Melodies, great lyrics, The Band, Joni, Van the Man, Harmonies, great guitarists, Richard Thompson, the Blues, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Dr John, Love, Horace Silver, Ry Cooder...actually too long to list.
I grew up in Newcastle and had fledgling bands with my sister before joining Arbre for two albums and several tours. I moved to London in the early eighties and played or worked in the studio with many people; Kiki Dee, Joe Strummer, Bliss, Christy Moore, Brian Kennedy among them, and produced a few good albums along the way, but now doing my own thing. My first album Scarab Moon was released a few years ago, the second one, Big Fire is out now and turning a few heads. I play gigs around the UK with double bass player Olly Blanchflower and occasionally augment the line up to become The Acoustic Band. Check out my website www.rogeraskew.com for more info.
I'm about to start work with British Blues band The Spikedrivers. They've asked me to produce their sixth studio album which we will start towards the end of the summer. It's great to be working with them again, I was involved in their first two records and it'll be exciting to come back to their energy and music after ten years.
Reviews of 'Big Fire'
Americana UK : 'Roger Askew's second album is a delight. It's devinely musical, with a bit of funk, a bit of rock, plenty of groove and some great songs particularly the title track Big Fire. Big Voice, Big Talent'
Maverick :'All in all a highly creditable album from a top class singer songwriter.'
Blues Matters : 'A man with a particularly confident rich vocal style, a skilled guitar player who also knows his way round a keyboard. All the songs on this album are written by the man himself, and pretty damn good they are too.'
"Struggles & Lulls", the brand new album from Joan Coffey, is available now on ITunes
'a voice that can enchant. Coffey's vocal chords deliver liquid gold with a divine Irish lilt.' FATEA Records 'charming and honest'. Time Out 'Joan's music exudes a warmth, humility and truth that is rare to find in singer-songwriters these days'. Thea Gilmore
Hey Roger - thanks for finding my page - long time no see. Hope all is well in the world of music and Sky - love your tracks: wonderful stories and production,
Hello, Roger. Hope all is going great for you in merry 'ole England. If you get a change, please give a listen to "Come September" which is up temporarily. I was very much inspired by Joy to do something like this.
Glad we found you here - excellent songs; 'Bridge 57' is our current favourite but they're all really good, some of the music reminds us of Dylan's current road band. We bought tickets for your recent Newcastle show with Joy, but couldn't get there at the last minute - we'll be there next time!
It's a pleasure finally discovering your music.....
Moving, soulful tunes, with meaningful lyrics.
Hope you can tour U.S. soon, and I get the opportunity to see you live.
