“Pearl Alley’s singer Suzanne St. John-Crane travels the gritty vocal route ala Janis Joplin and Bonnie Bramlett. Her husband guitarist Dave Crane leads this powerhouse band with his fluid and super-charged playing. It doesn’t hurt one bit they have the backing of a well seasoned band.”

“The Santa Cruz CA group Pearl Alley take a roots-rock direction on their self-titled CD delivering a Stonesy crunch that invites comparisons to the Black Crowes. Tight arrangements led by David Crane’s brawling quitar, support Suzanne St. John’s raw, rowdy vocals…. make this debut worth checking out.”

“This local five piece blues bands heats things up like a red hot poker to the tush….David Crane tears it up with juke-joint rockin’ guitar licks…..but it’s Suzanne St. John that spits the flames for this blues quintet, bringing Bonnie Raitt’s smoldering sensuality and Janis Joplin’s jaw dropping intensity to the mic together at last.”

“A well realized slice of rhythm & blues energy tempered by introspection. I take it that the Pearl in their name is a nod to Janis. Her spirit is there, but they aren’t a one-trick pony. The musicianship is of a high level. Whatever your musical preference, there is something here for any music fan.”