Andy Peake, a drummer and percussionist who for decades backed major acts on stage and in the studio, realizes a longtime ambition with his solo album debut. Recorded at his Nashville studio, Mood Swings features Peake singing and playing seven of his original songs, two worthy remakes of classics and two originals written by some tunesmith friends. Peake’s musician peers on the project include guitarists Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt) and James Pennebaker (Garth Brooks) and keyboardists Al Hill (Carlene Carter, Bettye LaVette), Kevin McKendree (Delbert McClinton).

Despite being a Nashville guy most of his professional life, Peake makes multiple Louisiana connections in Mood Swings. Sam Broussard, a member of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, plays Santana-esque guitar for Peake’s droll, Latin-tinged original, “Hip Replacement.” Broussard also graces the minor-key breakup ballad “Bitter Pill.”

The influence of New Orleans piano appears in the happy bounce of “If the Blues Was Green.” Peake, a former member of Delbert McClinton’s band, is joined on the track by McClinton band members McKendree and Pennebaker. Reshaping Chuck Berry’s rock ’n’ roll classic about a guitar prodigy who lives “deep in down in Louisiana close to New Orleans,” Peake’s version of “Johnny B. Goode” combines second-line drumming with a repeating bass riff of the kind favored by Professor Longhair and Huey “Piano” Smith.

Peake makes another Louisiana connection with “Untangle the Line,” a Jimmy Buffett-style, island-flavored song containing mentions of the Atchafalaya Basin and an imagined fisherman’s idyllic life there.

Peake moved to Nashville in 1987 to play drums in Nicolette Larson’s touring band. Session work and touring with Tanya Tucker, Don Williams, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, McClinton and Lee Roy Parnell followed. He also formed Big Shoes, a Little Feat tribute band that evolved into an original music group. The swampy groove in his solo album track, “Do It While You Can,” shows his Little Feat affection.

Peake’s versality is also heard in the album’s dark, slow-churning rock song, “Another Day, Another Teardrop;” the vintage R&B sound of “My Baby’s Got the Light On;” and a graceful take on Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.”

While Peake’s voice is nothing to write home about, the skillful playing and production he surrounds it with make his solo project whole.