Peter White featuring Vincent Ingala – Dakota – Minneapolis, MN – July 6th 2023

English guitarist and composer Peter White embarked on a career in music more than 40 years ago and has become most known for his contribution to smooth jazz. Considering his popularity in the genre, it is surprising to realize that the Twin Cities hasn’t made his list of tour stops for what has somehow turned into decades. While making his long overdue debut on the coveted Dakota stage in downtown Minneapolis for 2 shows on July 6^th, White assured fans that he has been wanting to make it out to our part of the country for years and it just never seemed to lineup correctly with scheduling. It was apparent in both his excitement and enthusiasm that he was genuinely thrilled to finally be playing here.

It only took hearing Peter White and his unmistakable guitar style and technique as he opened with Promenade for local fans to forget how long it’s been and simply appreciate what a treat it was to be experiencing this music in exactly the manner it was meant to be enjoyed. Some in attendance even traveled a considerable distance for a chance to hear White perform live, such as Chrissy from Seattle whose efforts were directly rewarded by having the performance of Venice Beach dedicated to her. The evening was also extra special for longtime fan Matt Shankweiler, whose song request for Life Story developed into an extraordinary opportunity to jump onstage with the band and play the shaker.

White is also doing his part to usher in the next generation of great players by featuring rising star Vincent Ingala on saxophone. His contribution blended wonderfully with White’s compositions, and he also got a chance to promote one of his own songs, It Is What It Is. The two interact very well together and with the audience and offered up their strongest collaboration on Midnight in Manhattan.

The entertaining set included a wide range of selections from Peaceful off White’s most recent release to crowd favorites like Caravan of Dreams and San Diego. He took time to share added significance behind certain songs like My Prayer, which he called out as his mother’s favorite. Additionally, White masterfully worked in fragments of notable works from a few of his many musical influences including The Beatles, The Isley Brothers and Aretha Franklin.

Review and Photos by Patrick Dunn