“Rose Laughlin has one of the most beautiful emotive voices I've heard and whether it's the celtic tinged "Craigie Hill" or more traditional offering of "Barbara Allen", Rose's vocals shine throughout her wonderful new release, "The Chicago Sessions". The instrumentation is wonderfully spare which allows the focus to fall squarely on Rose and the gorgeous harmonies with Kat Eggleston... just where it should be! A true delight from start to finish!”
Mark Michaelis, WGDR Community Radio
Host- Acoustic Harmony
91.1 FM Plainfield, Vermont



"Rose Laughlin is a true folk music chanteuse."  click HERE for full review  - Sing Out Magazine 

"Rose Laughlin lives at the intersection of Irish and country music, happiest with slower songs that tug at the heart. Accompanied by some excellent people, she has perhaps chosen material that's already well-trodden, finding herself compared to some powerful versions. But Laughlin is a wonderful, sensual singer with a real connection to the music, and producer Dennis Cahill has brought out the best in her. There's a great future ahead for Laughlin. " - Global Village Idiot

"The album Souvenir by the singer Rose Laughlin is here to entertain.  This lady from Chicago possesses a deep talent for folk music. Rose is a passionate interpreter of folk music and original tunes from the American Songbook.  The album opens with a spirited interpretation of the traditional song The Month of January.  Rose is able to deeply engage her soul in these types of songs with new and pure interpretations.  Folk music lovers, enjoy this lady from Chicago!" - MassMusikaS-Belgian Webzine (Translated)

"Seattle-born, Chicago-based singer Rose Laughlin combines traditional folk and American ballads with more recent compositions by contemporary singer/songwriters from both sides of the pond, including Bill Staines and Gerry O'Beirne. Most of the material is well-trodden territory, but Laughlin does a creditable job of giving it her own individual take.  Dennis Cahill's production is nicely understated, with guests including Kat Eggleston on harmony vocals, John Williams on accordion and Cahill on guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and bass."  - HotPress Magazine 

"She brings such a rich tapestry of American folk, country, and blues into each Irish tune--and yet, each song remains perfectly Irish in its truth. She doesn’t deny her musical roots of America…” - Chicago Irish American News

"Excellent rendering of less known songs, such as a modern version of Gerry O'Beirne's "Shades of Gloria" or beautifully sung standard "Red is the Rose", is the proof of greatness of the vocalist, whom I hadn't know before."  - Folkowa Art (Polish Radio)

New young female vocal talent from Chicago.  She has the right company in Dennis Cahill, Liz Knowles & John Williams, and some fine songs, but her voice is her most arresting feature - solid, senuous, and bittersweet. - fRoots Magazine

"Souvenir" is really a precious gem, a very pleasant and appealing album covering both Celtic and American roots music but with an unusual homogeneity thanks to the delicate and subtle arrangements and as well as the sweet and shady vocals." - Radio Voce Spazio

"Rose Laughlin is a true folk music chanteuse.  Her new CD, Souvenir, is more of a song cycle than a focused collection. Produced by Dennis Cahill, Souvenir's ten selections are collected from many sources, but each becomes the sole property of Rose, as she interprets them in a highly personal fashion.  Her distinctive singing style is immediately evident with the initial selection "The Month of January."  With her rapid vibrato, she appears to skip effortlessly over the melody of a traditional Irish song learned from Chicago musician Michael Kirkpatrick. It is followed by Bill Staine's oft-performed classic "Roseville Fair." Her voice caresses the classic tune of love and happiness. The variegated nature of Souvenir is further enhanced by Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart's classic "Tennessee Waltz." Again Rose's vocal style enhances the timeless nature of this classic melody. Perhaps the finest moment is Rose's rendition of the popular parting song, "Red is the Rose."  Her vulnerable vocal quality teamed with the restrained backing makes for a breathtaking performance.  That understated backing is provided throughout the CD by June Shellene, piano; Jimmy Moore, low whistle; Liz Knowles, violins; John Williams, accordion; Kat Eggleston, vocal harmonies and producer Cahill, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and bass. There are a couple of selections in which Rose misses the mark.  On Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Townes Van Zandt's "Tecumseh Valley," Rose's vibrato adds nothing to the beauty of these two classics and, in fact, the melody of the latter is altered slightly, but these are minor quibbles for a CD of such beauty and simplicity. It is rare to find a CD that allows the singer and the song to be presented in such an uncomplicated and effective manner. Souvenir is a wonderful way to experience some great songs through the lovely singing of Rose Laughlin."  - TD Sing Out Magazine 

 

 

Home