Black Rose Garden

by J. Lianna Ness

Black Rose Garden’s first self-titled, full-length CD is an impressive successor to their “Tragic Dances” 7″ (which is included here). Based out of Worcester, MA, this six-piece alterna-tribal orchestra is a fine-tuned unit that creates colorful, majestic compositions. Rose Elliot’s rich, strong vocals draw the listener into her musical world of triumph and tragedy. Her singing is both piercing and powerful, soothing and succulent. A dazzling display of percussion (including conga drums and maracas), rhythmic beats, and moving melodies makes it difficult to listen passively. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll pow wow.