WHAT SOME CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT PETER ROGAN'S "STILL TRYIN' TO BELIEVE":

'"12 great songs...Rogan’s songs are some of the most scuffed-up, comfortable, and real you’ll hear... 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...huge talent and undying faith." (Tom Clarke/Elmore)


"this guitar work is superb and rocks out, and the entire album...ranges widely and elegantly from the soulful 'Sweet Baby Blues' to the Coltrane-like 'Song for Keith' to the bluesy-funk of the title track." (Henry Carrigan/No Depression)


"a solid outing...Peter Rogan’s labor of love introduces us to a new artist, who brings a life time of experience into the light for the first time, but likely not the last." (Brian Q. Newcomb/The Fire Note)

"Peter Rogan, Still Tryin' to Believe. Sometimes steelworkers make the best music, especially when it comes to country-funk that lets all their hard-earned hours of physical labor seep deep into their songs. Peter Rogan is an electrician by trade, and spends his days at a Pennsylvania steel mill. But when he's home, Rogan is writing songs, entering contests and chasing the dreams that will always fuel America's fire. This time we have a winner, because these are songs that come from right in the middle of reality, and can swerve from being rockin' chuggers to vein-slicing beauties. They aren't the kind of songs which can be totally made from the imagination. They must be lived. And while this man has been playing guitar in various bands for decades, it is really just now that he's stepped to the front of the stage. We should be glad he did, too, because without that gems like the title song "Still Tryin' to Believe," the all-timer "The Start of Something Easy" and the knee-buckling "Beautiful Honey" would not exist. It is hard to predict where Peter Rogan can go, but there is something in his music which says that it's the journey which is pushing him onward, and not just a destination. Making an album this good probably seemed like a dream twenty years ago when he'd shut off the alarm clock in the morning and head for the mill. There is no doubt that Peter Rogan had this kind of musical greatness buried inside him for many years. Now that it's come out there is no going back. Believin' has arrived." (Bill Bentley-The Morton Report)


"Proving that’s it’s never too late to begin, this is the debut album from 57-year-old Peter Rogan, already a songwriting winner in the Great American Song contest...Still Tryin’ to Believe has strong songs and top notch players…The album often rings with Grateful Dead and The Band influences as it’s mostly in that kind of classic Americana mode with a touch of blues, and, for one track, jazz...The stand-out rather funky “Kickin’ the Can,” a song about procrastination, follows in the mode of Randall Bramblett or maybe even early Bruce Hornsby with rapped verses and guitar solos from both Kimbrough and Rogan...sizzling guitar...There’s no doubting his songwriting talent and musical depth" (Jim Hynes/Making A Scene)


"...'Kickin’ the Can' starts out with jazzy organ and drum feel, not surprising given Rogan’s jazz past, but then it kicks in a bit, leaving the jazziness behind.  The song, an ode to putting things off, builds and builds courtesy of some big backing vocals with Kimbrough and Medeira allowing their guitar skills to shine. It is an upbeat and funky song and I can see this being a showstopper when played live...'Mercy ... is an epic rocker and showcases Rogan’s talents as a musician and a songwriter...Still Tryin’ To Believe is a fun, listenable record. It moves effortlessly through several genres but never seems like it is trying too hard to be something it isn’t.  I guess that is what experience and perspective bring to the table when you are recording your first album at the young age of 57. Rogan, in the midst of a team of Nashville heavy weights, more than holds his own throughout the record. His voice warmly compliments his songs and you will find yourself, like I did, going back and listening to this album again and again."  (Jason Davidson/Americana Highways)


""Listen to this disc and you’ll likely conclude it doesn’t sound like a debut album. Peter Rogan’s Still Tryin’ to Believe is a collection of 11 original songs coming out March 1 that will establish him as a worthy new talent on the music scene...This is a mighty fine debut and does its job of wanting listeners to hear more from Rogan." (Tom Henry/Toledo Blade)


"Collaborating with Nashville/Americana heavyweights Will Kimbrough and Phil Madeira and recording at John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe Recording Studio, Rogan lays out an even dozen songs that balance hip-shaking grooves with lyrics that draw from keen observation...The collection of songs carries a humid sound. Rogan comes off as a nice guy with a bit of an edge and an eye out for interesting situations. 'The Rolling Mill Blues' stomping up-tempo boogie groove is his take on a down-tempo work experience—his day gig as an electrician at a Pennsylvania steel mill. 'Mercy,' the album’s grand, smoldering tour de force, features Rogan on slide guitar as it builds and falls in dynamics. A Great American Song Contest finalist, 'Song for Keith' is an instrumental jazz ballad featuring flugelhorn that showcases the breadth of Rogan’s compositional talent." (Blaine Schultz/Shepherd Express)


"Pennsylvania steel mill worker and burgeoning Americana-roots performer Peter Rogan has released a splendid little disc with the support of well-placed friends including Phil Madeira and Will Kimbrough. Each of Still Tryin’ To Believe’s eleven songs is distinctive, and yet they are bound with an appealing tactile, workbench quality. Well-recorded and arranged, these songs are natural products of experience and challenge, a full-bodied blend of folk, rock, country, and jazz influences. As was Della Mae’s most recent EP, this album was cut at Nashville’s Butcher Shoppe, and Rogan took full advantage to its proximity to stellar talent, enlisting the aforementioned Madeira—with whom he has been writing for a few years—and Kimbrough as well as the rhythm section of Chris Donohue (bass) and Dennis Holt (drums). 'The Start of Something Easy' and 'Beautiful Honey' have the feel of songs Three Dog Night may have recorded a lifetime ago, timeless slices of quality capturing relationship vignettes in rhyme. Written over the last six years, these songs haven’t been rushed and as such are fully realized in lyric and form. Two auto-focused songs, 'Big Green Rambler' a bluesy jam, 'Kickin’ the Can' a life-lesson ramble, are additional highlights...Introspective and still free-wheeling, Peter Rogan and his songs provide almost an hour of enjoyment, an experience that can be revisited simply by touching the play button." (Donald Teplyske/Fervor Coulee)


"... twelve songs of real quality which resonate in the memory...From the southern rock of the title track to the country feel of 'The Only One' and the blues funk of 'Kickin’ The Can', there is a confidence and swagger about this release. 'Beautiful Honey' has a slow and easy groove while 'Big Green Rambler' channels an Allman Bros feel... Rogan has a hand in all the songs (7 co-writes), which include two instrumentals and has assembled an impressive group of studio players in Will Kimbrough (guitars, dobro, pedals), Phil Madeira (guitars, organ, piano, lap steel), Chris Donohue (acoustic & electric bass), Dennis Holt (drums, percussion) and a selection of seven backing singers across the tracks...Produced by Rogan in Nashville, the sound is bright and clear which adds greatly to the enjoyment; no clutter, just straight down the middle arrangements laced with fine melody and rhythm. 'Rolling Mill Blues' gives the ensemble a chance to really stretch out and the results are very compelling with a Stones vibe very evident. The slow blues of 'River Man' is particularly appealing and the gospel rock refrain in 'Mercy' is only topped by a searing guitar solo by Rogan that lifts everything to a new level. Working as a professional guitarist for many years and also holding down a day job as an electrician, this is the profile of the modern-day musician who tries to balance a lifetime passion with the everyday reality of paying the bills. The songs were written over a 4-year period and the old adage that ‘patience is a virtue’ has never rung truer. A highly recommended release."  (Paul McGee/Lonesome Highway)


The album gets off to a great start with its title track, 'Still Tryin’ To Believe.' This is a funky, bluesy folk gem that at one point becomes a fun jam...'Kickin’ The Can' establishes a good groove and quickly becomes a fun number, the lyrics delivered almost as spoken word at times. This one gets me moving, and is one of my favorite tracks. Plus, it has some damn good lyrics… 'The Rolling Mill Blues' has a heavier blues rock sound, with a bit of a Mick Jagger sound to the vocals, and some wonderful stuff on keys. Then there is a bit of a Lou Reed sound to the vocal line of 'Mercy.' The song’s opening line is compelling and pulled me in immediately." (Michael's Music Log)

"A powerful debut from guitarist/singer/ songwriter/ steelworker Peter Rogan. Releasing a full length cd has been a lifelong dream, and Still Tryin’ To Believe is rock solid...There’s an emotional honesty to Believe  that makes it hard to shake" (John Kereiff-The Rock Doctor)


"The set blends blues, Americana, a touch of country, and Peter’s love for Stones-inspired rock...Two songs served as our favorites, each spiced with a touch of humor.  Peter channels Jagger on the playfully-sexy 'Big Green Rambler' co-written by Phil...He gets his Philly rap on in a funky ode to procrastinators everywhere, with cars as the metaphorical subject of 'Kickin The Can'...At the urging of Phil Madeira, Peter Rogan was encouraged to produce 'Still Tryin’ To Believe' by himself.  It serves as a fine testimony to his perseverance, his faith in himself, and his willingness to pursue his dreams! (Sheryl & Don Crow/Nashville Roots & Blues Alliance)

"the album is a strong mix of modern Americana, vintage rock and blues.  A- " (Tom Von Malder)


"Video Pick of the Week ('Kickin' The Can')" (The Alternate Root)


"Like the steel forged in his mills, Rogan’s works are burnished with the kind of adult vibe too often missing today... hits the sweet spot with room to spare. Well done.​" (Chris Spector/Midwest Record)

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