PETER WHITE :: KEYBOARDS & VOCALS 

Equipment:
Vintage Roland A33 MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis QS6.2 (sleek, lightweight and modern, unlike owner)
Yamaha SY35 (for those Chick Corea moments)
(Occasionally) Giant back-breaking Ensoniq KT76 workstation

Amplification:
Harley-Benton Keyboard Amp

Composition Software:
Finale® 2007 with Garritan Orchestra

BIOGRAPHY ::

The defining moment in Peter’s musical development came in 1975 when his music teacher invited the class to bring their favourite records to school. To his embarrassment, not only did he not have any favourites, he didn’t have any records. The reason was a church upbringing which, for all its good points, did take a somewhat hard line on rhythmic music. All rock music was considered ‘demonic’ (except Cliff Richard) and evangelical Christians simply didn’t listen to jazz. So began the long quest to musical discovery.

College was an eye-opener, socially, culturally and musically where he met Dave Waldon who not only had good taste, but was also a talented musician. Particularly in to progressive rock, he introduced Peter to ‘Yes’ in a MkIII Cortina on the A13. ‘Rock of Ages’ to ‘Yours is No Disgrace’ in one bound is something of a culture shock but with an open mind, Peter managed to survive. ‘Fragile’ remains a firm favourite to this day. Shrewdly observing a growing taste in jazz, Dave introduced him to Bob James (who has proved a huge influence on Peter’s playing style) and he had discovered jazz fusion. Sensing the dawn of musical maturity, Dave bought him ‘Aja’ for Christmas. Steely Dan proved to be a huge influence and Peter had found his ‘favourite band’. Donald Fagen’s ‘Nightfly’ proved to be the Holy Grail.

Although the amateur of the band, Peter has wide experience due to his church connections. He played guitar and a Roland RS09 keyboard (his first) for ‘Seventh Avenue’ and contributed material for the album ‘Children of the King’. As churches began to embrace more modern music, so Peter’s playing style developed. Responding to spontaneous worship requires flexibility, sensitivity and the ability to ‘wing it’. Highlights included leading the worship band at the Havering Christian Festival at Hornchurch Stadium and Queens Theatre.

As a writer Peter has composed a full-length ‘modern oratorio’ called ‘The Magdalene’ which was originally released in 1989 (on cassette!). The show developed over the years and was re-released on CD in 2005 with additional material and a new line-up. Both versions feature the mellifluous narration of Geoffrey Palmer. The show is still performed regularly.

In 1990 Peter collaborated with Dave Waldon to write ‘Believe it or Not’ which looked at spiritual themes from the contrasting viewpoint of the Christian (Pete) and the Agnostic (Dave). Both albums suffered from being too religious for the mainstream record companies and not religious enough for their Christian counterparts.

Peter has also produced several albums for the charity EAB (Evangelical Action Brazil) and written jingles for its radio programme. He is also involved in amateur drama and has worked on sound, lighting and even trod the boards himself.

He has also adapted and produced Christmas shows for ‘Kingdom Kidz’, a group of about fifty 5-11 year old children at his Church. Obviously a glutton for punishment. In 2005 he was commissioned to write an original work and came up with ‘Angel Squadron’, a full-length musical. The show premiered for Christmas 2005 and has now been published by playsandmusicals.co.uk (You need to click on the 'Religious' Menu item to find it)

Joining Tokamak has given Peter the chance to play the music he loves most, improve his technique and to learn from the professionals around him.

PRESENT ::

Peter is currently working on a choral version of ‘The Magdalene’ with the Ilford Choral Society which plans to perform it in 2007. There are also some rumblings about a new Christmas show for 2007. He would also like time to finish his album of personal material ‘Opposite of Faith’ which will inevitably suffer the same fate as ‘Believe it or Not’. Life isn’t dull…

FUTURE ::

The premier of ‘The Magdalene Chorale’, a growing audience for ‘Angel Squadron’, improved keyboard technique, a long career with ToKaMaK and health and happiness with long-suffering wife Corinne.