BIG PETE "CHOICE CUTS"

# OF TRACKS: 13 / RELEASE DATE: 10/18/11 / CATALOG #: DGPCD149

MUSICIANS
Pieter "Big Pete" van der Pluijm: vocals & harmonica
Alex Schultz: lead guitar ( 2, 3, 5, 6, 12 – 2nd solo),
rhythm guitar (4, 7, 8, 10, 11), rhythm guitars (1)
Willie J. Campbell: bass (except 3 & 5)
Jimi Bott: drums

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Johnny Dyer: vocals (10)
Al Blake: harmonica (6)
Kim Wilson: harmonica (3)
Paul Oscher: melodica (13)
Kirk Fletcher: lead guitar (4, 7), rhythm guitars (2, 13)
John Marx: lead guitar (12 - 1st solo)
Mojo Mark: rhythm guitar (6)
Shawn Pittman: lead guitar (8), rhythm guitar (5)
Kid Ramos: lead guitar (9)
Rusty Zinn: lead guitar (11), rhythm guitar (3, 10)
Rob Rio: piano (4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Malcolm Lukens: Hammond B3 (2)

DESCRIPTION
"…Holland's best kept secret…" – Blues In The Northwest

"…harmonica influences of William Clarke, Al Blake, and Lester Butler,and a sweet, full-toned natural voice." – American Blues Blog

"The sessions were simply incredible. A lot of deep blues got put down." – Alex Schultz

Dutch blues vocalist and harp master Pieter "Big Pete" van der Pluijm may not be a familiar name to American blues audiences, but he's already well-established in the Netherlands – his native home base in North-West Europe. At 23, Pete was handpicked for a European memorial tour to honor the music and memory of legendary harmonica player and vocalist Lester Butler (the Red Devils and Thirteen), backed by several of Lester's original bandmates. The project was met with great success and critical acclaim, so more tours and a CD by the Lester Butler Tribute Band soon followed, securing Pete's arrival on the scene as one of the premier next generation blues performers in the Benelux region.

Since then, Big Pete has gone on to form and record many other successful projects including his debut release "Bathroom Acoustics" by The Strikes, a couple of CDs by the rockin' 50's Chicago blues outfit The Backbones, and most recently, the more progressive and forward-thinking group M.O.C.T. (Men Of Considerable Taste). Pete's growing reputation has also led to tours and performances backing many internationally acclaimed blues artists including Alex Schultz, Mitch Kashmar, Monster Mike Welch, Hook Herrera, Matt Schofield, and Ian Siegal.

Pete's informal introduction to the U.S. market materialized in March 2010 with his appearance on The Mannish Boys' 5th anniversary release "Shake For Me." Pete closed out the album in style paying tribute to his hero Lester Butler on the storming New Orleans romp "Way Down South," backed by Kid Ramos, Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott along with special guest pianist Andy Kaulkin, who previously recorded with Lester Butler on the classic album "Thirteen." Now Holland's best kept secret makes his official American solo album debut with an incredible all-star recording lineup featuring Kim Wilson, Paul Oscher, Al Blake, Johnny Dyer, Alex Schultz, Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, Rusty Zinn, Shawn Pittman, John Marx, Mojo Mark, Rob Rio, Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott. "Choice Cuts" is guaranteed to be an instant classic not to be missed by anyone who considers themselves a true blues lover!

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Randy Chortkoff • Produced by Jeff Scott Fleenor and Randy Chortkoff • Recorded by Doug Messenger at Harddrive Analog and Digital Recording Studio, North Hollywood, CA (May 30-31 & June 1, 2011) • Mixed by Jeff Scott Fleenor & Doug Messenger • Mastered by Joe Bozzi at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood, CA • Sequenced by Jeff Scott Fleenor • Artwork and design by Joshua Temkin • Session photography by Grant Cihlar • Inside photo by Steve • CD photo by Wil Wijnhoven • Retail by Jeff Fleenor • Radio by Steve Dixon • Delta Groove Business Affairs by Malcolm Wiseman