"Good
bands come and go and few can lay claim to having a
resounding impact
on the regional music scene, but Roger Girke and his
talented group are doing just that. Roger's intensely
soulful vocals and thrilling guitar work is highlighted
by a veteran group of blues antagonists that take contemporary
blues to a new level"
Phillyblues.com
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 Capital
Recording Artists Pickins'. Pickin's was 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, Electra and RCA records.
At the conclusion of twenty years of playing over two
hundred plus over the road dates a year as a first-call
guitarist, Roger was ready to focus on his own projects.
In 1995 Roger relocated to Delaware and joined up with
the venerable Dr. Harmonica and Rockett 88, playing
with the Dr. on his wild performances for three years
and recording and producing the good Dr's only CD effort "Swingin'
Easy" In 1999 Roger formed Roger Girke and The
Funky Twisters (later changed to The Roger Girke Band)
and released two critically acclaimed CD’s, the
later “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. Additionally the band
is a two time IBC finalist (2005 & 2006)
The Roger Girke Band continues to evolve each year with a solid mix of contemporary
and traditional blues, especially drawing on the New Orleans tradition. The band's
live performances feature strong original songs, combined with ecclectic 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 by Glenn Bickel
on keyboards and vocals, a veteran of counteless Philly blues and soul acts;
the incredible Pat B on bass and vocals and Dave Rainey on Drums, also a vet
of tons of philly based blues, jazz and songwriting acts.
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