ACOUSTIC PIEDMONT BLUES / GOSPEL / RHYTHM ‘N BLUES / SOUL

Michael Roach, vocals Danny McCormack, keyboards and organ Paul Corry, tenor saxophone John Battrum, alto saxophone Michael Baxter, trumpet Tim Cansfield, guitar Roger Inniss, bass Matt Cowley, drums www.michaelroachband.com

Michael Roach was born in Washington D.C., one of thirteen children. His parents had abandoned the harsh conditions of the Deep South and were amazed when their son took up the music that represented everything they had wanted to escape from. In fact, Michael learned to play the East Coast style acoustic blues directly from the masters, John Jackson and John Cephas and over the last thirty years or so has established himself as a solo-acoustic player of international renown. At Blues to Bop he also will appear as a vocalist accompanied by The Michael Roach Band, a seven piece orchestra that includes a number of legendary European players who have worked with Dr John and Van Morrison, as well as Michelle Shocked and Lazy Lester. This is a radically new enterprise for Michael and the band arrangements were two years in the making. The band has been a success since their first appearance, thanks to a dynamic, soulful roaring sound that delights and astonishes audiences. Blues to Bop is proud to present their first appearance outside the United Kingdom.