Al Rose – He’s Not Shutting UpBy Roger Kuhns

“I think I’d better shut my mouth before it opens up,” Al Rose sings in one of his more compelling autobiographical numbers that could just as well apply to the greater population of America today. He’s speaking about speaking up. He’s astonished at the present day politics. He’s telling the truth – and sometimes it hurts so much you just have to laugh.

This guy is good. He’s coming to the Town Hall Bakery for two shows starting at 7:30pm on July 22 and 23 in Jacksonport (info: 920.823.2745). Jeanne Kuhns will be opening the shows.

There is intelligent music coming from Al Rose; he blends lyrical styles with rock, blues, country and he’s wrapped up as an independent artist from Chicago. He’s got the hat, he’s got the guitar, and he’s got the style. The Chicago Tribune described his CD Gravity of Crow, released last year, as “One audaciously entertaining ride – one of the best Chicago Indie Albums of 2003.” He’s got traces of that Dylan thing, but with a fun clear voice. There is the feeling of optimism through his humor, even as the crashing down reality of a relationship or a country embraces you through his lyrics. Get drawn in; that’s the point. His music is the liquor and the antibiotic.