Perry Acker
Gig Harbor, Washington, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Gig Harbor-based Perry Acker's debut studio album "Path to Freedom" is a shining example of the band's high-polished, high-talent and highly-smooth music.
A mix of smooth jazz, soft crooning vocals, and mellow classic rock basics, "Path to Freedom" is feel-good jam-styled music with enough gumption to take center stage, as well as serve as an easy-on-the-soul backdrop for all the recent sunny days in the Pacific Northwest.
Perry Acker's first full-length release showcases a line-up of songs their growing fan-base has already gotten to know in their live performances, mixing catchy pop melodies, with offbeat instrumental breakdowns, and downright sexy undertones.
Perry Acker, formed during front man and songwriter Pete Johnson's high school days with drummer Grady Lester and bassist Brandon Meade, was named after Johnson's great-grandfather - an accomplished Northwest landscape painter and artist.
Over the last two years, and with the addition of Pete's brother Mark Johnson on keys and guitarist Rick Powers, Perry Acker has made name for themselves locally and nationally as they fine-tune their sound that has been compared to a modern day Beatles due to their clean image and range of musical expression, according to the band's website.
In February 2011, Perry Acker won Ford Motor's national battle of the bands, "Gimme the Gig" competition, which allowed them to record their debut album with seven-time Grammy winning producer Don Was last spring.?The touch of professionalism due to Was' influence on "Path to Freedom" definitely helps set Perry Acker apart from various other local acts, but the boys' live sets are a testament to their true musical talent in their equally smooth-as-silk live performances.
Twangy, jazz-laced extended guitar solos complement Pete's soulful and expressive vocals, which showcases the often emotional subject matter of his songs. Topics range from long-gone childhood dreams in "Spaceman" to struggling with internal fears in the summery "Stepping Stones."
Standout tracks on the album include Perry Acker's more sultry sounds, including "It's a Groovin' Life," instrumental "Out of the Woodwork" (which features an impressive saxophone solo by Paul Sawtelle) and fan favorite "Broke."
Catch Perry Acker Live Feb. 10 at the Nectar Lounge in Seattle with Cody Beebe - Tacoma Weekly
"The Perry Acker Band is always welcome at the "Stonegate". Two words, Great Talent! With their young positive energy, fresh originals, a clean rockin sound, and a full house of happy fans that always equates to a great night! Jeff Call - Owner of Stongate Rock Club" - Jeff Call, Stonegate Rock Club Owner
"Perry Acker! Most know that I'm kind of snobbish with my music. However, that doesn't mean I know everything. But I saw Perry Acker tonight at Jazzbones. Legit, impulsive, meaningful, talented and the band is all about the music. Jamiroquai meets Joe Cocker, has a relationship with Janis Joplin and hangs out with Hall & Oats while John Lennon sits in the corner offering inspiration." - Shane Ecklund - Tacoma
"Our next finalists is... (drum roll please!)... Perry Acker! Congrats! " - Mc'Rockin - FORD MOTOR CORP. @ Gimmethegig.com
"Creativity and melody aplenty in Gig Harbor band! " - John Larson, Tacoma Weekly
"One band in particular that captured our attention was a great new local group, Perry Acker. The group played and amazing set of melodic, pop, rock and jam music on the KISS FM Fisher Green Stage. Take The Beatles and The Grateful Dead, throw them in the mix and you have a beautiful sound that is perfect for a festival setting." - Greg Roth, Examiner.com / SMI
Discography
Place We Go (EP) 2009
Path To Freedom (Album) 2011
Photos
Bio
Perry Acker is an Award Winning and Emerging Artist to watch in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
2011 Album - Path to Freedom recorded with 7-Time Grammy Winning Producer Don Was. Perry Acker’s Path to Freedom also featured Guest Artists & Harmonica Virtuoso - Lee Oskar (WAR) on “Moon and the Tide” single. Perry Acker has already opened for National Recording Artists – Vicci Martinez, Neil Citron (Grammy Winning Guitarist) & Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, Free)
However, it’s ultimately Perry Acker's live show that generates the most enthusiastic reviews. Known for their dynamic live shows, Perry Acker returns the passion and melody for today’s music scene like the great bands of the 70’s (Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, etc.) Their fan base has compared them as a modern day Beatles group for their clean image, pop hooks and range of musical expression. Perry Acker’s sound is best described by vocalist/guitarist Pete Johnson, “Pop rock, blues… Dave Matthews meets John Mayer with a little bit of Fleetwood Mac and Super Tramp. Put them all in a bucket and mix it around."
Perry Acker has spent the last two years popularizing their unique sound and cranking out unforgettable music. In February 2011, the group’s hard work paid off when they won FORD’s National battle of the bands, Gimme The Gig competition. Due to that success, Perry Acker was chosen as the Winner by 7- Time Grammy Winning Producer Don Was.
However, it’s ultimately Perry Acker's live show that generates the most enthusiastic reviews.
“The group played an amazing set of melodic, pop, rock and jam music on the KISS FM Fisher Green Stage. Take The Beatles and The Grateful Dead, throw them in the mix and you have a beautiful sound that is perfect for a festival setting.”
– Greg Roth, Examiner
Perry Acker formed in Gig Harbor, Washington when vocalist/guitarist Pete Johnson, drummer Grady Lester and bassist Brandon Meade started making music together in high school. Several years later, Pete’s younger brother Mark Johnson joined them on the keyboard followed soon by guitarist Rick Powers. Named after Pete & Mark Johnson’s great-grandfather, Perry Acker was an accomplished Northwest landscape painter and artist.
It’s your turn to see this amazing live band. Then you will learn why there is always a “buzz” surrounding the band – Perry Acker
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