San Diego has long been a destination of choice by jazz artists for decades, thanks in large part to the musical promotion by radio station KIFM-98.1 and their “Smooth Jazz” followers. Dozens of world-renown musicians schedule annual pilgrimages to perform to their dedicated local fans at venues such as Humphreys-By-The-Way, Balboa Theater, the Embarcadero, and the various Native American gaming/entertainment centers. This past Saturday evening, the beautiful Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad played host to a one of these frequent San Diego visitors, jazz guitarist Peter White. Genteel in personality, White transforms into a six-string jester once he takes the stage, the combination of tropical, flamenco, and traditional jazz licks emanating from his guitar lapping his audience into a peaceful, yet rhythmic trance perhaps only likened to the experience of Odysseus when he encountered the Sirens.
White is no stranger to the San Diego region. He has played both solo and shared the marquee in partnership with many other stars on the smooth jazz scene on multiple “Guitars & Saxes” and “Jazz Attack” tours for over two decades. For those of us who have followed this humble yet fun-loving Englishman from the small town of Luton, just outside of London, his attraction is perhaps best summed up in White’s own words, as noted on his website, www.peterwhite.com:
“Over the years, I have become very comfortable as a performer. I feel a tremendous joy when I’m able to connect with my audience. The purpose of performing is not to show how clever I can be, but simply to invite everyone to have a good time. Meeting people after shows to sign CD’s and chat is also something which I like to do, whenever possible. It’s quite different from the days when I was just in the background getting little recognition!”
Find out what's happening in Carlsbadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
White delivered on all the “joys” to which he refers. He and his supporting band played a wide –range of White’s menu of past classics, three of which, “Ramon’s Revenge”, “Caravan of Dreams” and the aptly selected “San Diego” seemed to enrapture the audience. He took time during a brief intermission and after the show to converse with fans and pose patiently for photos. As the night crept ever near and the concert approached the two hour mark, White assured his audience that he was not ready to retire for the evening. “It’s still light out”, he teased “we play on!” And on they played, White’s eye-catching, deep-sea blue guitar seemingly being operated by him as though it were another appendage! Though the sun’s settling over the Pacific darkened the Park Hyatt outdoor venue, White’s eyes and those of his band members were enough to illuminate the lost natural light. Peter White delivered as usual, and for those who weren’t fortunate enough to witness his musical aura, he’ll be back in San Diego at the Balboa Theatre on December 21st for his annual Christmas concert, this year featuring trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Mindi Abair. We'll be waiting anxiously, as a “White Christmas” is always welcome here!
