Peter Mayer

Short Biography
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Peter Mayer has been quietly and steadily building a fervent following across the country, stepping outside his role as one of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefers to front his own band, The Peter Mayer Group. Melding a unique and eclectic writing style, a distinctive voice, and virtuoso musicianship, Peter and his band create compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance.

Peter's life began in Tamilnadu, the far southern region of India, where his parents served as missionaries for 17 years before returning to their Missouri roots. Musical influences from that period of his life can be heard in his playing. Peter recal...

Short Biography
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Peter Mayer has been quietly and steadily building a fervent following across the country, stepping outside his role as one of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefers to front his own band, The Peter Mayer Group. Melding a unique and eclectic writing style, a distinctive voice, and virtuoso musicianship, Peter and his band create compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance.

Peter's life began in Tamilnadu, the far southern region of India, where his parents served as missionaries for 17 years before returning to their Missouri roots. Musical influences from that period of his life can be heard in his playing. Peter recalls, "I can remember Indian musicians giving Christmas concerts in my parents' house. Wildly playing drums and flutes, shakers and bells, they would go on for hours and hours." He went on to study formal theory and composition, and to teach jazz guitar as a faculty member of Webster University.

Recording under the name PM, Peter released his debut album for Warner Brothers Records in 1988. Working with Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Hornsby), this album features the single "Piece of Paradise," which charted at number eight on Billboard.

When Scheiner was hired to produce Jimmy Buffett's Off to See the Lizard album, he suggested that Jimmy use PM for the recording sessions. Buffett was so impressed with their unique versatility as musicians and performers that he quickly hired them as part of his own Coral Reefer Band, a successful relationship that continues today.

Joining Peter on stage:
Jim Mayer—his brother, who shines on both electric and upright acoustic bass, and has played with a diversity of performers. He has co-written songs on Romeo's Garage and other collaborations with Peter, as well as with Jimmy Buffett.

Roger Guth—drummer for the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Mose Allison and James Moody, and songwriter whose songs have been performed by Vanessa Williams, Jimmy Buffett and others.

Vince Varvel—one of St. Louis' top guitar players, has been a mainstay of the band for four years and brings his brilliant sense of harmony and texture to the group.

Scott Bryan—a talented vocalist, percussionist and multi instrumentalist who comes to the band after touring, recording and songwriting with Sheryl Crow for the last five years. Scott has shared the stage with an impressive array of performers from Sting to the Rolling Stones.

The Peter Mayer Group boasts between them an extensive performing and songwriting portfolio with experience in any number of styles from jazz to country rock to classical.

In-depth Biography
Actively touring throughout the '90s, Minnesota native Peter Mayer is known primarily for his earthy, intimate songwriting. He has been recognized by such well-known folk institutions as the Telluride Festival and Lyons Folk Festival, and has been granted favorable reviews in publications like Acoustic Guitar and Dirty Linen. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide