Bob Pettegrew, well known to music lovers regionally, has released "Very Mellow Piano," his first studio-recorded CD, a collection of musical standards from the '30s and '40s performed on a concert grand piano The CD includes such standards as "All the Things You Are," "Embraceable You," and "Misty," all performed in the sophisticated cocktail style of the era.

An accomplished pianist, Pettegrew has studied with contemporary pianist Tommy Taylor in New York, Eugene Uman and Harvey Diamond at the Vermont Jazz Center, and with the late Tom Gallant, contemporary/jazz pianist and Music Department Chair at Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.

He is known for his solo performances, vocal accompaniment, and small combos around New England. Pettegrew also runs Piano'Scape, a piano camp for adults held each summer in Dublin, New Hampshire.

The recording of "Very Mellow Piano" was prompted by a 2005 performance at the Peterborough Players, for which Pettegrew was asked to play an hour-long medley of songs in his traditional swing/stride piano style as background music for a high society cocktail party set in New York. Following the performance, Pettegrew received numerous requests for a recording of the music, which prompted the production of "Very Mellow Piano."

Early listeners to the CD have commented the music is "absolutely uplifting and relaxing. It simply makes one feel good." Another noted, "There is something about his style that makes people want to listen to him over and over again."

In addition to his musical interests, Pettegrew—who resides in Hancock, NH, with his wife, Hope—is a management consultant and voice-over artist. He has recorded TV and radio commercials, and educational, training, and industrial DVDs.

"Very Mellow Piano" is available for at the Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough and online at VeryMellowPiano.com. Visit http://www.VeryMellowPiano.com to see Pettegrew playing samples from the CD.