PETER TRAPPEN
Frequent Sea (Umpteen Music)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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This CD features very competent playing that is sometimes exquisite and moving, singing that works fine in the context of the music, and nothing embarrassing to detract from the final product. Don't worry about your forgetting your blood pressure medicine because you're not going to get any more worked up than you did when you first heard, say, the early Dire Straits albums. The energy level isn't going to get you out the door and on your way to work at 6 AM unless a latte is included. It's beautiful stuff, though, categorized as middle of the road pop, and the songs seem to be connected to tell a story of the pursuit of love. Trappen's other gig has been leading a 60s retro band called The White Owls, so this is probably a nice break for him. Or was. Frequent Sea was released in 2001. The more you listen, the more you appreciate Trappen's writing and the content of his heart. The back-to-back tunes "Melissa" and "Tomorrow Seems So Long," with their nearly seamless segue, might be the segment where you reach that level of appreciation. Or you may just feel Peter Trappen's got nothing new to say to you. Listen one more time, just in case. I say this for a reason. I almost dismissed this disc, but the second time was a charm, and the sixth time is pretty sweet too.

© 2002 - DJ Johnson