from EAST OF ANGEL TOWN
Written by Peter Cincotti & John Bettis
Peter Cincotti’s third cd, East Of Angel Town, was released in 2007. It marked a departure from the singer’s previous jazz-influenced works to a more adventurous, unique style of music where jazz, pop and rock meet.
East Of Angel Town was produced by the incomparable David Foster with his partners in crime, Humberto Gatica and Jochem van der Saag. Cincotti’s impressive skills as a songwriter, vocalist and pianist combined with Foster’s rare musical ear, enormous studio experience and strong guidance resulted in a very sophisticated endeavour that blended various genres and influences with an excellent balance. This release put the young singer/songwriter in a slot of his own that sounded like a new millennium’s version of legendary Billy Joel albums like The Stranger or 52nd Street. The connection between Cincotti and Joel was the extraordinary Phil Ramone (1934-2013). Ramone produced both of Joel’s award-winning classics and the first two Cincotti records.
East Of Angel Town included only original songs co-written by the gifted pianist/singer. Many of the songs were written with supreme lyricist John Bettis of “Human Nature” and “Crazy For You” fame.
On this page, we have already reviewed some of the highlights on East Of Angel Town, including its lead single and solid international hit, “Goodbye Philadelphia.” This week the pick is a rock/jazzy number titled “Witch’s Brew.”
Another John Bettis co-write, “Witch’s Brew” was an elegant composition that presented several elements of interest including its challenging time changes, the rousing refrain and beautiful strings crafted by the remarkable Jeremy Lubbock (1931-2021) and Foster. A mention goes to the killer musicianship of Cincotti and session legends including Nathan East on bass and Dean Parks on guitar. Cincotti also delivers a great solo mid-song. He played an unusual instrument, like the harpsichord, that gives the track some classical flavor. Needless to say, the production was top notch and, with Gatica and van der Saag behind the glass, it was audibly fantastic.
East Of Angel Town easily stands as one of Foster’s best productions of the new millennium. Everyone should rediscover it to appreciate its great music and Cincotti’s multi-faceted talent.
As usual here are a few words from The Hitman about Cincotti:
“East Of Angel Town is one of the most musical and exciting projects I’ve ever been a part of. Peter has got it all, killer piano player, great songwriter and amazing performer. He covers all genres and I’m super confident that as his popularity grows, he will find his rightful place in the history of music.”
- Lead Vocals, Piano & Harpsichord: Peter Cincotti
- Bass: Nathan East
- Drums: Obed Calvaire
- Electric Guitar: Dean Parks
- Synths: Jochem van der Saag
- Arranged by Peter Cincotti
- Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
- Additional Strings Arranged by David Foster
- Produced by David Foster, Humberto Gatica & Jochem van der Saag
Lyrics
There’s no more to drink
But it doesn’t really matter
‘Cause one thing’s for certain
Nobody’s leaving now
I like the room
I like you even better
Black lacy curtains
Can’t wait to pull them down
She’s winding in my arms
She’s whispering my name
With the fire in her sigh
And her open gypsy lips
Say kiss the world goodbye
It’s a witches brew tonight
And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and leave me
Where the children should never go
You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
It’s a witches brew tonight
You touch me like a thief
Crawling trough a window
But stealing is easy
The hard part’s the getaway
Unplug the phone
And disconnect the cable
I wanna make a movie
Like nobody’s ever made
She tells me I’m insane
She reaches up her hands
And she closes both my eyes
She tells me I’m the rain
And she’s gonna drink it dry
It’s a witches brew tonight
And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and leave me
Where the children should never go
You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
It’s a witches brew tonight
And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and show me
Where the root of desire grows
You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
Oh, it’s a witches brew tonight
It’s a witches brew tonight
Oh, it’s a witches brew tonight