Peter Galperin
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Peter Galperin

New York, New York, United States | SELF

New York, New York, United States | SELF
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""A Disposable Life is a 21st century pop masterpiece...I love it.""

Sounding like a young Leonard Cohen as produced by Phil Spector, NYC singer-songwriter Peter Galperin returns in 2013 with his second solo album entitled A Disposable Life. Featuring Peter in the studio backed up by a number of first rate musicians, including multi-instrumentalist Robert Aaron as well as master audio mixologist Andrew Schlesinger, the 8 tracks on A Disposable Life clock in at just under 36 minutes, yet there’s hardly a minute of wasted time. No instrument stands out per se but Galperin’s vocals and guitar work, as well as the sonic keyboard sounds by Robert Aaron are first rate throughout. Although Galperin’s lyrical subject matter is somewhat cynical and incisive, the whole thing is delivered with such panache and soul-searching sustenance, that it doesn’t come off so much as protest music as much as like a sonic TV show, case in point being the title track “A Disposable Life” (complete with cutting edge lyrics set to a super relaxing bossa nova beat no less), “There’s No Future” (‘it’s just another bad year for the world’) and even a hilarious song praising the multiple uses of “Bubblewrap” (‘I’ll take plastic over pleasure’) yet every track here has its rewards. Peter Galperin’s best album to date, A Disposable Life is a modern day pop masterpiece from start to finish. - Music Web Express 3000


""... Peter Galperin is a huge Licensing Deal waiting to happen.""

Most would agree that most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I listened to the debut CD from New York based Peter Galperin (Perfect World Today/Jetty Records/2011). Venturing to the Internet I get the impression this guy is a seasoned professional with many a Music Licensing Deal under his belt. From start to finish this CD from Galperin is a very entertaining and professional musical statement. It covers a lot of ground with many feel good Pop Rock, Hawaiian Folkish-type flavors. Any fans of any of these many musical styles will enjoy this latest release from Galperin. It's clearly marketed for those who like the male fronted vocal persona of say a Brian Wilson, Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Jack Johnson and John Maher. Galperin holds his own behind the microphone, and is a top flight songwriter, however there is nothing in the way of amplifying information within the liner notes to indicate if he played all the instruments. I will assume so. The plethora of worldly musical styles he brings to the table only adds fuel to the fire. This along with his marketable writing style and impressive performances make for a deadly combination. Galperin is clearly being himself as an artist and not trying to be some over the top entertainer striving for mass appeal via an over-commercialized musical format. In fact Galperin is one artist that can be quirky/entertaining and still have powerful mainstream appeal all at the same time. Favorite tracks include Track 1 (Hey Little One), Track 4 (A Decent Cup), Track 5 (Title Track). All pieces have an amazing feel and soulful vibe. The sampling and production touches are rock solid and just make the whole CD even more enjoyable. All in all this production is comparable to a breath of fresh air and is very likeable, very much like the artists himself, no doubt.

Galperin doesn't have the greatest voice in the world, but he makes up for it in other skillsets. Also, with a 7 song line-up I will also assume this is an EP. For the record if it is not an EP it falls short of the Professional Grade mark. I see Peter Galperin as an undiscovered gem, or Diamond in the Rough in the music business. If the masses tap into his positive messages he could be bigger than any of us realize at the moment. Peter Galperin is a huge Licensing Deal waiting to happen and as time goes by we will no doubt see what happens. In the meantime it's nice to know in this saturated market there are still writers out there who how know how to remain true to themselves. Peter Galperin is one of those artists. In close, most famous artists out there have "it", I'm not so sure what it is, but Peter Galperin definitely has whatever "it" may be.

Michael Morrison -musicemissions.com - www.musicemissions.com


""... Peter Galperin is a huge Licensing Deal waiting to happen.""

Most would agree that most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I listened to the debut CD from New York based Peter Galperin (Perfect World Today/Jetty Records/2011). Venturing to the Internet I get the impression this guy is a seasoned professional with many a Music Licensing Deal under his belt. From start to finish this CD from Galperin is a very entertaining and professional musical statement. It covers a lot of ground with many feel good Pop Rock, Hawaiian Folkish-type flavors. Any fans of any of these many musical styles will enjoy this latest release from Galperin. It's clearly marketed for those who like the male fronted vocal persona of say a Brian Wilson, Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Jack Johnson and John Maher. Galperin holds his own behind the microphone, and is a top flight songwriter, however there is nothing in the way of amplifying information within the liner notes to indicate if he played all the instruments. I will assume so. The plethora of worldly musical styles he brings to the table only adds fuel to the fire. This along with his marketable writing style and impressive performances make for a deadly combination. Galperin is clearly being himself as an artist and not trying to be some over the top entertainer striving for mass appeal via an over-commercialized musical format. In fact Galperin is one artist that can be quirky/entertaining and still have powerful mainstream appeal all at the same time. Favorite tracks include Track 1 (Hey Little One), Track 4 (A Decent Cup), Track 5 (Title Track). All pieces have an amazing feel and soulful vibe. The sampling and production touches are rock solid and just make the whole CD even more enjoyable. All in all this production is comparable to a breath of fresh air and is very likeable, very much like the artists himself, no doubt.

Galperin doesn't have the greatest voice in the world, but he makes up for it in other skillsets. Also, with a 7 song line-up I will also assume this is an EP. For the record if it is not an EP it falls short of the Professional Grade mark. I see Peter Galperin as an undiscovered gem, or Diamond in the Rough in the music business. If the masses tap into his positive messages he could be bigger than any of us realize at the moment. Peter Galperin is a huge Licensing Deal waiting to happen and as time goes by we will no doubt see what happens. In the meantime it's nice to know in this saturated market there are still writers out there who how know how to remain true to themselves. Peter Galperin is one of those artists. In close, most famous artists out there have "it", I'm not so sure what it is, but Peter Galperin definitely has whatever "it" may be.

Michael Morrison -musicemissions.com - www.musicemissions.com


""...reminiscent of classic David Byrne, Grateful Dead, Oingo Boingo, Talking Heads and perhaps a splash of Jimmy Buffet.""

New York based singer/songwriter Peter Galperin releases his latest effort entitled Perfect World Today in 2010. Galperin is no stranger to the business having composed music for a variety of dance performances and independent film soundtracks.

The CD gently takes flight with “Hey Little One” a smooth moving psychedelic ditty that serves up steady rock groove against catchy vocal melodies, harmonies and hooky chorus from Galperin. Track 2 keeps things moving with “Wonder of the World” an upbeat melody full of catchy horn section, clever lyrical content and mesmerizing vocal melody line from Galperin. Track 3 “Action Figure Hero” is my personal favorite serving up yet another up-beat rock ditty that peaks and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic David Byrne, Grateful Dead, Oingo Boingo, Talking Heads and perhaps a splash of Jimmy Buffet. This CD makes a pretty solid first impression. Right from the start you will notice rich musical textures overflowing everywhere, full of warmth, variety and strong melodic structure. I would classify this music as acoustic pop rock, with a slight aftertaste of Alternative to Psychedelic Rock. The songs themselves are addictive and passionate complete with positive subject matter. Along the way you will notice brilliant flashes of rich conventional wisdom that is golden. The musicianship of this band is pretty solid across the board. The players themselves write and play there parts extremely well song for song. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice lush layers of instrumentation layered along the way. From well-placed Horn section, Piano, Keyboard accents, percussive Accents, solid rhythm section and well placed harmonies. Galperin’s voice works well across the board and fills the sonic space peacefully and unobtrusively. I especially liked how Galperin just refuses to try to hard. By track 4 the CD hits solid stride dishing out solid tracks back to back. From grooving “A Decent Cup” to catchy “Perfect World Today” to hypnotic “Bran New Gadget” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 7 “You Know It’s Over” the perfect final statement.

All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. I wish Galperin took more zany and crazy vocal risks every now to match the musical format. I wish he sealed the deal more during some of the finale moments thus pushing the emotional envelope a bit harder. With a 7 song line-up the CD feels more like an EP than a full length release.

Perfect World Today is a very impressive musical production from start to finish. The music is clean, goes down smooth and& the messages are upbeat and zany sung from a very passionate and wise perspective. It’s strong suit – the wide musical variety and musical warmth of Galperin. He possesses enough musical talent and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. The musicianship is first rate. The vocal harmonies and melodic accents are brilliantly placed and extremely well crafted. The messages are packed to the hilt with rich conventional wisdom, but a rich sense of humor and satirical humor along the way. As a listener I remained entertained the entire time.

Cyrus Rhodes -The Muse's Muse - The Muse's Muse


""...reminiscent of classic David Byrne, Grateful Dead, Oingo Boingo, Talking Heads and perhaps a splash of Jimmy Buffet.""

New York based singer/songwriter Peter Galperin releases his latest effort entitled Perfect World Today in 2010. Galperin is no stranger to the business having composed music for a variety of dance performances and independent film soundtracks.

The CD gently takes flight with “Hey Little One” a smooth moving psychedelic ditty that serves up steady rock groove against catchy vocal melodies, harmonies and hooky chorus from Galperin. Track 2 keeps things moving with “Wonder of the World” an upbeat melody full of catchy horn section, clever lyrical content and mesmerizing vocal melody line from Galperin. Track 3 “Action Figure Hero” is my personal favorite serving up yet another up-beat rock ditty that peaks and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic David Byrne, Grateful Dead, Oingo Boingo, Talking Heads and perhaps a splash of Jimmy Buffet. This CD makes a pretty solid first impression. Right from the start you will notice rich musical textures overflowing everywhere, full of warmth, variety and strong melodic structure. I would classify this music as acoustic pop rock, with a slight aftertaste of Alternative to Psychedelic Rock. The songs themselves are addictive and passionate complete with positive subject matter. Along the way you will notice brilliant flashes of rich conventional wisdom that is golden. The musicianship of this band is pretty solid across the board. The players themselves write and play there parts extremely well song for song. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice lush layers of instrumentation layered along the way. From well-placed Horn section, Piano, Keyboard accents, percussive Accents, solid rhythm section and well placed harmonies. Galperin’s voice works well across the board and fills the sonic space peacefully and unobtrusively. I especially liked how Galperin just refuses to try to hard. By track 4 the CD hits solid stride dishing out solid tracks back to back. From grooving “A Decent Cup” to catchy “Perfect World Today” to hypnotic “Bran New Gadget” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 7 “You Know It’s Over” the perfect final statement.

All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. I wish Galperin took more zany and crazy vocal risks every now to match the musical format. I wish he sealed the deal more during some of the finale moments thus pushing the emotional envelope a bit harder. With a 7 song line-up the CD feels more like an EP than a full length release.

Perfect World Today is a very impressive musical production from start to finish. The music is clean, goes down smooth and& the messages are upbeat and zany sung from a very passionate and wise perspective. It’s strong suit – the wide musical variety and musical warmth of Galperin. He possesses enough musical talent and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. The musicianship is first rate. The vocal harmonies and melodic accents are brilliantly placed and extremely well crafted. The messages are packed to the hilt with rich conventional wisdom, but a rich sense of humor and satirical humor along the way. As a listener I remained entertained the entire time.

Cyrus Rhodes -The Muse's Muse - The Muse's Muse


""...in the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest...""

Putting socially incisive lyrics together with a toe-tapping folk-rock beat is tried and true, yet the genre gets a lift with Perfect World Today, the 2011 CD from NYC-based pop-rock innovator Peter Galperin. I could see fans of mid ‘60s folk rockers such as The Byrds, Lovin’ Spoonful and Donovan digging where Galperin is coming from on Perfect World Today. Written, recorded and produced by Galperin over the past year, Perfect World Today also blends in some fine electric guitar and keyboard work. Although it’s just seven tracks, Perfect World Today covers a lot of ground musically and overall, the CD provides a solid foundation for Galperin’s singing, songwriting, guitar and keyboard style and studio expertise. In the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest, Galperin isn’t afraid to merge some Afro-Latin rhythms or even smooth jazz fusion into the mix and several cuts even sound samba and bossa nova inspired. A Seattle native, Galperin has spent the past 30 years in NYC and likewise, he was greatly influenced by the music of David Bowie, Talking Heads and Laurie Anderson. With the CD release of Perfect World Today, Peter Galperin has created an authentic sonic destination worthy of return visits.

Robert Steven Silverstein -Music Web Express 3000 - Music Web Express 3000 – www.mwe3.com


""...in the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest...""

Putting socially incisive lyrics together with a toe-tapping folk-rock beat is tried and true, yet the genre gets a lift with Perfect World Today, the 2011 CD from NYC-based pop-rock innovator Peter Galperin. I could see fans of mid ‘60s folk rockers such as The Byrds, Lovin’ Spoonful and Donovan digging where Galperin is coming from on Perfect World Today. Written, recorded and produced by Galperin over the past year, Perfect World Today also blends in some fine electric guitar and keyboard work. Although it’s just seven tracks, Perfect World Today covers a lot of ground musically and overall, the CD provides a solid foundation for Galperin’s singing, songwriting, guitar and keyboard style and studio expertise. In the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest, Galperin isn’t afraid to merge some Afro-Latin rhythms or even smooth jazz fusion into the mix and several cuts even sound samba and bossa nova inspired. A Seattle native, Galperin has spent the past 30 years in NYC and likewise, he was greatly influenced by the music of David Bowie, Talking Heads and Laurie Anderson. With the CD release of Perfect World Today, Peter Galperin has created an authentic sonic destination worthy of return visits.

Robert Steven Silverstein -Music Web Express 3000 - Music Web Express 3000 – www.mwe3.com


""... finally a songwriter that gets it ...an amazing feel good groove...""

Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, and even alternative rock bands slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something that makes me feel good. Something that’s pure and is going to kick me in the heart. Something that doesn’t sound like the same old same old – bands like Nikelback. Give me music that does what it’s supposed to do – make me feel good. Someone – give me something real.

So across my desk slides the latest CD from New York’s own Peter Galperin entitled "Perfect World Today". The titles implies just that, because what I heard put a smile on my face, finally a songwriter that gets it with music in the vein of Xavier Rudd, Jack Johnson, Accoustacism, and even a modern splash of Jimmy Buffet. This latest release from Galperin is some of the best new music I’ve heard in quite some time and delivers many of the aforementioned items I spoke of. You want feel good grooves, impressive songs, you want dance grooves that are packed to the hilt with amazing instrumentation that will make you feel like you are at a beach party? Look no further. This CD covers all the bases delivering solid playing coupled with amazing songwriting, solid production touches and an amazing feel good groove that will make your day a brighter place without even trying. At the end of the day it has a musical flair that just lets it all hang out.

Peter Galperin is not for one second faking anything about who he is. He is the genuine article. This CD is what we’ve all been waiting for. It’s a polished sounding musical production from start to finish served up hot with great playing, solid writing, singing and is just a fun filled musical experience. It’s definitely a musical production that gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing, relatively undiscovered artist from New York and takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well, Nikelback.

Kevin Huber - skopemag.com - skopemag.com


""Truly original material...a lot to offer the serious music lover.""

New Yorker Peter Galperin has released this seven track mini album / EP entitled “Perfect World Today” in 2010. Already amassing universal support and critical acclaim as being a taste of ‘real’ and truly original material, the album is much more than just easy listening. Sure, you can put your feet up and chill to this collection of sensitive and subtly stirring music as it certainly goes down very easy. However, that would be missing a real trick as Galperin’s smooth tunes and thoughtful lyrics have a lot to offer the serious music lover. Peter has penned these perfect pieces but also produced the album himself, which is a sure-fire way of telling me that the songs appear exactly the way the artist intended them to be – uncluttered and without the corporate spin from the record execs. Always a bonus.

”Hey Little One” is an amazing opening track launching the collection with a vibey laid-back bossa nova groove, setting the scene for what’s to come. Peter’s voice is relaxed and confident, even when dropping in simple harmonies to embellish the lead vocal. The second song “Wonders of The World” slips into salsa mode for just shy of 5 minutes long. I can hear shades of Roxy Music and maybe even a touch of the mighty Talking Heads. Some very interesting flavours are offered up here. For the third track “Action Figure Hero”, Peter continues the salsa beat to which he sets a slightly more rhythmic vocal melody. Again the harmonies are beautifully subtle and sublime. His lyrics here question American politics of late, particularly foreign policy and military operations in the Middle East. In stark and superb contrast, the next track “A Decent Cup” refers to the quest for a quality brew! Peter utilizes some mid-African rhythms here, reminiscent of Paul Simon’s blockbusting “Graceland” album, but there are other appropriate and well-placed flavours particularly in the form of the understated accordian. The title track “Perfect World Today” is an poignant look at our 21st Century landscape from materialism and consumerism all the way to politics, warfare and terrorism. By far and away, my favourite track has to be “Brand New Gadget”. A dark and mysterious piece, offering us something different again, yet still expertly in-keeping with the style of the rest of the set. The latinesque melodies and beautiful arrangement make this a real stand out track and an obvious lead single. The mini album reaches it’s conclusion with the gracefully sparse and emotive “You Know It’s Over” another bossa nova rhythm with a little more darkness and mystique.

The overall mix of this CD is not exactly legendary, however, what it lacks in sonic vibrancy it more than makes up for in musical prowess and entertainment value. It has been carefully mastered not to be over-cooked and I’m glad that there are still artists and engineers out there attempting to preserve the true dynamic of sound rather than squeezing the life out of it. Hats off to who-ever held back on the big compression lever! Perhaps the only real negative point I can make here is that the album is far too short. With material this good, it leaves you feeling just a little deflated when the disk stops just short of 30 minutes.

In conclusion, this album offers so much substance and genuine class that all Peter really needs is to stay true to himself and continue churning out great quality material like this. A follow up can only build on what is already a decent set. It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to review a CD of this calibre and this is definitely an artist that I will be keeping a close eye on in the future.

– Neil Thomas (UK) - www.rocknrollview.com


""Sizzle... a 96%.""

muzik-10, mojo-9, magik-10, musicianship-10, mix-10, message-10, mass appeal-10, meteorology-sizzle, might I spin this at a part-hell yes, might I recommend this to a friend-hell yes, most fav-Perfect World Today, my mark-99%. - janvanzee.blogspot.com


""Sizzle... a 96%.""

muzik-10, mojo-9, magik-10, musicianship-10, mix-10, message-10, mass appeal-10, meteorology-sizzle, might I spin this at a part-hell yes, might I recommend this to a friend-hell yes, most fav-Perfect World Today, my mark-99%. - janvanzee.blogspot.com


""...Jimmy Buffet meet Barenaked Ladies...a musical vacation...zanily brilliant.""

You get that feeling sometimes when you hear a song. That feeling when you realize that the song or artist goes a lot deeper than the next Independent Artist. Peter Galperin’s “Perfect World Today” does just that.

“Perfect World Today” is a CD that goes deeper than the next Indie Artist and is mostly the work of one man – Peter Galperin, who is based out of New York. The result though is far from a self-indulgent ego trip. Instead, it is a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not dark-trippy rock, instead Mr. Galperin could be classed as one artist that has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of poetic splendor. This is clearly evident in songs like “Hey Little One”, "Action Figure Hero” and the invigorating title track. These songs and others methodically up the ante to a very respectable level of artistic craftsmanship and brilliant creativity. Equally as imperative, the music is commercially viable, but amazingly witty, and eccentric nonetheless with a fresh sound and a comical view on reality. In a nutshell, this is Jimmy Buffet meet Barenaked Ladies. Not every square inch is filled with a vocal delivery under duress – but musical space that allows the music to breathe. This music is comparable to a musical vacation of sorts for the mind, body and soul, with music that can be described as zany musical exuberance. To be honest, I wish it were only longer.

I would imagine in time we will hear more from this very creative composer. Peter Galperin is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, unique, uplifting and dare I say zanily brilliant.

Rating: 4/5
- indiemindymusic.blogspot.com


""... an undiscovered Danny Elfman... an amazing CD.""

The Artist – I recently checked out the latest CD from New York based singer-songwriter Peter Galperin entitled Perfect World Today (2010). Galperin is no stranger to the music business, as an accomplished writer he has synched his music into many TV and Films soundtracks over the years.

The band – The playing abilities of Galperin are pretty solid across the board. I would say he possesses advanced playing abilities and elite writing skills. There are no liner notes so I assume all the playing and production work is to Galperin's credit. Timing seems to be spot on within the catchy Alternative Rock, Pop Rock grooves. Galperin's voice is very effective as he delivers many solid vocal performances that match this style of music perfectly. Song for song his voice is very appealing, unique and emotional. The music – Upbeat, funny, interesting, thought provoking, melodic, passionate and extremely entertaining. Musical textures reminiscent of They Might Be Giants, Jack Johnson but with an undeniable Caribbean aftertaste reminiscent of say a Jiffy Buffet. If you like those kinds of artists you will no doubt get a kick out of this CD. The songs – One word - amazing. Let me go on record to say Galperin is a very gifted storyteller. He almost reminds me of a undiscovered Danny Elfman. His perspective as a writer when it comes to relating to the everyday listener goes beyond brilliant. All songs are very simple yet effective, conservative, highly original and straight from the heart. It strikes the prefect balance between Alternative Rock and upbeat quirky pop that is interestingly eccentric. Galperin is clearly being himself as a songwriter and this is what comes out of the other end. My favorite song on the CD is "Wonders of the World" The vibe – Great vibe. Upbeat and positive. Perfect for late night college parties, coffeehouses, or even magazine shops. The production delivers a lot of musical variety. Galperin is not trying to be some popish artist striving for mass appeal. He’s just being himself. The CD refuses to try too hard and that’s what makes it so amazing. The good – Very likeable record – amazing songs, solid playing and writing. Fun to listen to. Galperin is a master songwriter and has a producers touch and feel. The bad – It's fair to say this CD is a bit short. A few more songs would make this one of the best full length releases I've heard in a long while. The ugly – Nothing to report.

The verdict – Perfect World Today by Peter Galperin is an amazing CD. The songwriting is clearly World Class. The production gets it’s point across with a wide variety of instrumentation and feel good grooves. The most amazing thing about this CD is Galperins' brilliant perspective as a storyteller, songwriter and producer. The song for song vibe via Galperin's amazing charm, touch, vocal personality and vocal presence are to die for. He’s clearly a premier talent and one would be wise to keep a watchful eye on him over the next several years.

Markus Druery
Indieshark Music Critic - indieshark.com


""A dry sense of humor is one of his strongest assets.""

The music world is full of recordings that strive for bigness in every way: big melodies, big hooks and choruses, big productions. There is nothing wrong with that approach, but there is also something to be said for subtlety, restraint and understatement. New York City-based singer/songwriter Peter Galperin (who is originally from the Pacific Northwest) demonstrates that he is fond of subtlety on his album Perfect World Today. Musically and lyrically, as well as vocally, Galperin is so subtle and so understated that his work doesn’t necessarily jump out at the listener right away. Someone who isn’t paying really close attention could easily allow this 29-minute, seven-song CD to quietly fade into the background. But Perfect World Today is not meant to serve as background music, and the more one absorbs his work, the more obvious it becomes that Galperin is a clever lyricist with insightful and interesting things to say.

Galperin’s material is adult alternative pop-rock with elements of jazz and world music (including Latin, African and Caribbean music). No one will mistake Galperin for a hardcore jazz vocalist such as Mark Murphy, Ian Shaw, Jon Hendricks or Kurt Elling. Adult alternative is the CD’s dominant element, but the jazz influence is definitely there. And arguably, the type of jazz that has affected his pop-rock the most is cool jazz, which is essentially a laid-back, relaxed, quietly introspective approach to bop. Galperin, who produced and engineered this album in April 2010 and wrote all of the songs by himself, is equally laid-back and relaxed. Even though he won’t shout, scream or yell to grab one’s attention, he gets his points across while singing about sexual enhancement products on “Brand New Gadget,” the search for quality coffee on “A Decent Cup” and the travel industry on “Wonders of the World.”

A dry sense of humor is one of his strongest assets. On the overtly political “Action Figure Hero,” for example, he has a healthy laugh at the expense of so-called “neoconservatism” and U.S. foreign policy. “Action Figure Hero” could have turned into an angry, in-your-face protest song, a la Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, and Ani DiFranco, but that isn’t Galperin’s style. He would rather use mild sarcasm and his dry sense of humor to explain why he doesn’t think much of neocons or the U.S. military actions in developing countries. Even though “Action Figure Hero” makes some of the same points that Rage Against the Machine made on their 1996 hit “Bulls on Parade,” he makes them in a totally different fashion. The dry humor also prevails on “Wonders of the World” and “Perfect World Today,” a commentary on the blandness and sterility of American suburbia.

Galperin employs a Brazilian bossa nova beat on “Hey, Little One” and the dark, moody “You Know It’s Over,” which is about a romantic relationship that ends in violence. “You Know It’s Over” isn’t jazz per se, but is a good example of how jazz can influence adult alternative pop-rock. Bossa nova, of course, gained popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when João Gilberto, Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Charlie Byrd and others combined cool jazz with Brazilian samba; Galperin is obviously well aware of that part of jazz history and Brazilian history, and he sees no reason why that history cannot influence someone with an adult alternative pop-rock orientation. Nor does he hesitate to incorporate elements of Afro-Cuban salsa on “Action Figure Hero” and “Wonders of the World” or African pop (that is, pop from Sub-Saharan Africa rather than Arabic North Africa) on “A Decent Cup.”

Perfect World Today is a consistently appealing demonstration of Galperin’s skills as a singer/songwriter, and a completely worthy listen.

Review by Alex Henderson
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) - www.reviewyou.com


""...great songs... unique perspective... fun, audience-engaging performance...""

Galperin writes great songs from a unique, world-music perspective, and gives a fun, audience-engaging live performance. He is always welcome on stage at the world-famous Bitter End in New York's Greenwich Village. - Larry Oakes, Founder of Singer/Songwriter Sessions at The Bitter End


""...great songs, unique, engaging performance, always welcome on our stage...""

Peter Galperin writes great songs from a unique point of view, and always gives a fun, audience-engaging live performance. He's real crowd pleaser, and he's always welcome on our stage at the world-famous Bitter End in New York City's Greenwich Village. - Larry Oakes, club manager, The Bitter End singer/songwriter sessions


""A very sophisticated affair...""

"Perfect World Today", Peter Galperin's debut CD feels like you are having a very sophisticated, illicit affair with a Brazilian woman of dubious origins. It's incredible to listen to in the morning, over a cup of coffee, with the feeling of a great day ahead. - Daniel Kadin, NYC promoter


""A very sophisticated affair...""

"Perfect World Today", Peter Galperin's debut CD feels like you are having a very sophisticated, illicit affair with a Brazilian woman of dubious origins. It's incredible to listen to in the morning, over a cup of coffee, with the feeling of a great day ahead. - Daniel Kadin, NYC promoter


Discography

"A Disposable Life" on Jetty Records, an 8-song CD was released in April, 2013.

"Perfect World Today" on Jetty Records, a 7-song self-produced debut CD was released in May, 2010.

Photos

Bio

"...sounds like a young Leonard Cohen as produced by Phil Spector."
Music Web Express 3000 (mwe3.com)

"...in the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest..."
Music Web Express 3000 (mwe3.com)

Peter Galperin writes songs about the people, places and things that he loves, with a healthy combination of humor, skepticism, and honesty. He admits to what he doesn't understand, questions what he already knows, and asks his listeners to join him in viewing life from a different angle.

Peter Galperin performs, writes and records in a unique hybrid style that fuses the rhythms of South America and Africa with rock melodies and a lyrical sense of humor. With a Russian classical violinist father and a Canadian cellist mother, Peter was surrounded by music from birth. Active in the grunge rock scene in Seattle, WA with his band The Excuses, he later moved to NYC and began performing at CBGBs, The Bitter End, The National Underground, and many other downtown venues. He has collaborated with producer/saxophonist Robert Aaron (David Bowie, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson), and guitarist Wayne Kramer (MC5) on various projects, and has composed and recorded music for dance performances at The Kitchen Performance Space, film soundtracks for the Brooklyn Art Museum, and numerous corporate video projects.

For the past 15 years he has immersed himself in South American and African music. The result is his unique style fusing Latin rhythms and sounds with short, humorous stories still-lifes for an increasingly busy age that ask us to examine the world in a fresh light.