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CAUTION! Peter Mayer is a most amazing fellow, and his marvelous live holiday music performance Stars & Promises Alive comes in two formats: DVD & CD. Although the Stars & Promises Alive name is the same, the content is strikingly different. The CD has a full 13 tracks; the DVD has only 9 tracks, but includes extensive behind-the-scenes information and helpful biographical information about the artists. Both the CD and DVD are reviewed on this site (DVD review).

If you are a Peter Mayer groupie, a diehard fan who perhaps already owns this CD or has attended one of Mayer's incredibly popular Christmas concerts in Nashville, consider skipping this review entirely and going straight to the excellent DVD, which provides an abbreviated look at the live performance, but includes interviews and other excitement (the link is above).

If you are unfamiliar with Mayer, consider taking a good hard look at a wonderfully talented fellow who is a folk/pop king à la James Taylor. This is adult contemporary music at its finest. Mayer is smooth without being slick, folksy without being country. Known initially for his work as one of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band members (in fact, there is considerable overlap between the Coral Reefers and Mayer's band here), Mayer has increasingly advanced his solo artistry. And well he should.

Stars & Promises Alive is a beautiful album. It features 13 tracks; of these, seven are Mayer's own originals, another two were co-written by Mayer with other band members, and Mayer handled the arrangements on another two. So when you get right down to it, Peter Mayer's impressive handprints are all over the album! Of Mayer's original numbers, all are nicely conceived and well-executed. I found "The Story of Christmas" and "Hey Joseph" to be the most compelling; the lyrics are great, the melodies sweep the listener along with high spirits, and the tracks' overall feel is a perfect fit for the holiday season. "Sing Joy" is another extremely memorable tune with intelligent, moving lyrics. Given my love for holiday medleys, I also especially enjoyed "Christmas Overture," which is a clever Mayer arrangement of three well-loved carols ("I Saw Three Ships," "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel," "Joy To The World"). This instrumental medley runs the gamut of emotions and features some cookin' guitar and violin solos. The jazzy "Stars and Promises" reflects a superb samba sentiment; I dare you to remain still in your seat as the music lifts you. Mark Holland's flute solo on "Love Is Born Anew" is a sensation.

I could go on and on. This CD is solid throughout--it's all good. For those who prefer the smooth sophistication of a polished folk/pop performer, Peter Mayer may well be your man. He's a terrific singer-songwriter, and his Stars & Promises Alive may make your holiday spirits come alive again and again. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Stars & Promises Alive--A Story of Christmas includes not only concert footage from the Blair School of Music, "Christmas in September" as recorded for the Stars & Promises Alive CD, but also exclusive interviews with Peter and Jim Mayer, photos from their childhood in India, behind the scenes rehearsal footage, an impromptu clip of "Lonely Broccoli" performed by Jim Mayer and Lilibeth, and thoughts about chocolate doughnuts by India Mayer.

Ring in this Christmas with a stellar group of musicians assembled by Peter Mayer and experience what brings the Stars & Promises Tour and this Story of Christmas Alive!

Features Peter Mayer on guitars and vocals, Jim Mayer on acoustic and electric basses, Roger Guth on drums, R. Scott Bryan on percussion and vocals, Mark Holland on native flute and wind instruments, Vince Varvel on guitar, a trio of string players, bell players, a girl's choir and special guest artists Mac McAnally, Tina Gullickson and Brendan Mayer.

From the Web site:

For anyone who has attended one of Peter's magical Christmas concerts, this is a reminder of that special event, which you can replay throughout the year. For those of you who haven't yet had the opportunity to witness the musical spirit of Christmas, as presented by Peter and friends, this DVD is the next best thing to being there!

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Peter Mayer has been quietly and steadily building a fervent following across the country, stepping outside his role as one of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefers to front his own band, The Peter Mayer Group. Melding a unique and eclectic writing style, a distinctive voice, and virtuoso musicianship, Peter and his band create compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance.

Joining Peter on stage are:

Jim Mayer, his brother, who shines on both electric and upright acoustic bass, and has played with a diversity of performers. He has co-written songs on Romeo's Garage and other collaborations with Peter, as well as with Jimmy Buffett.

Roger Guth, drummer for the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Mose Allison and James Moody, and songwriter whose songs have been performed by Vanessa Williams, Jimmy Buffett and others.

Vince Varvel, one of St. Louis' top guitar players, has been a mainstay of the band for four years and brings his brilliant sense of harmony and texture to the group.

Scott Bryan, a talented vocalist, percussionist and multi instrumentalist who comes to the band after touring, recording and songwriting with Sheryl Crow for the last five years. Scott has shared the stage with an impressive array of performers from Sting to the Rolling Stones.

Peter's life began in Tamilnadu, the far southern region of India, where his parents served as missionaries for 17 years before returning to their Missouri roots. Musical influences from that period of his life can be heard in his playing. Peter recalls, "I can remember Indian musicians giving Christmas concerts in my parents' house. Wildly playing drums and flutes, shakers and bells, they would go on for hours and hours." He went on to study formal theory and composition, and to teach jazz guitar as a faculty member of Webster University.

Peter Mayer

Stars & Promises Alive: A Story of Christmas

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Track List