Artist Information
Biography
Peter Jenkins first gained recognition in the 80's for his work with Adelaide SA band Le Rox, renowned Perth 3 piece hard rock band Trilogy and from a brief stint with Angry Anderson's Rose Tattoo. The end of the 80's saw Peter compete in the Rebel Yell “Long live the lead break” competition and achieve a place in the top 10 national finalists. In the 90's while back in S.A. Peter was a member of “Big Things Flying' an original project that produced 2 CD's and was critically acclaimed nationally.
Returning to Sydney in the mid 90's, Peter worked with Blues singer Mel Cooper as well as having a residency at the Tea Gardens Hotel with his own trio and performing with “Blue Vein” a classic rock trio featuring Andy Cichon, bass and vocals, and Mick O'Shea, drums.
In 1998 Peter ventured over seas and spent a year in Ireland doing solo and duo performances before returning to SA in '99 to settle and raise a family.
With the release of a five track EP called The Swagger at the end of 2010, Peter has embarked on the next phase of his career as an artist in his own right. Bringing together all the experiences and musical influences of his life to date to produce an exciting Blues Rock Fusion sound that is as new and refreshing as it is retro and “old school”.
Peter is currently studying a Music Degree at The University Of Adelaide and continues to gig regularly in PJB – The Pete Jenkins Band as well as a number of other commercial music projects. A second PJB CD and digital online release is planned for later in 2013.
Some music industry comments;
Kimberly James CEO of CBM Records Management and Touring, Atlanta says, "Terrific guitar skills".
Dave Kessler of Kessler Management, Boston says, " you guys are great, reminds me of classic Van Halen"
Lungata records Qld says, "Love the tune Singing Lessons"
Emergenza review PJB. Faster Louder. 30-6-09
By the time The Pete Jenkins Band were announced by a typical bleach haired presenter that is compulsory for all band competitions, people had returned to the venue. Pete and his band offered an old school bluesy rock sound with a touch of country for good measure. They were by far the most talented individual musicians, just probably 20 years to old to win this popularity contest.
Skope Magazine interview “artists to watch”;
Skope: How did you react after you were selected for A2W?
With excitement, its a great opportunity to reach out to new people and have them listen to my music.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
The CD EP “The Swagger” is the focus at the moment. Its my first release and its like a calling card, each of the 5 songs demonstrate a different aspect to my musical style and influence and hints at what you can expect from the band “live”.
Skope: At what age did you start to play music and want to make it a career?
Well I think I was quite young, maybe 12, I was doing gigs by 14 and had pretty much decided, by that time, the guitar was going to be a major part of my life. I was very fortunate at a very young age to see some great guitar players in concert, players like Jan Akkerman, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Robin Trower and Australian guitarist's Ian Moss , Kevin Borich and John Dallimore. With that kind of influence its easy to get hooked.
Skope: Where do you turn these days to hear new music?
To be honest, I'm focused mainly on my own music and other peoples projects that I get involved in, outside of that, its word of mouth and the internet. I have never been into disposable pop music so I guess mainstream radio falls way down on the priority list.
Skope: What is your ideal mood & setting to write & play music?
I think song writing can be inspired by a place and mood but its also very much a discipline. I have to set aside writing time and focus otherwise I'll just spend all my time playing the guitar and chasing sounds. Once I've started work on a new song and have a basic arrangement, inspiration often comes when driving or in the early hours of the morning. Some songs can come together in minutes others can take months. Standing in the shower with the water falling on your head can really give you so great ideas when you're stuck for a lyric......really.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
We've just had a break from gigging and are now back into a rehearsal regime for an upcoming video. Also I have some new music to finish recording for a release later in the year and we'll be out gigging again very soon I hope.
“Without a doubt, the musical direction I follow is dominated by the desire to create great guitar orientated music that is easily accessible to the everyday listener and also offers some tasty ear candy for the guitar aficionado. Whether it be sizzling Texas blues, country twang, classic British 70's rock or funky Latin fusion you'll find all those elements and more in my playing and song writing.”
PERFORMANCE AND BAND HISTORY
Pre 1985; Adelaide bands “LeftOfCentre” “Lerox”, “Pinups”.
1985; TRILOGY, high profile Perth hard rock band formally known as Saracen.
1985-86; ROSE TATTOO, approx 6 mth stint of gigs in NSW and pre production on album “Beats from a single drum”
1987-91; THE NAZZ, LENNYS PARTY BAND
(the St. Lennards Inn resident band)
1991-94; BIG THINGS FLYING; original band with 2 CD releases.
THE CHEATING HEARTS; country band with 1 CD release.
THE KILLING FLOOR; heavy blues rock trio, featuring Frank
Lang, bass, Trapper Draper, drums. (Hoy Hoy)
1995-98; MEL COOPER, Sydney blues singer, solo gigs around Sydney,and bands;
BLUE VEIN with Andy Cichon bass (Billy Joel Band and Shania Twain) and Mick Oshea drums (Billy Thorpe).
RUDE MOOD with Zultan Budhai bass( Richard Clapton Band) Alan Bryant drums (Boss, Radiators).
Both bands rock/top40/blues genre.
1998-99; Working solo in Ireland.
1999-2005; Solo and duo gigs in Adelaide,
SRV The Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute.
Recording and performance sessions for various people
including corporate act “Acoustic Juice” and Terry Bradford Round Records.
Country Music Duo “Sneaky Dingo”
2005-07 PETE JENKINS BAND a “nu country” band playing loud modern Nashville style country with lots of tele wackin’
action.
Kristal Collins Band (Telstra Road Tamworth finalist), guitar and MD.
2007-current;
PJB (The Pete Jenkins Band) blues rock fusion
originals with selected covers.
“The Long Run” Eagles show, featuring “Acoustic Juice”.
“The Crew” classic 70's rock revival show
Acoustic solo performances.
Please see;
myspace.com/petejenkinsband
www.reverbnation.com/petejenkinstheswagger
Instrumentation
Peter Jenkins - Guitar, slide guitar, Vocals.
Discography
CD EP "The Swagger".
Official Website
http://www.reverbnation.com/petejenkinstheswagger
Links
Video
Photo Gallery
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Pete Jenkins " in the zone"
Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As) -
PJ and CK
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EP front and back.
Press
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Old school bluesy rock
[+ Show ]
By the time The Pete Jenkins Band were announced by a typical bleach haired presenter that is compul...
Setlist
Set list; not in order of performance.
GOYDERLINE
MOST PEOPLE I KNOW
SIGN
SIX MILLION DOLLAR ROLE
TIGHT ROPE
THE SWAGGER
JUST GOT PAID.
FREEWAY JAM
DAY OF THE EAGLE
NOTHING MORE
PRESSURES BLUES
THE WANTING
SINGING LESSONS
SINNER G.
MESSAGE TO LOVE
TALK TO YOUR DAUGHTER
CHEVROLET