AJ 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)
Influences
Washboard 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).
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.
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!
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
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
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
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
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 !
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
