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Artist: Peter Eldridge
Title: Hands and Fingers

Peter Eldridge has been called "perennially classy" (JazzTimes) and ranked "in the celebrated tradition of melodic poets, most famously represented by such disparate voices as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and Steely Dan - singer/songwriters who create catchy, beautiful tunes with insightful lyrics that are both personal and universal" (allmusicguide.com). Mr. Eldridge continues to draw on his many-faceted talent as he pursues an eclectic mix of activities, including composing, performing, arranging, recording, as well as teaching (Manhattan School of Music, jazz voice faculty since 1993). He has released three solo recordings: 'Stranger in Town', characterized by its bittersweet swing and called the Best Jazz CD of 2001 by Boston radio station WICN; 'Fool No More', full of Peter's original compositions in a sophisticated pop style, released in the same year (both on the independent label Rosebud Records); and 'Decorum', a 2005 release of originals. Downbeat said of his latest CD, "If musical intelligence and artistry were prompters to marketplace success, Decorum would grant him stardom. . . .strong, far-ranging voice...hauntingly wistful". Peter is also a member of the double-Grammy winning New York Voices, a vocal group he co-founded with Darmon Meader, which has recorded six studio albums (including a new studio project set to be released in the Spring of 2007), made numerous guest appearances, and toured internationally for more than a decade, with appearances at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Kennedy Center, among many others. In addition, compositions by Mr. Eldridge have been included on albums by other artists: "Minds of Their Own", written with Brazilian composer-performer Ivan Lins, was included on Nancy Wilson's 'R.S.V.P.' (Rare Songs, Very Personal) on the MCG Jazz Label, which won the 2004 Grammy award for Best Jazz Vocal Album; "Difficult" was recorded by Cuban saxophonist-clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera for his 'The Jazz Chamber Trio', a 2005 release on Chesky Records; and Jane Monheit, who was at one time one of Mr. Eldridge's many talented students, features the Eldridge duet "Around Us", based on a James Thurber quote, on her 2003 Encoded Music DVD, 'Live from the Rainbow Room'. One of his many choral pieces, simply entitled "Prayer", was recently recorded by New York City's own Marble Collegiate Sanctuary Choir, on its recording 'With Many Voices'.

In spring 2006, Peter was invited to join Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, and Mark Murphy for a 'concept concert', the Four Brothers. He is also a member of the vocal group Moss, which combines the talents of Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry, Theo Bleckmann, and Lauren Kinhan. Peter also continues to perform with his own band in venues all over New York and beyond, including Joe's Pub, Birdland and the Jazz Standard. He has also worked with Bobby McFerrin, Michael Brecker, Meredith Monk, George Benson, David Byrne, Jim Hall, Fred Hersch, the Roches, Jonatha Brooke, Bill Charlap, Betty Buckley, Joshua Redman, and many others. He is regularly asked to lead master classes and workshops around the world and, when time allows, teaches privately at his home in New York City.