PETER ROGAN

STILL TRYIN' TO BELIEVE

2019-03-10

On this, his debut release, 57 year old singer, songwriter, guitarist Peter Rogan takes a holiday from his full-time day gig as an electrician at a Pennsylvania steel mill and works some sonic magic. Accompanied by first rate guests including Phil Madeira and Will Kimbrough on guitars and a host of vocalists, Rogan has crafted a terrific collection of 13 tracks of roots, Americana and blues music that often recalls big band collectives like Tedeschi Trucks or Mad Dogs and Englisman era Joe Cocker with glorious hooks and big choir vocals. One- time winner of the Great American Song Contest, Rogan knows his way around lyrical hooks that sink the music into that spot where you can’t shake it." Kickin’ The Can" is a witty mixture of semi-spoken rap and slinky vocals about the perils of procrastination while "River Man" is swampy blues about putting your fate in the hands of another. "The Rolling Mill Blues" is a blues stomper about the daily grind and "The Start of Something Easy" is a pop-inflected gem about kindling an enduring no-sweat relationship. Elsewhere, on the brooding "Mercy" Rogan muses on the role of personal lineage in what becomes of us as we travel through life." Big Green Rambler" is a salacious blues with Rogan promising a solid, fine ride. The instrumental slow jazz of "Song for Keith" is an unexpected treat near the end of the disc. Rogan thoroughly inhabits these tunes with an earnest, soulful voice that recalls Anders Osborne. With a debut this strong, it is unlikely that we won’t be hearing much more from Peter Rogan.

SMITTY

review by Mark