Veteran guitarist/singer/writer Roger Girke has
been performing and recording steadily after
hitting the nightclub circuit in 1975.
By 1978 and at just 21 years old Roger scored a
pivotal touring gig with Capitol/Ariola Recording
Artists Pickins' who were legendary at the time
for their funky fusion of blues and rock. Contacts
made during that early success paved the way
for a string of regional and national touring
opportunities with diverse artists on Arista,
Elektra and RCA records. At the conclusion of
twenty years of playing over 200+over the road
dates each year as a first-call guitarist, Roger
was ready to focus on his own projects. In 1995
Roger relocated to Delaware and immediately immersed
himself in the vibrant blues scene in Delaware
and nearby Philly and Baltimore and 1999 formed
Roger Girke and The Funky Twisters
(later changed to The Roger Girke Band) Since 2003,
Roger and his talented band have released three
critically acclaimed CD's with their second release "My
Baby Loves That Stuff" winning
an esteemed "Top 5 self-produced" accolade
in the 2005 International Blues Challenge, which
takes place every year in Memphis, TN. The band's
third and recent CD "Shake
It" has been nominated to the top six "Self
Produced CD Releases" in the
2009 International Blues Challenge where Roger
and his band will also be competing in early February
2009. Additionally, The RGB were participants in
the 2005 and 2006 International Blues Challenges.
Roger and his talented band continue to evolve
each year with a solid mix of
contemporary and traditional blues, The band's
live performances feature strong original songs,
combined with eclectic covers and energized performances
all anchored by Roger's intense vocals, guitar
style and personal energy. In addition to Roger,
the band is anchored by Glenn Bickel on keyboards
and vocals has been in the band since 2001.Glenn
is a veteran of dozens of Philadelphia blues and
soul bands and his soulful talent on the piano
and organ has been heard on every RGB CD and hundreds
of performances over the years. The incredible
Pat B on bass joined the band in 2005 and has established
himself as one of the finest bassists on the scene
today. Pat's an old soul in a young man's body
and amazes
all get to feel and hear his undeniable groove.
Drummer David "Ernesto" Rainey
also joined the band in 2005, bringing a wealth
of jazz, R&B, funk and
blues experience to the band. Dave's continues
to drive the band to new levels with his steady,
fluid
and informed style. In 2007 Roger finally talked
Dave "Earlvis" Ward
into bringing his toneful, understated harmonica
chops to the band. Dave had fronted his own band
for quite a few years and was the right person
to round out the Roger Girke Band. Thanks for checking
out The Roger Girke Band website. Please check
the band's schedule and links for the band's music
available through CDBaby.com and
Bandvillage.com.
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