from Outsight Magazine, Mar. 4, 2000, review by Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

Al Rose
Pigeon's Throat
Waterdog Music, 329 W. 18th St., No. 313, Chicago IL, 60616-1120 http://www.waterdogmusic.com
waterdog@waterdogmusic.com

A psychological analysis of Abraham Lincoln is not common subject matter for today's singer-songwriters. Maybe a century ago, but not today. However, such is the strength of Rose's songwriting that you are three minutes into digging the pop-blues vibe of "Lincoln" before you realize it really is about Honest Abe. Al Rose is a sophisticated songwriter. He has an Elvis Costello-like vocal delivery and blends folk, jazz and country motifs into his multi-faceted sound. His powerful expression and intelligent writing draws in the listener with a hypnotist's power. Rose's backing band is The Transcendos and in that band is vocalist Laura Blye. Her gospel-tinged blues-based backing vocals add to the spell of "Pigeon's Throat." (4)

[4 out of 5 rating.]