Pete Mancini is the frontman and primary songwriter of Butchers Blind, a critically acclaimed rock band from NYC. His debut solo album Foothill Freeway explores the Americana influences that are a hallmark of his work with Butchers Blind.

For this album, Pete was inspired by the story songs of artists like Guy Clark and Bruce Springsteen. This storytelling influence is on full display throughout the title track, “Foothill Freeway”, which features a sparse arrangement reminiscent of Jason Isbell and Jackson Browne. In addition to the original songs on the album, Pete tackled renditions of songs by Russ Seeger, Wes Houston and Iain Matthews, who is a guest vocalist on “Cartwheel Avenue”.

The self-produced album will be released May 4th on Paradiddle Records, and features contributions from Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention, Plainsong), Buddy Woodward (Dixie Bee Liners), Russ Seeger (Last Hombres), Jonathan Preddice (Miles to Dayton), Cassandra House, Travis McKeveny, Skip Krevens, and members of Butchers Blind.

Pete’s songs have received glowing reviews and radio airplay around the world, and they continue to win over hearts and minds wherever they are heard.

“[Play for the Films] reminds me of my favorite parts of Wilco and the Jayhawks. I have it in the player in my car and just keep playing it.”
– Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention)

“Butchers Blind… fuses alternative rock with country music, creating a contemporary sound embedded in Americana roots.”
– Newsday

“Just as Roger McGuinn, Gram Parsons and company had done decades earlier, Mancini’s crew crafts a warm, organic sound bearing deep country roots, but still informed by rock ‘n’ roll.”
– NPR

“Fans of Wilco, Son Volt and the Jayhawks will quickly cotton to Butchers Blind, and they’ll be pleased to find the band’s music stands on the shoulders of alt.country giants rather than follows blindly in their footsteps.”
– No Depression

“With a deep sense of purpose and tremendous craft, Mancini catalogues the foibles and failings of men and women, lovers and nations, a tapestry of all-too-human humanity.”
– The Daily Vault

“[Mancini] sets his plainspoken, politically aware lyrics to a guitar-driven backdrop that evokes the early 90s alt-country of bands like Wilco, part classic country, part amorphous indie rock.”
– New York Music Daily

“Their melodies are ingratiating in the way of fine pop records, and Mancini is a vocalist whose vulnerability holds you from the first word.”
– Hyperbolium

Credits:
Butchers Blind – One More Time (2009) – Group Member, Composer
Butchers Blind – Play for the Films (2011) – Group Member, Composer
Butchers Blind – Destination Blues (2013) – Group Member, Composer
Mick Hargreaves – Best (2013) – Guitar
Matthew Grimm – Songs In The Key Of Your Face (2013) – Guitar
Butchers Blind – Thursday Girl b/w Mystery (2014) – Group Member, Composer
Bryan Gallo – The Party Guest (2014) – Producer
Butchers Blind – A Place in America (2015) – Group Member, Composer
Matthew Grimm – Grimm Reality, Vol. 2 (2016) – Guitar
Pete Mancini – Foothill Freeway (2017) – Producer
Bill Herman – Here Comes Today (TBA) – Producer
Chris J. Connolly – Moving Maps (TBA) – Dobro, Lap Steel, Mandolin