Radar Rose, the heart of Roanoke’s rock community, has released their
first
full length studio CD. The title of the quintet’s CD is Click and it
sure does
click. All ten songs are winners. They had several original compositions
to
pick from and tried to choose the best. Don Clifton has joined Radar
Rose
since their prior release One Dozen Live Roses. Don plays a collection
of
saxophones on many of the tracks and served as a production leader
on this
project recorded at Richmond’s Sound of Music studio. Returning are
Jane
Gabrielle on vocals and guitar, Sonny Campbell on background vocals,bass,
organ, and penny whistle, Mike Balkom on drums, and Anastasia Mooney
on
vocals, guitar, flute, and percussion.
"Shrinking Violet" starts the collection tenderly with this well written
love
song, which also includes Mike Mitchell guesting on violin. Jane’s
vocal
emotion is convincing.
"Throw Open the Window" really swings with abrass
background and fun background vocals on top of Anastasia’s bouncy lead
vocal.
"Something About You," with lyrics by Jane Gabrielle and Lisa Balkom
is quite
beautiful with Anastasia Mooney’s flute providing a nice backdrop and
blend
into Don’s sax. Jane captures the essence of Janis Joplin in her tender
yet
powerful delivery.
"Pick It Up" picks up the pace as a punchy rocker, with twin lead vocals
in
parts, and powerful flute and electric guitar performances. Anastasia’s
musicianship shines.
"Croozin’" allows Mike to provide an appropriate
shuffling beat on this tale of leaving.
"This Child is a Bridge" is almost a calypso musical hybrid on this
important
composition about an interracial child.
If "Pick It Up" picked up the pace, then "Climb" allows the band to
soar. It
is powerful and catchy. If the album title of Click is ever mistaken
as Climb,
this song is the reason why, already receiving air play along with
half the
tracks.
"Don’t Touch That Love" is based on the Nashville sounding line
"don’t
touch that love ‘cause you don’t know where its been." The guitar work
helps
to give it a Nashville sound too.
"We Were Young (Joe)" was written ten
years ago and has almost a Springsteen 80’s pop sound especially with
Don’s powerful
sax. It deals with a group of friends and the death of the first one
of the
group. It is perhaps the catchiest of the ten songs included.
The CD concludes with the gentle "Bright Star" which sounds like something
that you might hear at an acoustic show from band members Jane and
Sonny.
Click is available at Record Exchange stores in Virginia and North Carolina,
and at Safe as Milk Records in Downtown Roanoke. Catch Radar Rose live
on
December 11 with Zakiyah at Belly of the Beast in Salem.
Regional Recordings Top Songs of 1998
1. Something About You - Radar Rose
Jane’s emotional vocal and Anastasia’s gentle flute capture the heartof
this
love song.
2. This Dance is Done - Venus Rising
The powerful flowing melody, uptempo harmony, and percussive backdropwork
perfectly for this female trio.
3. Magic - Duncan & Danielle
Danielle’s flute and deep rich vocals help to convey the imagery.
4. California Days - Katrina Landon
A moody reflection of days gone by with a 60’s/70’s feel.
5. Prodigal Daughter - Caylor Sisters
Strong 2 part number with rapid fire delivery followed by gentlereligious
affirmation from Andrea and Allison.
6. Breakthrough Mountain - Danielle Gerard
Gently melodic for this year’s March of Dimes cassette single for ourarea.
7. Zensong - Babes
Uptempo live recording and lively fun about inner peace, even intraffic.
8. More Than Once - Debi Smith
Beautifully flowing like a fine Crystal Gayle number.
9. New Love - Leggz Diamond
Catchy horn arrangement on this powerful rocker, included twice on
theGames
CD as a vocal and instrumental.
10. Forever His Own - Linda Lou & the Lucky 4
Touching folk love song from Linda of this wholesome family act.
11. Renegade - Debra Lee
Catchy rocker with power from Debra’s high quality Millennial Thing
CD.
12. Walk 10 Miles - Without Warning
Danceable punchy power like Loverboy with stronger drums.
13. The Gift - Tempered Steele
Classic rock sounding tribute to guidance and advice leading to adultlife.
14. Big As Life - Greg Trafidlo
Touching folk reading of Greg’s late father’s picture in Life Magazine.
15. Search - English Earl
One syllable pop hook like the Beatles’ "Wait" with Susan Potterproviding
strong background vocals.