There was a flash of recognition the moment I put Valerie Rose's debut CD, Petals of Stone, into my stereo. As I listened, I was reminded more and more of the vocal quality of Annie Haslam, former lead singer of the progressive folk-rock band Renaissance.

There are also shades of Maggie Drennon, late of Sixmilebridge, in Valerie's powerful soprano singing. Valerie, a sultry singer and fiddler from Northern California, also shares the aforementioned ladies' passion for mixing punchy, ballad-style singing with edgy rock arrangements for a potent musical package.

Alas, Petals of Stone is only a too-short EP, with six hard-rockin' tracks spanning just over 24 minutes. That was just enough to whet my appetite and left me wanting more. Soon, please.

Rose leans heavily on traditional sources for her music. Songs on the EP include Irish traditionals "When a Man's in Love" and "Blackwaterside" and English traditionals "The Gardener," "The Bonny Boy" and "A Maid in Bedlam." I promise, you won't have heard them like this.

For a twist, Valerie closes the album with a soaring interpretation of the classic "For Your Love," a song made famous in the '60s by the Yardbirds. Surprisingly, it works.

Valerie's vocals are awesome, and that's enough of a reason to seek out this album. Also lending a hand on various tracks are Phil Campbell (guitars, keyboards, electric bass, Tibetan bowls, electric sitar), Preston Carter (electric bass), Paul Revelli (drums), David Balakrishnan (violins), Kris Yenney (cello), Vince Littleton (drums, shaker), John Land (electric bass) and Sylvia Herold (harmony vocals), and Valerie also plays violin on a few tracks.

Valerie Rose is a fresh, exciting performer who needs to get the heck back in the studio and give us more. In the meantime, give Petals of Stone a try, and you'll be eagerly awaiting her next album, too.

[ by Tom Knapp ]
Rambles: 5 October 2002