Peter White

Peter White

Peter White is a smooth jazz and jazz fusion guitarist from Luton, United Kingdom. Born in 1954, he grows up in England and learns a range of instruments as a child, including recorder, clarinet, cornet, trombone, violin, harmonica and piano. He teaches himself guitar, starting with basic chords, and is influenced by The Beatles and other 1960s music.

Early career

In his late teenage years, White chooses not to go to college and instead pursues work in music. He begins performing professionally in small clubs, then moves to London, where he meets Scottish singer and songwriter Al Stewart. He joins Stewart’s backing band and tours in England and the United States on guitar and keyboards.

During the recording of Year of the Cat, Stewart places a Spanish guitar in White’s hands and asks him to play on one track. That contribution becomes the opening guitar part of “On the Border”, one of Stewart’s best-known songs. In those sessions, White also works with producer Alan Parsons of The Alan Parsons Project.

Shot in the Dark and Los Angeles work

White moves to Los Angeles in 1978 with Stewart. Around that time, Stewart’s backing band is temporarily renamed Shot in the Dark; the group is made up largely of the musicians who play on Stewart’s 1980 and 1981 albums, including bass player Robin Lamble. Shot in the Dark releases one album in 1981 before disbanding when its record label closes.

White becomes increasingly involved in the Los Angeles music scene and works with Johnny Rivers, Bernie Leadon, Susanna Hoffs, Tori Amos and Janis Ian. Through his connection with Matt Bianco, he contributes guitar to the group’s albums and later plays with their singer Basia, including on tour. He also plays guitar and keyboards with Windows, the group led by his neighbour Skipper Wise, on some recordings.

Solo recordings

White records his first solo album, Reveillez-Vous, in 1989, with Skipper Wise as co-producer. A second release, Excusez-Moi, follows in 1992. He develops into a leading smooth jazz musician and appears on the “Guitars & Saxes” tour alongside Richard Elliot, Warren Hill and Craig Chaquico.

Associated acts

His career includes work with Al Stewart, Shot in the Dark, Matt Bianco, Basia, Windows, Skipper Wise and Dave Koz & Friends.