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AJ Roach
Folk / Indie / Acoustic

"Sideways, dude... not straight on."

Tower of Song,
United States

Profile Views:  30317




Last Login:  7/2/2008
View My: Pics | Videos

   Contacting AJ Roach

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/ajroach  

   AJ Roach: General Info
Member Since11/14/2005
Band WebsiteRoachMusic.com
Band MembersAJ Roach - Guitar, Banjo, vocals
Sometimes W. Alisa Rose - Fiddle (aka Sidette)
Sometimes Adam Roszkiewicz - Mandolin, Guitar, various other fretted instruments (aka Sidey)
Somtimes Nate Pease - Double Bass (aka Ol' Bassy)
InfluencesWashboard Williams, Doc Boggs, Ian Parks, Puppy Chowmein, Adam Benjamin, Kunkushun, Nels Andrews, Todd Sickafoose, AP Carter, The Ballard Balladiers, John Stamos, Fudgie the Whale, Eddie Plankton & Eli Stonebaughn, Count Folkula and Ooog (the original).
Sounds LikeSands through the hourglass
Record LabelWaterbug Records
Type of LabelIndie





   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jun 28 2008 8:00P
Private Event San Francisco, California
Jul 19 2008 8:00P
Ouseburn Festival Newcastle Upon Tyne
Jul 20 2008 7:00P
Kitchen Garden Café Birmingham
Jul 22 2008 7:45P
The Maze Nottingham
Jul 23 2008 8:30P
What’s Cookin’? London
Jul 25 2008 7:30P
The Chattery Swansea
Jul 26 2008 7:30P
The Living Willow Theatre Llanwrthwl, Wales
Aug 1 2008 8:00P
The Carter Family Fold Hiltons, Virginia

AJ Roach's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

SXSW, 2008... Sunday Morning Coming Down  (view more)

Folk Alliance, 2008  (view more)

AJ to perform as part of the Williamsburg Live Songwriting Competition  (view more)

Grammy Nominations for ’Music of Coal’  (view more)

Paste Magazine feature for November issue  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About AJ Roach
In August of 2003, AJ Roach released his debut full-length album, 'Dogwood Winter' on his own New Folkstar Records label. The response to 'Dogwood Winter' over the next three years – from hardened critics and music lovers alike – would be overwhelming. The record would prompt eminent songwriter, Tom T. Hall to declare AJ “a true poet”, and to cite one of the songs on ‘Dogwood Winter’ (Hard Bein’ Right) as his “new theme song”. Legendary BBC Radio 2 personality, Bob Harris would place 'Dogwood Winter' in regular rotation on his weekend radio show and would later name the record as one of his year-end favorites.

Due for a US release in October on Waterbug records, AJ’s sophomore effort, ‘Revelation’ was recently released on the Lucky Dice label in Europe to an even more astounding reaction from hardened critics and fans. ‘Revelation’ debuted on the Euro-Americana chart at 16 and quickly found it’s way to the 1 spot. With ‘Revelation’, Roach has managed to incorporate such diverse instrumentation as banjo, mandolin, trumpet, trombone, Wurlitzer piano, glockenspiel and accordion, while at the same time staying true to the Appalachian roots that defined his first record.

While the nature of the revelation referred to in the title is more personal than religious, religious imagery is used throughout the record. “Thematically”, says Roach, the record deals with the rift between the person you like to believe you are – or that you want others to believe you are – and the person that you know in your heart of hearts you truly are. I believe that gap exists for most people, but so many of us just aren’t willing to admit it to ourselves. This record is my attempt at being honest with myself about it.”

Roach was raised in the deep hollows of mountainous Scott County, Virginia, home of such legendary acts as The Carter Family and the Stanley Brothers. Growing up, AJ was fed a steady diet of bluegrass and traditional mountain music that strongly flavors his own vivid and haunting, yet contemporary tunes.

AJ's relentless touring schedule since the US release of 'Dogwood Winter' – at times playing as many as 260 dates per year -- has paid off. In May of 2004, he was the winner in the general category of the coveted Chris Austin Songwriting award at MerleFest, placing him in the company of such seasoned veteran artists as Gillian Welch and up-and-comers like Tift Merritt and Adrienne Young. AJ has made live performance appearances on a wide assortment of radio programs in the US, as well as numerous performances on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Northern Ireland. In addition to live appearances on National Dutch Radio, AJ and his band have also appeared live on Dutch Television.

While both ‘Dogwood Winter’ and 'Revelation' are stunning achievements, nothing compares to hearing AJ in a live setting. His performances are so powerful that it is commonplace for audience members to be moved to tears. As a master storyteller, AJ’s dry and cutting wit between songs has become nearly as celebrated as his performance of the songs themselves. The Glasgow Herald had this to say about one of Roach's recent performances: "Roach took the audience packed into the estimable Fallen Angels Club, on a backwoods travelogue that was virtually a masterclass in illustrating how much sophistication goes into creating so-called primitive music."

Other artists that AJ has shared concert bills with over the last few years include: Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Steve Earle, James McMurtry, Jeffery Foucault, Anais Mitchell, Kris Delmhorst, The Old Crow Medicine Show and The Be Good Tanyas.

Upcoming shows, CDs, sample recordings, a full list of press quotes, and the latest news is always available at http://www.RoachMusic.com.

   AJ Roach's Friend Space (Top 20)
AJ Roach has 1618 friends.
 alisa rose 


 Adam Roszkiewicz 


 nate 


 nels andrews 


 an american starlet 

Is Online
 Todd Sickafoose 


 Adam Levy 


 Rachel Ries 


 Anais Mitchell 


 Ana Egge 


 Danny Schmidt 


 Travis and Renee 


 ComboPlate Booking 


 Lucky Dice Music 


 The Medicine Show 


 liz stahler 


 Matt Bauer 


 Michael Winger 


 Jan the Lazyman 


 Brianna Lane 





AJ Roach's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 436 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
americana-uk





Jul 5 2008 4:16 AM

This month we have Regina Spektor with the theme to the film Prince Caspian (but don’t let that put you off, it is really rather wonderful), Mermaid Skeletons with a great song that’s worth it for the chorus alone, the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, who are as good as their name if not more so and finally the legendary Chip Taylor with the thought-provoking Former American Soldier.
Great listening, and if you like the tracks, buy the albums!
Charlie Roth


Is Online


Jul 5 2008 1:34 AM

AJ you and Anais were in my last song circle on the ranch..it was good to see you again..happy travels to you and your sideys
Elle Cox [sinder]





Jun 30 2008 9:04 AM

It looks as though I'll be supporting you at the Living Willow Theatre in a few weeks :) I can't wait :)
The Medicine Show





Jun 21 2008 4:42 PM

Starting a new two hour Medicine Show on Nevis Radio in Fortwillaim this week, would you kindly send me a radio indent for it. Keep the faith spread the love. Rob Ellen

The Global Village Medicine Show on Ness MP3. com Live Radio 9pm http://www. themedicineshow. eu

Nevis Radio http://www. nevisradio. co. uk
Loch Broom FM and more LBFM Shows http://www. lochbroomfm. co. uk/presenters. html
Live Radio Internet Feed http://www. live365. com/stations/sidders
Chat Room and more NMP3LR shows http://www. nessmp3. com/music/radiohub

Rob Ellen




Were based in the Highlands and putting the unity, in .com

Stay connected to us - and get so much more - with the nessmp3. com Community Toolbar http://nessmp3com. ourtoolbar. com and have Nessmp3. com Live Radio at your finger tips
Michael





Jun 20 2008 10:16 AM

Just stopping by to say Hi I Hope that all is well with you and everything's going great..
Stay positive, productive & purpose driven.

Peace

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G7th Capos





Jun 17 2008 10:53 AM

John Egan





Jun 12 2008 3:32 PM

hi aj thank you for your kind words and the add hope to catch you one of these days,take good care john
Eitan





Jun 8 2008 3:12 PM

I know it's out-of-date, but any chance you can post your song about the California re-call election on your website....that song was hilarious.
Eitan





May 31 2008 10:19 AM

I am playing AJ Roach on my guitar and on my stereo in Jerusalem....turning the people on here to Roach...

...all I want for my birthday is "Whistling Train" and "Hard Being Right" tab....and if you got it let me know.
(can't figure them out on my own)
Matt Bauer





May 29 2008 7:45 PM

dude.
when does batimore happen?
The Earl Brothers


Is Online


May 29 2008 12:49 PM

HOW DE NEIGHBOR...

"JUST PASSING BY"

SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

ROBERT EARL DAVIS
THE EARL BROTHERS
EVRIM TUZUN





May 19 2008 2:30 PM

Let the Music bless ur soul...
was busy at the std.. so how was ur day?
Alden Roach





May 11 2008 7:35 PM

I've posted a new song - Valleys of Green. Please stop by and take a listen, when you get a chance.

And he used to touch the world a little more gently
Sometimes there are hands that we share
All the puppets and the noise that this world employs
Just remind him it's true lovers who dare

- from "Valleys of Green" by Alden Roach
Phil Minissale





May 10 2008 10:11 AM


AJ,
Thanks for the friendship. Keep fanning the flame!
Peace,
Phil
liz stahler





Apr 30 2008 12:20 PM

So Unbelievably Delicious and Amazing... Ummm I'm talking about you... I'll drink to that!
Justin Reynolds





Apr 30 2008 12:01 PM

Hey, I was at your latest show here in the Seattle area, I believe it was around halloween...me and Jesse where there.
It was one hell of a good show! When ya coming back up to this area? Can ya put the song Dimes on your playlist? Take Care
Bas





Apr 23 2008 11:09 AM

thanks for the great show you did in utrecht. can't tell you in words how much i enjoy your music.
anyway, take care
blushing susie





Apr 17 2008 12:28 PM

we really loved your show in amen, were're big fans! let the congregation say: AMEN
Chelsa





Apr 17 2008 1:13 AM

a super show from you and your Band yesterday in "Cafe de Amer".
Your Voice is great!!!
All the best.
The wonderful picture from your show at my myspace!
Greetings Geert and Chelsa
Brianna Lane





Apr 16 2008 3:10 PM

i just sent you a text and you're in the netherlands. i suppose you don't get texts there.

when are you heading down to kerrville?

-b
Luna Ludo





Apr 16 2008 9:50 AM

Just listen to our latest radio show via downstream.
April 15, Mavis Staples




or check the playlist as available on "My Blog"
an american starlet


Is Online


Apr 12 2008 3:25 PM

ooog
Matt Bauer





Apr 12 2008 6:53 AM

dude. we are 121 kilometers from each other in the netherlands.

dude!
jim





Apr 9 2008 11:25 PM

Ill see you on the 19th in Utrecht...looking forward to it!..jim
Pierre Hagelaars





Apr 9 2008 3:04 AM

Hee AJ I'm Comming to your show on the 17th of April in Amsterdam. I see that you must also play the 19th. Well the 18th of April I will play in De Mads at Waalwijk so maybe if you have a day off you would like to come and see my show? It's not that far from Utrecht were you gotta play the 19th ! see ya next week !

Greatz pierre Hagelaars
Deli Juice





Apr 5 2008 10:54 AM

Hi AJ,
U sound great.
Hope i wont miss u this time.
CHEERS!
Rick
cassandra farrar





Apr 3 2008 8:54 PM



hey there & thanks for the add!
how's it going??
i hope you enjoy the tunes!
please do spread the word & tell your friends about me :)

my CD is available at
www. cdbaby. com/cd/cassandrafarrar
and iTUNES

keep in touch!
i love to get to know all my friends :)

-Cass
The Medicine Show





Mar 31 2008 2:49 PM

This weeks Global Village Medicine Show, (featured album D. Mulligan "The last Great Southwest" http://www. nessmp3. com/music/Dave_Mulligan

With new albums from The Waifs, I See Hawks In LA, Rough Shop, Noel lanaghan, Bex Marshal, Andrew Calhoun and Campground, Case Hardin as well as nessmp3. com new music and usual mix of classics.

Tuesday 9PM April 1st (BST) Nessmp3. com Live Radio.

Country Blues and Beyond see you there

We will of course feature all our musician friends and neighbours who show up in the chatroom, as well as new releases classic tracks and nessmp3. com artists. Join Rob and the gathered villagers in the chat frame here on Tuesday.
See you then

Rob Ellen




Were based in the Highlands an putting the unity, in .
com
Anna Coogan





Mar 30 2008 5:50 PM

Fun to see you the other day AJ.
Hope your tour goes well!
Dr Kell, Dr of Photography





Mar 23 2008 1:42 PM

Carter Fold, August 1st. It looks like I'll have to be in attendance. well, there goes that weekend.
DavidAdamNoraIdaEdwardLincolnLincolnEdward





Mar 23 2008 12:01 PM

easter
Travis and Renee





Mar 18 2008 7:38 PM

Eddie Izzard - Secret Stand-Up
..