East meets West over the High Seas

A review of Pepe the Pyrate, Adventures Volume 1 by Samra Rose

     Pepe the Pyrate (Joe Michael) and his soulful guitar stylings sail over, within, and beside the exotic rhythms of the Middle East in this first release, Adventures Volume 1.  The magic and yearning that attracts adults and children alike to "pirating" is the perceived freedom from rules, limits, and land.  From the first drumbeat and cannon roar in "Cannons at Sea" to the delightful antics of Pepe's "crew" in the sea chanties, the listener is freed of restraints and taken on a high seas adventure from the serious to the silly.

     In Part One, the PyrateFest collection, the listener begins on the high seas, makes port in New Orleans, and then sets sail to the islands for shore leave.  Born and raised in Memphis, the sultry influence of the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock and roll is unmistakable as Pepe works his magic.  Innovatively and unexpectedly the rhythms of the Middle East are seamlessly woven throughout the pieces in such a way that the compositions evidence an entirely new genre of music.

     As the mournful strings in the Reprise quietly settle and you feel the island breeze as you take off your cutlass and lift the rum, Pepe's "crew" (the many sides and voices of Pepe), remind you that , you are, after all, a pirate!  Drunken Sailor, a well known and loved chanty takes on new life with Pepe and his crew as Part 2 of this grand adventure begins.  Adults and children alike will be enchanted by Pepe's crew and their creative interpretation of some classic favorites. PG-13