Pete Belasco | Lights On

Pete Belasco
Lights On
(Eaak Music)
By Brent Faulkner

On Pete Belasco’s third studio album Lights On, which arrives seven years after his last, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist/saxophonist covers smooth jazz, R&B, and soul styles. According to his bio (www.petebelasco.com), Belasco’s music career began as a pianist, though he eventually focused on the saxophone, playing in various bands during high school and studying it in college. An accident in which Belasco broke both hands ended up being the precipitator for Belasco’s singing voice and the influence of a variety of musicians and styles. The rest proves to be history as Belasco synthesizes his many talents and inspirations to their fullest on Lights On. Always pleasant, even when occasionally ‘sleepy’ and casual, Lights On is an album that can serve as soundtrack to multiple occasions.

The album kicks off with the cool “I Ain’t Doin It,” which highlights Belasco’s inescapably sensual vocal tone. The cut is relatively simple but it is that simplicity and soulfulness that makes “I Ain’t Doin’ It” a splendid opener. Sure, Belasco may be ever ‘too casual’ at times vocally, but it is that ‘casual’ performance that is part of the ‘charm.’ Similarly on the title track that follows, Belasco barely breaks a sweat even though the temperature has ‘percolated.’ “Lights On” is a grinding, sensual cut finding Belasco continuing with his lovely, understated vocals. Straddling smooth jazz and contemporary R&B, the production and sound are lovely.

“Rock It” smartly changes the pace where sound is concerned. The synthetic sounds (of acoustic instruments) are lovely as is the totality of the orchestration. The six-feel changes the groove contributing a more traditional, light jazz sound. Belasco’s falsetto is killer, as are his acoustic piano lines. The biggest issue is that at over five minutes, the cut sometimes comes off too restrained or a bit sleepy. The tempo speeds up with “Down” though Belasco remains ‘tried and true’ with his signature laid-back vocal style. The bridge is a highlight where a jazz-leaning harmonic scheme underpins. “My Eyes” truly shines, delivering an excellent groove and a fine harmonic progression. The refrain is certainly the most catchy and memorable of the CD: “People I’ve been hypnotized by the girls who have my eyes…” Lush, lazy, and colorful in palette, “My Eyes” is a home run.

“Repay You” has a hard act to follow but the pacing of the composition is strong. The urban sound is lush and smooth, two things Belasco excels at consistently. “Stubborn (Stay Focused)” is more on the level of “My Eyes,” on which Belasco opts for an overt, retro-soul sound. The songwriting is particularly strong here while musically there are some clever touches. “Later” finds Belasco ‘switching things up’ with an easy-swinging cut. The use of horns is a fine facet of the overall timbre, not to mention Belasco’s ‘tongue-in-cheek’ approach. “One” concedes little, maintaining a throughout.

“Just Me” reveals an overt jazz sound, featuring saxophone and organ throughout. “Sweeter,” another highlight, has a nice understated gospel-jazz nature particularly on the refrain. The use of strings, organ, and acoustic piano help put this cut over the top with brilliant orchestration. The lyrics are equally alluring as Belasco chivalrously and humbly sings: “My life is sweeter since you came home / Sweeter, sweeter…” “Who’s the Man” shocks by opening with cacophony, though eventually settles into `70s soul/jazz fare. Two mixes of previous cuts close the effort in “My Eyes (Organic Mix)” and “One (Organic Mix).”

For the most part, Lights On is a fine smooth jazz/R&B effort. Belasco always sounds refined and a class-act and his compositions are solid. If there are any quibbles, they are that sometimes there are some ‘sleepy,’ over-casual moments where perhaps some more overt ideas or extra assertion would have placed the cut over the top. Regardless, Belasco’s charm is his lazy, romantic delivery which is never compromised and always accentuated.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene