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Smokestack Lightnin' Home Page -- The Blues Profile Page
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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, rock and country. 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. In 1999 formed Roger Girke and The Funkytwisters, now known as The Roger Girke Band and has released three critically acclaimed CD's, Roger Girke and The Funkytwisters – “We Got The Funky Blues” Teletone
Records 2001
The Roger Girke Band – “My Baby Loves That Stuff” Teletone Records 2004 The Roger Girke Band – “Shake It” Teletone Records 2008 The Roger Girke Band’s artistry and creativity has been validated with two significant industry awards. The 2004 CD release "My Baby Loves That Stuff" won an esteemed "Top 5 Self-Produced CD" award in the 2005 International Blues Challenge – and their 2008 CD release “Shake It” was awarded a “Top 6 Self-Produced CD” award in the 2009 International Blues Challenge. These awards are judged by industry heavyweights such as Alligator and Blind Pig records and terrestrial and satellite broadcasters, writers and publicists. Also, from over 100 competitors, The Roger Girke Band was a top 10 live finalist in the 2009 International Blues Challenge, which takes place every year in Memphis, TN. 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 anchored by Roger's strong vocals and guitar
playing. Glenn Bickel, on keyboards and vocals, has been in the band
since 2001 and is a veteran of dozens of Philadelphia blues and soul
bands. He has been on every RGB CD release and hundreds of RGB
performances over the years. Glenn’s son, 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. Drummer David "Ernesto" Rainey also joined
the band in 2005, bringing a wealth of jazz, funk and blues experience,
driving the band with his steady, fluid and informed style.
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