Songs from Home is a welcome return to the studio for
Craig Peyton, consummate producer/multi-instrumentalist whose stint with
Latitude foretold of contemporary instrumental music in the '90s. The 11 tunes heard on this new effort casually bridge a variety of jazzy styles, with a breezy feel throughout. Top session players like
Mark Egan,
Jeff Mironov and ex-
Latitude mate
Ben Verdery help out on a few pieces, but it is
Peyton on vibes, marimba, cimbalom, percussion and the versatile Fairlight III that mold the sound. Funky tracks like "Malindi" fit nicely next to more spacious pieces like "Dreaming of Peace." The one vocal, "Tunnel of Light" is a hopeful, positive piece, sung by
Keith Hart and
Doriane Elliot over
Mironov's fluid electric guitar.
Peyton's upbeat style uses ethnic rhythms and occasional sounds from nature to fill out the pieces.