Al Rose captures his
spellbinding musical magicianship on his second album. Again working with his
band,The Transcendos, the songs are as fascinating as those on Information
Overload but the warmth, the interplay, the simpatico of the musicians,
glows on every track. His dynamic stylistic spectrum ranges from his dada-gospel
"Wander Blind," to the full force of "Mister Bigger" to the quiet simmer of "21st
Of June." These are lyrics meant to envelop you. As the Manhattan Mirror
commented, "Al Rose is a platinum wordsmith who specializes in stacking realities
one on top of another. His sublimely incoherent rant and roll sends images splattering
like the paint on a Jackson Pollack canvas."
The Transcendos include drummer Heath Chappell, bassist Steve Hashimoto, guitarist
Mike Smith, vocalist Laura Blye and mandolinist Maury Smith. Al is the center
of the ensemble on acoustic and electric guitars with solo turns on harmonica
and flute. Among the musicians joining them are Sue Demel & Nancy Walker of Sons
Of The Never Wrong, bagpiper Rick Vitek, banjoman Victor Sanders, organist
Carter Luke (of Pong Unit), and Green Linnet accordionist John Williams.
Their contributions color the compositions under Al's masterful direction. He
also displays his artistry as a watercolorist with the cover painting for Naked
In A Trailer. His touring for Information Overload
brought him to dozens of states and a few foreign lands in years past. We can
expect that he'll be on the road once more and forevermore. |
