Pete Hopkins @ The Mint, Los Angeles, Juy 25
by Casey Nueces
A tall man strapped into a Fender will always turn heads. Add boundless energy, a tight band and magnetic showmanship and you've got Pete Hopkins. Not only did Pete & Company - Mike Roberts on bass and harmonies and Mike Baker on drums - get people out of their seats, they left us wanting more. With an amazing live sound and up-beat, up-tempo songs, Pete Hopkins used his magnetic personality to draw the patrons out of their comfy barstools and on to the floor to have a closer listen.
Sounding like a cross between Jason Mraz, Maroon 5 and Peter Frampton, Hopkins has a pitch-perfect voice that he's not afraid to show off. Highlights included "True American" and "I Won't Cry," and just when we thought we'd heard all he had to offer, Hopkins debuted a new song, "Mr. Jackson (MJ4ever)" that brought a darker, more intense pop element to his catalogue in offering a tribute to the pop star that had obviously influenced Hopkins.
Overall, I thought Pete Hopkins was just getting started when his set was over. It was obvious we all wanted more and I think we'd all pay good money to hear what else he's got.
"Mr. Jackson" Lyrics:
Your Style
Your grace
Like a seam
Interlaced into the human race
Your moves
Your voice moved us all
We danced
To the beat that you grooved on
I remember the time
The way I felt inside
Remember how I felt like part of me died
Oh!
Chain Reaction
Mr. Jackson
We will never forget you
No no no
no no no no
Brave Walker
World Rocker
I can never forget you
No no no no no
no no
Your name
Your fame
Like a ray of light
Set the world a glow
Your face
Changin through the ages
Still, you left us wanting more
I remember the day
The Way it made me feel
How the news
It all seemed so completely surreal
Chorus
The king is gone
The legend lives on
So long as we sing
Sing his songs
Help me sing...
Chorus repeat
buy pete's music @ http://itsaboutmusic.com/petehopkins.html Info and connect with Pete @ www.youtube.com/therealpetehopkins
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