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Roger joined the band in
1996 and brought with him a technique that immediately changed
the dynamics of the music. A very solid but imaginative player,
Roger drives the band, adding percussive colour to the overall
sound. Listen carefully and you'll hear rock, funk, latin and
jazz influences in his playing. He is never happier than when
he is behind his beloved Ludwig Super Classic kit and acres of
Zildjian cymbals.
He has a long and distinguished career in the music business,
but is curiously
reluctant to discuss his days on the cabaret circuit... but he
would talk about his musical heroes:
"Early influences tend
to stick around...they get under your skin... I'll never forget
the impact of Michael Shrieve's drum solo on "Soul Sacrifice"
when Santana took the stage at Woodstock...and he was only 15
at the time! Tower of Power's West Coast funk had a massive effect
on me back in the mid -70s, as did Steely Dan, Little Feat and
the Doobies. Anyone who has heard the Average White Band's "Cut
the Cake" will know exactly where my funk influences come
from."
What's this guy playing in a
blues band for?.. I hear you say. Well, believe it or not, all
of the influences and techniques he has picked up over the years
actually come out in the band's set, and he gives the rhythm
section some serious clout. Increasingly the band are including
percussion breaks into live numbers, as well as bass and drum
features, which go down well with the dancers.
Since leaving the band Roger
has kept busy playing with several other outfits, mainly Spookyfish,
who specialise in 70's soul, funk and rock numbers, and running
his own business.
To contact him direct, click
here
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