Pete Scales – Blue Without You (Album Review)

Today’s review features Pete Scales’ new album “Blue Without You.”

Pete Scales began his musical journey at a church talent show in the farm community of Pine Brook, New Jersey, in 1958. In 1968, while studying at Syracuse University, he sold his last clarinet to buy his first guitar and began writing songs. Over the next decade, he performed solo and in bands in countless bars, clubs, and coffeehouses in the Syracuse to Ithaca corridor. In 2002, Pete became a solo contemporary Christian singer, doing covers of hits and old hymns in church worship and funeral services across the country until he retired from singing in 2023. Pete has released four CDs before Blue Without You, one of his Christian covers, and three CDs of original songs. Blue Without You is Pete’s new collection of original songs written and recorded from 1970 to 2001, and what he calls “the best 12 songs I wrote in a long musical career.” 

After 50+ years as a musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, Pete is releasing his best songs from that journey on this new album. It’s a collection reflecting an eclectic mix of jazz-inflected pop, country, and blues. This is a timeless collection of songs from a masterful songwriter.

So let’s have a listen…

Blue Without You – a folk song, not a blues song. Starts off with a nice fingerpicking riff. Pete has a good voice for this style of music. Reminds me a bit of John Denver. Acoustic guitar and bass. A violin or fiddle joins in during the middle break. Some very nice, interesting chord changes. A nice storytelling song. The guitar comes across as “jangly.” “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, sitting here being Blue Without You.”

Mary Lou – Starts off with an acoustic guitar doing a strumming/picking riff with a bass guitar added. Very folk. Drums join in. A faster rhythm. Like the mountain highlands. Some nice chord changes, incorporating minor chords in the extended turnaround. Very boxy-sounding acoustic guitar.

For Awhile – Starts off with a mellow-sounding strummed acoustic guitar. I’m loving the intricate chord changes in this song. A violin/fiddle joins in to add emotion and atmosphere. A very lovely and sweet folk song.

Arouse Me When You Rouse Me – Starts off with a blues acoustic guitar riff. Some cool chord changes and old-style blues-riffing. I’m loving the varied blues chord riffs littered throughout this song.

One Half Short of Being Whole – Nice opening riff. Joined by a keyboard string section. Pete is masterful at his use of chord changes to add interest and emotion to his sonic creations.

We’re Past Our Dancin’ Days – A very nice stummed/picked acoustic guitar riff. Very mellow. Reminds me of Dan Fogelberg. Loving the rising chord riff right before the vocal payoff. I like how Pete uses the chords to create and support an interesting vocal melody. Lovely song, this one.

Melissa – Not the Allman Brothers song, instead a very mellow chord riff, followed by some jazz changes. “Melissa, won’t you please keep some kind of light on? I’ll be there when the sun goes down.” Loving when Pete gets into his upper register, vocally.

She Can Do Me – Starts off like an old Beatles tune. But a very mountain-sounding guitar-picking riff. The chord changes in this song are masterful. They keep the song moving and quite interesting. “She can do me like nobody can.”

For You It Was Love – A very folksy blues tune. Old-style blues. “I’ll pay whatever price for you.” Loving all the interesting chord changes. These songs deserve a listen and a special place in your heart. Well-done.

Tears Just Don’t Dry – The opening chord reminded me of “A Horse with No Name.” Very nice folk stylings on the acoustic guitar. “Now those tears just don’t dry.” A song begging for love, and if not, to be let down gently.

Grandma Needs Your Prayers – Starts very somber. The guitar is not as loud in this song, and the voice seems more in the background. Maybe recorded at a different studio? The high-end jumps out in this mix of the acoustic guitar. “Now she’s in the same boat that he (grandpa) spent his last years on.” Very nice songwriting.

It’s a Very Nice Ferry – The acoustic guitar is back, loud and proud. This is a slow-moving riff. The vocals could be louder in this mix to better compete with the acoustic guitar’s volume.

Overall, a very lovely ride through the artist’s songwriting career. Hopefully, Pete will keep writing. His songs are very interesting and enjoyable. I think the acoustic guitar in most of these songs is very jangly, as happens with old acoustic guitars. But the use of complex and interesting chord changes to support his varied melodies is quite masterful.

SCORE/Excellent: Pete Scales delivers his 12 best songs of his career in this compilation album. His use of complex and interesting chords is masterful. The melodies and lyrics reflect years of heartache and songwriting experience. I only hope he keeps writing more songs, and these are truly a treasure. If you love good folk music, listen to this album. Much love, Beth

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Artist Website: Peter Scales Music