The Roof Rats is a trio in Phoenix who play a blend of original bluegrass and country songs, mixed in with unique reworkings of some older pop tunes.
We first formed around the beginning of 2005, after meeting at different musical events at Mama Java's Coffeehouse. We play regularly at Mama Java's and Copper Star Coffee. We've also played at other local venues, including Mighty Cup and Spoon in Glendale, Fiddler's Dream, the Ben Johnson Days in Apache Junction, and numerous private events.
Jim Bolek plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and sings. He was a professional musician for a number of years in Flagstaff and, upon moving back to Phoenix, became a member of the well-known band, The Nitpickers. About half of the original songs we play were written by Jim.
Tony DiGiovine plays bass. He was a professional musician for many years in Southern California and, since moving to Phoenix, has kept up his chops playing with various bands, including the locally-renowned blues band The Amazing Desert Sharks, the jazz group ctrl-alt-del, and of course, The Roof Rats.
Douglas Fletcher plays guitar and sings. He was formerly in a band in Maryland called Room To Move, which played at quite a few bookstores and a few times at a bar in the old railroad town of Brunswick, where Patsy Cline reputedly played way back when. Another half of the originial songs The Roof Rats perform are his compositions.
A Huge THANK YOU to the Rats for playing at Mighty Cup & Spoon. We had a great time and loved having your at our 'House. We look forward to another musical treat sometime soon. The West Valley got a real treat when you played in Glendale.
Hey Doug, Sorry I've neglected my friends. I've had some intensive work to do on my song "Olivette" and I have a BoDeen song to finish now. It's called "Broke Down On The Side Of The Road." I think I'll get the pedal steel part finished today. Then we have to re-record the vocal, mix it down, master it and it'll be done. Hope you feel well and happy! Gently, Thomas Oliver
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