Artist:     Peter Rogan

Album:     Still Tryin’ To Believe

Label:     Melt Shop

Release Date:     03.01.2019

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The puzzle of life. Fitting all the pieces together responsibly confounds most of us, at least at some point in the game. Steelworker Peter Rogan tried guitar on for size back in his youth, and it fit him like a second skin. He’s been playing in folk, rock, and jazz bands all around New York, New Jersey, and his home state of Pennsylvania ever since. Although he’s never quit, the economic realities of family finally landed him in the mills.

Rogan only recently began to write songs in his off-hours, winning one of the three Great American Song contests he took a shot at. His victory caught the attention of noted Nashville songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Phil Madiera. Still Tryin’ To Believe is Rogan’s first album, and it sports a down-to-earth, highly-regarded Nashville band of five, lit up by Rogan, Madiera, and Will Kimbrough on guitars, with Chris Donohue on bass, and Dennis Holt on drums. Most compellingly, it presents 12 great songs, sung by Rogan in a light, pleasing baritone.

The album’s title, Rogan says, relates to “Faith, and how hard that can be sometimes. Faith in God, faith in our country and others, but faith in one’s self and one’s dream especially.” Well, Rogan’s songs are some of the most scuffed-up, comfortable, and real you’ll hear, embracing each of those disparate, yet intimately connected aspects of life. The title song rolls out Rogan’s way with a word and a melody, the influence of The Band apparent in its skittering, woodsy rock. “The Only One” then melts the heart—without any schmaltz—with its airy soul. Rogan’s singing partner for the song, the angelic-voiced Allison Dietz, plus Rickie Simpkins on fiddle, enhance its beauty, and the sentiment.

The mood quickly changes as the beat turns slinky for “Kickin’ the Can,” which conjures a strutting Dapper Dan fusing of Randall Bramblett and Shawn Mullins. Both “River Man” and “Mercy” then startle the senses with deep, Southern Gothic mojo, Rogan’s intensely spiritual guitar leaping out in the latter.

Rogan’s brisk walk past a dilapidated church on the cover speaks volumes. Passion, patience, and ideals led him to distinction right out of the gate. He’s pieced together a good portion of the puzzle with huge talent and undying faith.

—Tom Clarke