Paul Roses new CD "Promises" is his eighth album to date and is surely his best work thus far. The tracks on this new release are a combination of original songs and instrumentals, including 3 cover versions, all done with a refreshing originality and style. As the liner notes point out "Some of the songs on this CD were originally intended for release through a major label in 1995. Ultimately that album was never completed and the songs were shelved" that is up until now. Recent advances in recording and audio software has allowed Paul to really stretch his imagination, coupled with the vast experience and knowledge gained working on his previous releases. Paul grew up in a house where music was always an important part of life, hearing recordings of the great classical composers from his Fathers collection, as well as the great 70's pop songs such as the Bee Gees and the Carpenters from his Mothers records. And it is these artists that we can hear influencing Paul's vocal arrangements, and taking his music in an entirely new direction. Songs like "No Spark, No Fire" and "All That Goes Around" are rich in harmony and melody, and of course the tone and feel of the guitar work is just as outstanding as ever. Having played mostly acoustic guitar over the past couple of years, it seems fitting that Paul is now embracing the simplicity of the Fender Telecaster along side his trusted Strats. And he is now branching out into far more advanced and sophisticated musical arrangements. The incredible "Fairground Dream" is testament to this, where an entire section of the track has been constructed to evoke images of the fairground, with echoes of Paul's other CDs in the distance, suggesting different rides and stalls are playing Paul's music. This is a true delight, and an absolute must for all music lovers. It is suffice to say that "Promises" is a culmination of many years hard work and experience, both in a live and studio context. And so fans of Paul's work have a great treat in store. Surely this album will once and for all put Paul on the international musical map where he truly belongs. Klaus Gottob. Nuremburg, Sept 2007.