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For over forty
years, Jim Peterik has been the MVP in all of the great
bands he’s been a part of, from the legendary IDES OF MARCH,
through the hugely successful SURVIVOR and into the 21st
century with PRIDE OF LIONS. As a collaborator, his
influence has helped to send bands like .38 SPECIAL and
artists like SAMMY HAGAR to the top of the charts. Songs
such as “Eye Of The Tiger”, “I Can’t Hold Back”, “Hold On
Loosely” and “Heavy Metal” are still staples on classic rock
radio even today. Now Jim Peterik releases his most personal
work yet. “Above The Storm” takes the unforgettable
melodies, passionate lyrics and dramatic arrangements that
are Jim’s benchmarks, down new, but familiar, roads.
Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino thought that
after two very popular discs by PRIDE OF LIONS, it was time
to let Jim express his most personal music; for himself,
rather than for a band.
Jim has been
blessed throughout his career to have great singers perform
his songs such as Dave Bickler, Jimi Jamison and Don Barnes,
but it should not be forgotten, that the whole thing started
with a roaring “Great God in heaven, you know I love you”
that Jim sang. “Above The Storm” features Jim’s voice solo
throughout. Over the years, most have been familiar with Jim
seated behind a keyboard, but on “Above The Storm” much of
the guitar fire is Jim’s. He also handles much of the
keyboard and bass work. But don’t think that this is a
one-man-show. You just can’t keep a good collaborator down
and Jim turned to a few of his favourite writers, like
Johnny Van Zant of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and Donnie Van Zant of .38
SPECIAL to add their unique touches to the project. The
distinctive combined voices of the IDES OF MARCH appear on
the title song of “Above The Storm”. Their combination with
Jim’s lead vocal have the effect of meeting an old friend in
a new and unexpected place.
The same
can be said of the amazing synergy between Jim and singer
Lisa McClowry who takes time away from her solo career and
slot in Jim's world stage shows to add her soulful
background vocals. Another thread that “vibes” its way
through the album is the sound of the Hammond B-3 organ,
played by Jim’s Ides bandmate Scott May. More pieces of that
puzzle that fit in “just right” on “Above The Storm” are the
Pride Of Lions rhythm section and the mighty IDES OF MARCH
brass section. The album is a comprehensive collection of
all the elements that have made Jim a major success as a
songwriter and performer for the past 5 decades. The songs
on “Above The Storm” draw on each of his the influences
combine to make a new style that defies any pat
classification. This album rocks, it rolls, it inspires and
it comforts. You’ll rip some of these songs for your
“workout” playlist, and others to put on when you’re in a
romantic mood. “Above The Storm” might just be the ultimate
melodic rock album. |
