When Roses & Cigarettes released their debut album in May of 2015, singer Jenny Pagliaro and guitarist Angela Petrilli were anxious to get out into the clubs to promote it by playing the songs live. Those plans were put on hold in early July when Pagliaro was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer, and immediately began treatment. Jenny underwent two surgeries, 8 rounds of chemo and radiation only to have the cancer return again in September of 2016 – just prior to the band’s West Coast tour. Jenny is now at Stage IV, but is more determined then ever to beat the disease and keep making music with Roses & Cigarettes. “I have to take care of myself and get healthy – that’s my priority, but my music and the band will be an important part of that healing process.”
Roses & Cigarettes formed in Los Angeles in 2013 when the country cover band that Pagliaro was singing in auditioned Petrilli for a vacant guitar position. The girls immediately bonded over their desire to perform original material and similar tastes in music – from the classics like Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and Bonnie Raitt; to more contemporary artists like Patty Griffin, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert. It was a mutual love of singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne and his song, “Roses and Cigarettes,” that inspired the name of the band. Roses & Cigarettes’ music is an eclectic blend of Roots, Rock, Americana, Country and Pop – the perfect recipe for the classic California sound. The band has sold out shows at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica and Second Stage at Hotel Café in Hollywood; and they have supported Jim Lauderdale, Luther Dickinson, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, Radney Foster, The Record Company, Elizabeth Cook, and Amanda Shires among others. Roses & Cigarettes’ music has been featured on KLOS FM and KCSN FM in Los Angeles; and the girls are endorsed by Fender Guitars and D’Addario guitar strings.
Roses & Cigarettes are currently in the studio in LA recording an acoustic record, which is due out later this year. The band’s self-titled debut album is available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and most other digital outlets; and on their website: rosesandcigarettes.com.
