Singer-songwriter, blues guitarist, and author Pete Mitchell alias Stratmaster continues his musical career of over 30 years as an accomplished touring musician with the release of his new solo album, “Cutting the Mustard.” This compilation of ten original songs highlights Mitchell’s love of the blues guitar tradition in a unique blend that he calls “Crossover Electric Blues/Country-Rock.”
The songs on “Cutting the Mustard” are driven by the soulful rhythm of Mitchell’s guitar work—a passion he has felt since he first picked up the instrument at the age of 11, and started performing at just 15. The development of Mitchell’s eclectic background, along with his prolific touring career, began in the 1970s in London when he was jamming with Muddy Waters and playing with his own band Special Brew. In the 80s and 90s he performed and traveled with his band 'DRIVE' Rocking Boogie Blues Power Trio, further developing his own love for and musical interpretation of the blues genre. These experiences have led to a style that cdbaby.com characterizes in the following manner: “Imagine Freddie King with the drive of Billy Gibbons, and the feel of Stevie Ray Vaughan.”
While the guitar work unites the songs, Mitchell’s experiences come across in the details of his lyrics, as well as in his newly published book, “Outside Looking In,” an autobiography that chronicles a life of 30 years “gigging on the road.” The introduction reads like a sobering blues song: Life has its price, and one way or another we will all have to pay for it….I take the view, that a real musician is rarer still. He doesn’t play to survive—he survives to play. Fans love Mitchell for his candor, and his revealing memoir is no exception; the book has received a five-star rating on Amazon.co.uk.
Currently being played on over 65 radio stations worldwide, the tracks of “Cutting the Mustard” unfold like a roadmap on a long journey. The stylistically confident guitar work, combined with meaningful lyrics and melodies, work together to create a mature album that represents a lifetime of dedication to and respect for the history of blues and rock and roll. The songs “Play My Guitar” and “Free Man” are pensive and personal, while “Outside Looking In,” with the same title as Mitchell’s book, describes a more metaphorical state of mind that Mitchell describes like this: "Every now and then I get the urge to write, followed by a burning desire to play. For me it has always been the Blues, in one form or another and 'Cutting The Mustard' is a good example of this. Enjoy, and whatever you do, Keep On Rocking.”
To order a copy of “Cutting the Mustard,” visit these Web sites: cdbaby.com, cdunsigned.com, soundoo.com.
For a copy of the book “Outside Looking In” visit: www.Barnesandnoble.com, www.Amazon.com, and www.Amazon.co.uk.
Or visit the official Pete Mitchell alias Stratmaster Web site at www.stratmaster.co.uk.
Pete Mitchell alias Stratmaster - Photos
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Pete with Strat 54 'Honey'
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Pete Mitchell and Drive - Live
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Pete Mitchell in concert
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Sometimes I'm small
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Sometimes I'm tall
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Sometimes I'm Outside Looking In
Photos of Zebediah by Hairy Larry
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