"An Educated Man' marks second CD for Peltier

Valley Life editor

On his second CD, released in early April, Kenny Peltier proves that when it comes to music, he is truly an educated man.

"Educated Man" brings together two favorite Alaska tunes, a couple of classics from Nashville legends and six other songs into a concise package that show the versatility of Peltier's musical abilities.

"I tried not to get into one box on the CD," Peltier said. "There's a lot of different songs on there."

The title track was written by Hobo Jim, one of Peltier's closest friends. "Educated Man" is a song that Peltier knew he had to include on the CD because of what it represents.

"It's just a great song. Everyone knows a guy like that," he said of the song that describes the education of the working man. "I dedicated it to my grandfather, and to Lancer Smith, my old wrestling coach, because they really were Educated Men."

"Educated Man" is one of Hobo Jim's favorite songs.

"When Ken wanted to cut it, I was surprised, but when he named the CD that, it really surprised me," Hobo Jim said.

Hobo Jim also wrote "Fishing for Chickens," a song many who have seen Hobo Jim live will immediately remember.

Two songs, "Home Away from Lonely" and "Fly On Your Wall" were written by another friend, Dave Brainard. Peltier wrote two of the songs -- "I Don't Want To See You Anymore" and "When The Right One Comes Around." Grand Ole Opry legend Mel McDaniel joins Peltier on his 1980s hit "Stand Up."

"It's the first duet Mel has done," Peltier said. "That means a lot to me. We've become really good friends over the years, and he was excited about doing it. It makes me smile just thinking about doing that song."

The CD was recorded in Nashville last February. Peltier said he wanted everything to be first class -- and it shows in the finished product.

"I'm very proud of it, and excited about it because they are all good buddies and good writers," Peltier said.

The CD is available in the Valley at Matanuska Music, CW Tack and Western Wear and Grizzly Espresso

In Anchorage, it's available at Borders and at Corral West.