Burlap and Bean's March Show Pick: Peter Mulvey with Kyle Swartzwelder

Over the past 20 years, Mulvey has pursued an eclectic path as a writer and musician, performing on the streets of Dublin, the subways of Boston and now, touring as a headliner. He’s shared the stage with Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson, Ani DiFranco, and Indigo Girls, and attracted an audience that stretches around the globe. His work also finds him collaborating with theatre and dance companies, and teaching guitar and songwriting workshops. In every aspect of his career, Mulvey draws on an extremely broad swath of influence; he is always reading, listening, and eager to hear new poetry, modern minimalist composers, old-time fiddle tunes, Argentinean trip-hop, or top-shelf bar bands. The Irish Times: "Peter Mulvey is a phenomenal performer with huge energy, a quick fire, quirky take on life, and an extraordinary guitar style. A joy to see."

THE GOOD STUFF, Peter Mulvey's fifteenth record, is a collection of standards which promptly rejects the accepted definition of “Standard” in favor of a more vivid, open approach. The music of Tom Waits is right there with Duke Ellington; Willie Nelson next to Thelonious Monk; Jolie Holland juxtaposed with Bill Frisell. Mulvey (along with his band, the Crumbling Beauties) address each tune with a true artist's touch. His mirthful, gravelly baritone is front and center from moment one, and every track is a master class in restraint, phrasing, and commitment.

Twenty-odd years on the road, performing songs from his own catalog and from a vast, varied, and deep well of classic and obscure covers, has prepared Mulvey to deliver this collection. Night after night, the process of divining the heart of a song, being alert to where the moment can lead, has shaped him as an artist. To each rendition, he brings the soul of a singer, a light touch in a heavy world. Peter will have copies of The Good Stuff and its accompanying EP, Chaser, available for sale at the Burlap and Bean show, before the official release date.

To listen to samples, visit www.petermulvey.com