Brent and Co.'s EP: "Not How We Dream."

Brent Peterson is a Jamestown native who always had big city dreams to be a musician and tour the country writing and producing his own unique blend of heartfelt music, a dream that was facilitated growing up by local bands like The 10,0000 Maniacs and acoustic acts like Bill Ward.

Though he may have gotten a little side tracked in pursuing his dreams, as he gave up on the music for a bit to pursue a career in clean energy finance in Washington DC, he then quit his job 7 months ago because the itch to pursue music was too strong. After recently completing an internship with Dave Mathews Band management firm, Red Light Management, I’d say he’s right back on track.

The best word I can think of to describe what the sound is like on his new EP “Not How We Dream” is warm, and the other word that comes to mind is inviting.

Although these two adjectives sound more like a review of a home rather than a CD, I think they fit Brent’s sound just right, especially on the opening track ironically titled “Home.”

From the beginning you are immersed in a mellow, melodious acoustic guitar driven intro that gives way into a swinging horn section, and eventually a very catchy slide guitar hook. We are greeted by Brent’s subtle yet resonate voice that really carries the tune from start to finish with it’s rich, deep tones, noticeably in the chorus, where his voice seems to really take over.

“My New Life” branches out with very rustic sounding violin and banjo hooks, and a chorus that could’ve come straight out of an old country ballad.

“Second Line” gets back to the horns with a fun start and stop verse, which builds into a horn driven chorus that shows off Brent’s very full voice while still maintaining a bit of restraint throughout.

The last two tracks “If I Knew” and “Breathe” are more stripped down and simple acoustic ballads that carry the heartfelt warmth that Brent seems to have pinned down so well.

All in all, “Not How We Dream” is an impressive debut release, which is stylistically straight-forward yet instrumentally diverse, showcases a very talented voice, has a high production value, and is great for a laid back summer afternoon.

To Visit the Brent & Co. website, visit brentandco.com.

To pick up a copy of the EP, visit brentandco.com/music.