Blues Week 2008

I am delighted to announce that I am the poster boy for the 2008 Blues Calendar published by Pomegranate. Pomegranate, a major publisher in the US, are featuring the photographs of James Fraher. James shot the image of me standing in front of the door that's on the Index page of this website. I am priviledged to be featured alongside many of the all time greats of the blues (Lightnin' Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Screamin' Jay Hawkins to name a few). If you would like to purchase a copy, here is a link to their website: http://pomegranate.stores.yahoo.net/z427.html

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I have dedicated twenty four years of my life to recording, performing and promoting country blues. I must admit that when I bought my first guitar twenty five years ago, I wanted to learn how to play soul, jazz and funk music. I never did. It just so happened that I met the old timers (as mentioned on the 'Why' page) and I promised to stay true and committed to traditional music. In interviews, I always say the blues chose me, I did not choose it! Over the years, I questioned myself on numerous occasions but could never stop 'picking that guitar'.

Now that I have formed The Michael Roach Band, it has been a natural transition for me to go from my years as an acoustic performer to leading a big band. To everyone who have supported us, "Thank You"!

Regarding the band, copies of the debut album,'I Betcha!', is available online and you can order the CD by clicking on this link: http://www.stellarecords.net. To view video footage of the band performing 'Downtrodden Woman' 'Live at the Spitz', London Oct 06, click on this link: Downtrodden Woman. Here is another link to some video footage (filmed on a camera phone) from a recent gig at the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead February 08 with guest Michael Messer on slide guitar: High Heeled Sneekers. For more information on the band, here is the website link: www.michaelroachband.com. Also, there is film footage of two songs 'Downtroddend Woman' and 'People Get Ready' on the band's MySpace site. Here is the link: http://www.myspace.com/themichaelroachband.  Once you are on the site, on the left side under my photo, click on 'Videos'.  On the next window, click on the image or the text for viewing. I hope you enjoy it.

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If you are interested in making new friends and learning how to sing the blues, play blues harmonica, bottleneck slide, country blues guitar and blues keyboards, I highly recommend Blues Week 2008 sponsored by Euroblues Promotions Limited. The dates for this year is the 10th to 15th August 2008. For more information, here is a link to their website: http://www.euroblues.co.uk/workshops.htm.

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For years, I have been asked to give private guitar lessons outside of my work with the European Blues Association and public performances. With this in mind, I filmed a tutorial DVD called 'An Introduction to Country Blues Guitar' and co-produced another called 'An Introduction to Blues Slide Guitar with Michael Messer'. Both contain all the basics along with close-up demonstrations to provide the perfect lesson. They are for sale through the secure website of Euroblues Promotions Limited.

Here is the link to where you could make a purchase: http://www.euroblues.co.uk/merchandise.htm