PETERIK / SCHERER – Risk Everything [Japanese Edition +2] (2015)

*

Jim Peterik, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and the man behind Survivor success, without a doubt has an ear for great vocalists. He ‘discovered’ Marc Scherer, a master jeweler by profession, when he was recording vocals for his group in Peterik’s studio three years ago.
Since then, Peterik has wanted to craft songs and an album to showcase Scherer’s superb vocals, and the result is “Risk Everything“, a CD released under the names of both artists PETERIK / SCHERER by Frontiers Records, and in Japan by Marquee / Avalon with excellent 2 bonus tracks.

And indeed, Scherer owns a powerful and melodic voice, a full five octave range. He can belt it out or bring it down to a whisper. And his voice is in the proper context.
Of course, Peterik has crafted classy AOR / Melodic Rock songs: lots of melody, harmony and groove with catchy refrains and vibrant guitar solos. Considering his nearly inexhaustible experience, sounds from Survivor to Toto to Journey, among others, come to mind.
Properly, not only do his commanding presence, the production keeps Scherer in front of the music; it’s there to support and carry him along. And it sounds pretty fandamntastic too.

From the first crystal clean guitar tones in opener title track “Risk Everything” to the autobiographical undertones of brilliant storytelling and ultra-melodic grandeur of “Independence Day”, this album is everything fans of the genre could have asked for.
The music fittingly illustrates the stories told in Marc Scherer’s clean-cut voice, all embroidered with flawless vocal harmonies. But what perhaps what strikes here the most is the fact Jim Peterik still hasn’t run out of ideas for composing tunes that are catchy but tasteful, and simply captivating.

Plenty of tracks on the album are kept at a mid-tempo groove, ‘80s infused keyboard sound upfront and juxtaposed with rich lead guitar work like in “Chance Of A Lifetime”, “The Dying Of The Light”, “Cold Blooded” or the rocking “Brand New Heart”.
You have a few songs that blur the line between anthem and ballad as on “Desperate In Love”, its first part ballad-esque only to morph smoothly into an AOR Melodic mid-tempo further on. Also “The Crescendo” has this feeling, bringing to mind ’80s Styx.

There’s also a true ballad, the charming, heart-tugging “How Long Is A Moment” with all that classic melodies we love.
Then, albeit somewhat tempered by tinkly keyboards, the distinct, thumping rhythm of “Milestones” reminds you classic Survivor with a ‘fresh’ vocalist.
One brilliant song after another, there’s hardly a highlight to be picked among the eleven songs on ‘Risk Everything’ – each of them equally great.

This Japanese Edition exclusively features 2 extra gems to enjoy.
The first is the anthemic AOR midtempo “The Man I Am”. Peterik carves deep into his ’86 Survivor-like arsenal of superb melodies for this one, while Scherer provides his most emotional performance on the record. A winner!
Then “Moments To Memories” go for a sweet, warm melodic line in a song that wouldn’t had been out of place on any late Eighties movie soundtrack, or in Pride Of Lions’ first album.
Both bonuses are pure gold and worth the extra pennies for this Japan CD.

“Risk Everything” is yet another jewel in Jim Peterik’s crown – an musician and songwriter that doesn’t need more recognition or acclaim, but the one who still can surprise a listener with quite a few melodic aces up his sleeve.
And simultaneously, an album that put the relatively little known Marc Scherer in the same league as the mentioned singers Peterik’s previously collaborated with – Toby Hitchcock, Dave Bickler and the late, great Jimi Jamison.

Apart from perfectly crafted melodies, it’s Scherer’s range and clear vocal tone one of the biggest assets to the record. Peterik is there to add harmony vocals and his share of strong guitar work / sparkling keyboard lines … and his terrific songcraft, of course.
Yes, the combo PETERIK / SCHERER works like a charm, and let’s only hope – on behalf of all Melodic Rock aficionados out there – that “Risk Everything” it’s only the first of many albums released under their collaborative moniker.
AWESOME.

Marquee / Avalon Japan
【CD】リスク・エヴリシング/ピートリック/シェラー [MICP-11217]

01 – Risk Everything
02 – Chance Of A Lifetime
03 – Cold Blooded
04 – Desperate In Love
05 – Thee Crescendo
06 – The Dying Of The Light
07 – How Long Is A Moment
08 – Brand New Heart
09 – Broken Home
10 – Milestones
11 – Independence Day
12 – The Man I Am (bonus track for Japan)
13 – Moments To Memories (bonus track for Japan)

Marc Scherer – lead vocals
Jim Peterik – guitars, keyboards, vocals
Ed Breckenfeld (Pride of Lions, Jimi Jamison) – drums
Nick Rich – drums
Klem Hayes (Pride of Lions) – bass
Bob Lizik (Dennis DeYoung, Pride of Lions) – bass
Bill Syniar (Survivor, Kelly Keagy) – bass
Mike Aquino (Mecca, Pride of Lions) – add. guitars

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