An internationally acclaimed country blues artist, Michael Roach is originally from Washington D.C. As well as being Director of the European Blues Association, he also presented the series called ‘Deep Blue’ BBC Radio 4 in 2003. This new bigger band includes Bernie Marsden former guitarist and songwriter from the rock band ‘Whitesnake’ and is packed with talent. In retrospect it was a natural transition for Michael to go from his years as an acoustic performer (he was a great hit at the 2000 Coventry Jazz festival) to leading a big band, creating the resonance of the music that he grew up with. Here are eight musicians dedicated to the soulful sound of rhythm and blues.

Michael Roach

vocals

Danny McCormack

keyboards

Paul Corry

tenor, saxophone

John Battrum

alto saxophone

Paul Allin

trumpet

Roger Inniss

bass

Bernie Marsden

guitar

Matt Cowley

drums

Visit the Michael Roach Band web site »

Widely known as guitarist, singer and songwriter with the progressive rock band The Groundhogs, Tony was first and foremost a bluesman gaining initial recognition backing John Lee Hooker on his British Tours. This ‘solo’ acoustic set features material from his recent album ‘Blues at Ten’, plus blues classics inspired by the likes of Memphis Minnie, Maria Muldaur, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and others and solo versions of Groundhogs favourites. The set is a vibrant mix of acoustic and electric styles, solo and duets with his partner Joanna Deacon, interspersed with anecdotes and audience banter.

Tony McPhee

guitars

Joanna Deacon

vocals

Visit The Groundhogs web site »