Peter White

Peter White grew up in the Hertfordshire countryside and was inspired to learn to play the guitar by listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

He relocated to Los Angeles in the late 70s to tour and record with singer Al Stewart and later with Polish singer Basia. In 1990 he started a successful solo career in the USA but always longed to play in the country of his birth, and that’s what led him to start performing at the PizzaExpress Live, an annual tradition he has now upheld for 26 years!

Over the years, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz scene. His unique blend of lyricism and energy seamlessly weaves together elements of jazz, pop, and classical guitar, creating a sound that is both singular and accessible to a wide audience.

Like many of us, White still feels a deep connection to the music he discovered during his formative years. As a British teenager in the 1960s, he was captivated by the exciting new sounds of rock bands like the Beatles and soul giants like Stevie Wonder. He diligently practiced playing these songs on the acoustic guitar his father had gifted him, and his talent soon became evident. After over four decades as both a leader and sideman, White continues to return to those tunes that profoundly impacted him during his youth.

Initially influenced by folk music, White learned fingerstyle picking by listening to recordings of Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell. He was also drawn to the British blues of bands like the early Fleetwood Mac and was introduced to jazz by a friend. It was his remarkable ability to adapt his playing to various musical styles that caught the attention of British singer-songwriter Al Stewart. Initially, Stewart sought White’s services as a pianist, but soon realized his talent as a guitarist. White played on Stewart’s top 10 album, “Year of the Cat,” in 1976 and co-wrote the hit title track for Stewart’s subsequent album, “Time Passages.” Over the next two decades, White accompanied Stewart as a sideman, performing with many other artists. However, by 1990, he felt ready to embark on his own solo journey.

After five decades of writing, recording, and touring, either as a sideman or a solo artist, Peter White continues to find immense joy in the musician’s life. He acknowledges that his priorities have evolved over time. Initially, he sought attention through his music. Now, he finds validation in enhancing someone’s life, and this realization has been the driving force behind his continued passion for the music business, even after 50 years.

""The true magic of Peter White is the way he uses his trademark acoustic touch to artfully mix high energy joyrides with candlelit passion."" - Jonathan Widran, JazzMonthly.com