Peter Sprague’s new CD, Nikki’s Rose, was created under a very intriguing concept. The lyrics are taken from poems written by the late Nicole Penrod, who was killed when she was 18 by a drunk driver.     Nicole’s mother approached Peter to turn one poem, The Rose, into song. The two were so pleased with the results, they continued translating Nikki’s words into music and created an entire album.     The CD has a jazzy, sometimes Steely Dan feel to it. Very groovy. It appeals to the more mature audience. The musicians brought together to create the CD are all so talented, they can do no wrong.     Sprague is a renowned local guitarist and delivers again on this album. The jacket cover includes all the original poems along with pictures of the beautiful Nikki. The comments from Peter give the impression that this three-year project was possibly done as an incredible personal favor to aid Nikki’s mother’s grief. It’s hard to put your finger on what makes this disk feel so real.     It’s a perfect CD for a dinner party, or to enjoy with some wine and cheese. With so much talent packed into over sixty minutes of music, any listener is sure to be satisfied. Performance review: November 30th 2010 CARLSBAD – Glasses of red wine were strewn about the courtyard at the Carlsbad City Library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium as I arrived two songs into the first act of Peter Sprague’s Nikki’s Rose show. There was a great vibration in the air, the crowd very pleased to be taking in the gentle harmonic sounds.     Peter was happy to play grandfather shepherd to the musicians accompanying him onstage. Many who contributed to the original recording were present for the live recreation.     Each musician seemed very focused on the history that inspired the songs. The lyrics are taken from poems written by Nicole Penrod, whose life was taken at the age of 18 by a drunk driver. Peter dedicated three years to the album, Nikki’s Rose, arranging music to the existing poems.     The music was delivered with amazing precision on Friday night. Peter has assembled a cast of true professionals who are students and purveyors of the craft. The vocal quintet: Dani Carroll, Maureen Fleming and Amber Whitlock, who appear on the CD, with Leonard Patton and Lisa Hightower sound just as clean and perfect as an engineered recording.     Mary Lindbloom’s cello sang sorrow along with Dani Caroll on Just as I have Accepted You, as it does on the recording.     The auditorium was packed, with people seated along the aisles and others standing in back. Peter gave history and introductions between songs, and it is clear his heart is behind the music.     The seated crowd sprang up a bit during Universal Love. There were a couple people doing the chair dance so hard I almost called the local coronary unit for an emergency rescue.