as heard on the existentially funky instrumental, “Rollin’ with Zah,” which showcases his improvisational playing; or “New Year’s Eve,” a track with guest Ronnie Earl originally recorded for his first limited-release album and given a special remix here; or the title track, a blend of acoustic and electric guitars that meet in a perfect center.
“My first limited-release album was called Evolution, but this album really is an evolution for me,” explains Peter. “It’s the most focused, emotionally complex and complete artistic statement I’ve made under my own name.”