Robert Peckman - Stirrin' Up Bees

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2007
Time:53:14 
Size:155,1 MB 
Label:Bonedog Records 
Styles:Blues/R&B/Soul 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Put It in the Pocket - 3:17
 2. Bamboozled - 3:18
 3. Stirrin' Up Bees - 2:47
 4. A Man Must Stand For Something - 4:06
 5. Stop & Take a Look - 4:22
 6. Please Come Home - 3:39
 7. Let's Talk It Over - 3:35
 8. I Wanna Go Down to New Orleans - 4:04
 9. Betty Can Get Mad - 3:02
10. Sleepin' On the Job - 3:06
11. Just a Few Words - 3:47
12. Don't Be a Reaper - 4:17
13. Hey John R - 4:15
14. Strugglin' - 5:32

Robert Peckman and his band know how to lay down a solid, soulful beat, with tight arrangements and a solid horn section. What's lacking from this Pittsburgh-based ensemble on their independent disc, Stirrin' Up Bees (Bonedog Records), is a vocalist that's suited for the material. Bandleader Peckham is by no means a bad singer (he'd be fine singing the blues with a smaller band), but his voice doesn't have the power or depth needed out front of this band.That's not to say there's no redeeming value to Stirrin' Up Bees. In fact, the disc grows on you with repeated listens. There are some catchy songs here, such as funky soul of "Stop And Take A Look," which features the whole band singing in harmony and guest vocals from former Stax recording artist Johnny Daye.Daye returns for the slow number "Let's Talk It Over." "Please Come Home" is a good, up-tempo pleading soul anthem that reminds the listener of the kind of stuff that fellow Bonedog artitst Billy Price has recorded. The band really shines on "I Wanna Go Down To New Orleans," with its second line beat and brassy horn solos.
I certainly don't want to scare anyone away from this CD, as there's some nice music here. My opinion of the vocals is a reflection of my own personal tastes. Stirrin' Up Bees has a lot going for it ... it's worth seeking out.~ Frankie Bluesy Pfeiffer

Stirrin' Up Bees