Roy Rogers - RSS Feed

News: Ray Manzarek

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0800

I am very saddened to inform you that my great friend and collaborator, Ray Manzarek, co-founder of The Doors, passed away today at the age of 74. Always stretching the boundaries in music, art and poetry - this is one of the true rock icons that had heart, intellect and talent - and a terrific sense of humor.

He was a great friend and will be missed. ~ Roy Rogers

Show: Jul 20, 2013 @ Fountain Blues Festival

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

Show: Aug 31, 2013 @ Snowy Range Music festival

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

Show: Aug 08, 2013 @ Rockin' the River

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Show: Aug 04, 2013 @ PowerHouse Pub

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Show: Jul 13, 2013 @ Navarro General Store Concert Series

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Show: Jun 22, 2013 @ The Empress Theater

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0800

with special guest Bonnie Hayes

Show: Jul 12, 2013 @ Hopmonk Tavern's "The Session Room"

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

News: Roy Rogers May Update

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Hey Folks! Taking a couple of weeks off for production of the new Ray Manzarek/ Roy Rogers' project 'Twisted Tales' which will be out soon ~ and some work for a new site called RiffTime - in which Roy will be doing some online lessons to be launched in the fall.

Look for upcoming new summer dates to be posted soon - and some new news about July travel in Norway and Fall travel in Europe! ~ :) Happy Spring!

Press: Slide king Roy Rogers hits Harrahs

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Slide guitar great Roy Rogers will bring his unmistakable style to South Lake Tahoe this weekend, playing Harrah’s South Shore Room Saturday night. Roy Rogers has been a blues man almost as long as he can remember. Born in Redding, Calif., in 1950, Rogers became immersed in the genre at a young age, finding blues roots in the developing folk and rock music scenes. - Tahoe Daily Tribune

News: Slide king Roy Rogers hits Harrahs

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Slide guitar great Roy Rogers will bring his unmistakable style to South Lake Tahoe this weekend, playing Harrah’s South Shore Room Saturday night.

Roy Rogers has been a blues man almost as long as he can remember. Born in Redding, Calif., in 1950, Rogers became immersed in the genre at a young age, finding blues roots in the developing folk and rock music scenes.

Read the full Tahoe Daily Tribune Story!

News: Roy Partners with a Different Kind of Harp Player for April 27 Show at Harrah's Lake Tahoe

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

By Tim Parsons

www.tahoeonstage.com

Since the death of Norton Buffalo, Roy Rogers has repeatedly stated he will not collaborate with another harp player.

The slide guitarist with a blues bent is famous for his collaborations with different artists, most notably a longtime partnership with Buffalo, the harmonica superstar who died in 2009 from cancer. The East Bay natives were even closer as friends than they were as musical duo. Rogers with another harp player just wouldn’t be right.

So concertgoers usually are surprised to learn Rogers latest collaboration is with harp player Carlos Reyes. The aha moment occurs when Reyes brings his instrument onstage. This harp doesn’t fit in a pocket.

Ninety percent of the time, Reyes said, the reaction is “Oh, my God. It’s a real harp.”

Reyes has played on a couple of Rogers records, and the two will be onstage Saturday, April 27, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, along with Rogers longtime band the Delta Rhythm Kings, Kevin Hayes on drums and Steve Evans, bass.

“It’s all about expanding it, not resting on your laurels, and part of expanding that is interacting with other people, I am kind of known for that now,” said Rogers, who also teamed with former Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Shana Morrison and produced four John Lee Hooker albums. “Collaborations, they force you to go in another spot. It’s a combo plate. I like that. It keeps you on your toes. I’ve collaborated with a lot of folks over the years and certainly Carlos Reyes is in a very special category.”

The category is so special, in fact, that Rogers and Reyes don’t even have a name for it.

“Sometimes when you have someone who you are so close to as a friend who also shares life’s thoughts and opinions,” Reyes said, “that after a while you develop this energy. And onstage, I couldn’t tell you what that is. Sometimes I’m afraid to try to describe it. I don’t want to jinx it.”

Rogers agrees.

“When he and I are onstage, this thing happens,” he said. “When Buffalo and I were onstage, this thing happened in a different way. When Carlos and I are onstage, this energy happens that I can’t describe.”

Reyes was born in Paraguay and to be a musician. The son of a musician, he began violin lessons before he was 4 years old. He was 5 when he played in his first concert.

The elder Reyes often performed in the United States with Spanish bandleader Xavier Cugat who was once married to the artist Charo. When Paraguay’s political climate made life unpredictable, the Reyes family moved permanently to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reyes knew about Rogers since he was in high school. Both were in bands which played the same circuit. Rogers was from Vallejo and Reyes and – guess who? – Buffalo were from nearby Richmond. Buffalo and Reyes, who also plays violin and bass, collaborated throughout the years, and Buffalo more than a decade ago reintroduced Rogers and Reyes. The vibratory triumvirate had a similar chemistry, no matter the combination.

“I feel that I am a good chameleon about different kinds of music so sometimes it’s jazz or sometimes it’s bluesy,” Reyes said. “It’s kind of like a toolbox playing with Roy. It is the same way with Norton. We could just kind of explore different things that we learned playing with different people. I met Norton when I was 15. When we got reintroduced again with Roy, it was a natural match.”

Rogers, of course, always seems open to something new.

“With Carlos and I, much like with Buffalo but in certainly different fashion, there’s always an element of surprise,” he said. “That’s part of why I like the collaborative thing. You don’t quite know where it’s going to go, but it’s a lot of fun. If it’s fun for the musicians onstage, it’s always fun for the audience. Always.”

Reyes said the harp and violin are a contrast to Rogers’ slide guitar. But the different instruments meld in tone and approach.

“It’s almost like you don’t have to force it to keep going,” Reyes said. “What we have to do is remember to stop it so we can make it to the next part. For me it almost becomes like an out-of-body experience.”

Onstage, the experience is natural, but concertgoers might have to hear it to fully understand it.

“(Carlos) should be far more well known than he is,” Rogers said. “He’s truly a remarkable musician. But it’s not just about being a virtuoso. It’s about the energy and the synergy that happens onstage. You’ve seen me enough to know, the vibe onstage is crucial. It’s easy to do with a guy like Carlos. (But now it) will be with a harp player. I don’t know how in print you are going to get that across. You probably in parenthesis should say, ‘Not harmonica.’ There’s no other way to refer to a harp other than just a harp.”

Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings featuring Carlos Reyes

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27

Where: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room

Tickets: $27.50, www.ticketmaster.com, or phone 800-745-3000 or 866-448-7849

Press: Roy Rogers Partners with a Different Kind of Harp Player

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Since the death of Norton Buffalo, Roy Rogers has repeatedly stated he will not collaborate with another harp player. The slide guitarist with a blues bent is famous for his collaborations with different artists, most notably a longtime partnership with Buffalo, the harmonica superstar who died in 2009 from cancer. The East Bay natives were even closer as friends than they were as musical duo. Rogers with another harp player just wouldn’t be right. So concertgoers usually are surprised to learn Rogers latest collaboration is with harp player Carlos Reyes. The aha moment occurs when Reyes brings his instrument onstage. This harp doesn’t fit in a pocket. - Tahoe Onstage

News: Favorite Fan Quote for Spring

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Last week -end at the Black Oak Casino show a new fan came up to the CD table and said to Roy

"I've never heard of you man...this was my first time - and I'll never forget it."

How sweet is that? That's what keeps you going - people and inspiration like that! Thank you.

See ya'll at Harrah's South Shore Room on April 27th - it's a beautiful time to be up in the Lake Tahoe area in the Spring! Dancing shoes required.... ~ :) Hearts wide open. :)

News: Roy Rogers Update

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful responses to the newsletter.

We have a winner for the trivia contest / raffle and that is Carl in Maryland.

Congrats! Most of you were right too - the 'other' Roy Rogers' King of the Cowboy's name was

Leonard Slye. See you at the shows! :)

News: Roy Rogers Spring Update!

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Welcome back to the Slide Zone and thanks for stopping in!

Spring is in the air - finally! Our daffodils are standing straight up in the yard with iris' and tulips coming up in the rich earth up here in Nevada City, CA - - and as some of you know, we are in the Tahoe National forest. Really beautiful right now - dogwoods are bursting too! It's snowing pink petals! :)

We have some great shows in April to attend - and enjoy with friends and famililes. On April 12th come see Roy Rogers & DRK at the new Sweetwater in Mill Valley. A great venue with a great menu - come early for a table - and a great sound system and just a real fun local hang.

A rare appearance on Saturday April, 27th Roy Rogers & DRK will slide right in to Harrah's South Shore room - a fantastic place to enjoy world class views, hotels and casinos - and a room celebrating 50 years of presenting top notch entertainment. Should be a great week-end up there!

For those of you connected to cable TV land - you may have noticed quite a few placements of Roy's songs in several broadcasts these past few months. Showtime has been showing Kate Hudson's first film "Ricochet River" - and there is several of Roy's songs in this film. The Movie Channel is using "Big Empty" in it's programming as well as Sirius XM, Playnet, And Dish are all programming Roy's music more frequently. On the airlines the digital service AMI has increased his music on several different genres of music channels - blues, Americana and even instrumental - and you will occaisionally hear a Roy segment of music sneaking by on the morning national NPR news - as we have big fans over there. Thank you!!!

Supporting live music is so important to artists these days so please share these shows with friends and the music lovers in your life...always appreciate new and old fans coming up to us at shows and sharing their experiences with RR & DRK. All the best ~ See you soon!

Show: Aug 03, 2013 @ The Bob Boldrick Theater

Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Benefit Concert

Roy Rogers & DRK

Show: Jul 02, 2013 @ Scandinavian Tour

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Scandinavian Tour to be announced July 2 - 13th, 2013

Show: Jun 30, 2013 @ Private Event

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

Show: May 31, 2013 @ Cloverdale Downtown Plaza

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

Show: May 26, 2013 @ Feather Falls Casino

Sun, 26 May 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & DRK

News: Roy Rogers Slide Zone Spring News!

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks to all our Northwest fans who showed up big time to support Roy and the band !

Now that was big fun!

Look for new dates now posted for April - some surprise late adds like in South Shore Lake Tahoe that will be so beautiful in late April (27th) - so come on up! (Harrrah's Lake Tahoe South Shore Room!) with the fantastic multi-instrumentalist Carlos Reyes sitting in as Roy's special guest.

And of course The New Sweetwater in Mill Valley on April 12th! What a great job they've done with this club - that has such an important history in Bay Area music.

We look forward to these spring shows and are up-lifted by the new Spring light - time change and all the possibilites of what's to come. All our best ~ XX

News: RR & DRK Head to the Northwest!

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Zone Fans ~

March is here and Spring is around the corner - (remember daylight savings time changes on the 10th!) - and the band is headed up to the Pacific Northwest. RR & DRK perform at The Upstage in Port Townsend March 7th; The Triple Door in Seattle on March 8th; Whidby Island at the Mukilteo Coffee Roasters Wharehouse on March 9th; and a stop in to Portland, Oregon on March 10th (an early Sunday show) at the Albert Rose Theater. FYI - a new run of T Shirts now on sale in the RR Music Store.

Come out and support live music and help us get some inspiration for the new season...

See you on the dance floor ~ !!

News: Update from The Slidezone

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Back from our travels in beautiful Hawaii - and thanks to all our old and new Hawaiian Island friends for a fantastic turn - out on all 4 Islands. Big Fun! We got to chill out after the tour on the garden island of Kauai - just beautiful - and had well deserved rest. Hope to return again next year!

Look for the updates on RR & DRK calendar - swinging up to the wonderful Northwest in March to some of our favorite venues up there in Port Townsend, Seattle, Whidby Island and Portland at the beginning of the month. Please see the "Shows" tab for more details.

Look for many more dates to be posted soon for the Spring and Summer! :)

News: Roy Rogers at New Hopmonk in Novato!

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slidezone Fans! RR & DRK performing at the new Hopmonk Tavern on Saturday

February 2nd - new venue, and our old home town! Be there or be square! :)

Press: NPR's Morning Edition Host Bob Edwards Interviews Roy Rogers

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Thought you all might enjoy this NPR interview of Roy Rogers - who happened to be in the studio with Rolling Stone's keybordist Chuck Leavell at NPR in D.C. years ago - a great exchange and a really fun interview by the great journalist and music fan Bob Edwards in 2002. Enjoy! - NPR

News: Roy Rogers January 2013 Update

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Zone Fans!

The sold out New Year's eve show was rockin' and we even had many anniversaries and birthdays in the house. One fan even said "thanks for saving my marriage!" :) - so great!! We do have several couples who have met and gotten married because they met at RR & DRK shows - fantastic!! Thanks to Dave Fleming (AKA 'Father Time' that night !) and the great staff at The Palms for making it such a fun night. That dance floor was hoppin'!

January and February brings a basketful of shows with Roy Rogers collaboration with Ray Manzarek in the Northern California Region and a trip to Hawaii in February! Yea! Joining Roy and Ray in their band is Steve Evans on bass, and Kevin Hayes on drums.

So check those schedules, go the SHOW tab and see you on the road!

All the best to you and yours ~ Happy New Year! The Slide Zone Family

News: Happy New Year from The Slide Zone

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0800

It's always a rush of memories when we look at the calendar and see what we have done the past year!

It's really been an amazing one - and we've had the best year yet ~Roy traveled in 7 countries and had countless wonderful exchanges with people all over the world. Thanks to all of you who share the inspired experiences of this amazing live performer and artist. It's so important to have your continued support and we are very grateful - and blessed. Spread the word & check the site often for show updates!

Please come join us at The Palms in Winters, California for New Years' Eve!

Happy Holidays to You and Yours. See you in 2013!!

News: Happy Thanksgiving! Mill Valley - The New Sweetwater This Week-End!

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving to You and yours !

Please - come join us and bring your friends and family for what promises to be a rousing good time for RR & DRK's first time in Mill Valley at The New Sweetwater (which we hear is fabulous!) and see RR & DRK with special guest Carlos Reyes!

'Rogers' forceful tone and rugged touch grip is like a hungry grizzly bear in winter...' Blues Revue

"I think that show was the most fun I've had in a long time - and probably not legal! :) " - A Fan

Gobble! Gobble! Bring your dancing shoes and get that Turkey dinner work out!!

News: Roy Rogers Fall Update

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks for all who came to Yoshi's in San Francisco last week-end - what a blast! :)

Roy has been hopping the globe this year both with The Delta Rhythm Kings and with MRB (Manzarek Rogers Band.) It's been a fantastic year and we are looking forward to the holidays at home.

Now it's time to settle in to the Bay Area region and see all our fans and friends on this side of the planet!! Fall is in the air, and there are just a few more times to enjoy contemporary slide guitar master Roy Rogers this year! (for MRB news go to www.manzarek-rogersband.com)

Saturday November 10th Center for the Arts, Grass Valley - MRB

Saturday November 24th Sweetwater, MIll Valley - RR & DRK w/ Special Guest Carlos Reyes

Saturday December 8th Tap Room at EJ Phair's, Pittsburg - RR & DRK

Monday December 31st The Palms, Winters - RR & DRK

Bring your friends and families - celebrate the holiday season with us and see you on the dance floor!

Time to shake it out ~ look to the year and move forward! :) Don't forget to VOTE !!

News: Tonight! Roy Rogers on KVMR.ORG!!

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Listen up!

Tonight Roy Rogers is doing a special radio show for our own community radio station KVMR.org for their Fall Funddrive.....here in Nevada City - you can listen online to this presentation from 8 PM to 10 PM at KVMR.org - don't miss it!! Special ticket give-a-ways and lots of surprises in store for all listeners!

See you on the radio!!

News: Roy Rogers & DRK Hit the South! King Biscuit Blues Festival October 6th!

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0800

As fantastic as they get - one of the nation's foremost showcases - the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas is one of the best there is. Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings perform October 6th - and it's an honor to step on this Southern soil for the second year in a row.

We look forward to seeing all our Southern fans - don't miss it!

News: Roy Rogers & DRK at The American River Music Festival

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0800

This week - end don't miss Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings at The American River Music Festival in Coloma, California on Sunday, September 16th - closing out the festival. One of the nicest areas in the foothills, the festival takes place right on the river and the weather is going to be fantastic next week - end! Roy & DRK have just returned from a tour of Denmark, Sweden and Norway - so please go and welcome them back home.

For those of you out in Tuolume/ Yosemite territory - Roy and DRK will be at The Black Oak Casino on Saturday the 15th - a great spot for those of you in that valley - and they will be rockin' that house.

What a great summer! As always, thanks for supporting these fine festivals and venues and coming out to hear live music!

News: Park City & Denmark, Sweden and Norway Here They Come!

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0800

This next week-end August 245h and 25rh - Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers will be performing in Park City, Utah at the Egyptian Theater - www.manzarek-rogersband.com for more deatils.

Soon after on August 28th - Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings depart for Denmark, Sweden and Norway for the end of the summer run! Whew! What a summer!! :)

News: Manzarek Rogers Band Heads To Chicago This Week-End!

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0800

This week - end Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers - The Manzarek Rogers Band - head to the Chicago area to play a festival called Lockport Log Jam in Lockport, IL. - will be a hot summer festival!

News: July 28th - Happy Birthday Roy Rogers!

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Saturday July 28th is Roy Rogers 62nd Birthday!

Please share your thoughts and good wishes on his Facebook page! :)

News: RR & DRK News Update - August 2012

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slidezone Fans!

Roy and the band are back from a wonderful run in the San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor, Orcas and Lopez) - also the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon where Roy sat in with good friend Steve Miller, with Curtis Salgado on harp. Big Fun!

RR & DRK enjoy some local regional dates at the end of this month 7/21 in Navarro up by Mendocino - at the Blues, Brews and BBQ; then to the Powerhouse in Folsom, Ca. on 7/29 for a late afternoon show.

In August - Roy's really hopping - with Ray Manzarek and that band to the LogJam in Lockport, Il on August 4th; then to Canada for two dates and over to Park City, Utah for a couple of shows. See more details at www.manzarek-rogersband.com

At the end of August RR & DRK go to Denmark, Sweden and Norway - those dates will be posted soon - ending at the Hell Blues Festival in (where else?) - Hell , Norway. :) Happy Summer!

News: RR & DRK in The San Juan Islands!

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Hopping around the country this summer we find ourselves in the beautiful San Juan Islands this week end way up in the North West. An amazing place of beauty - eagles, orcas, herons...scenic mountains and waterways. America is surlely enjoying summer up here as we see lots of folks from all over the country and the world for that matter! We are looking forward to these shows in Friday Harbor, East Sound on Orcas Island and Lopez. Please see show tab for details. We are looking forward to meeting all the folks up here....thanks, as always for your support of live music ! Let's have some fun!

News: Happy 4th! Come See Us the 5th!

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Happy 4th of July to All You Slidezone Fans! Travel Safe and see you on the road.

Join RR & DRK in the Windsor Plaza in Sonoma This Thursday Evening! Bring Your Dancing Shoes!

News: Back from Brazil - On To The Pacific Northwest!

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0800

'Your brothers and sisters will be cursing themselves for missing this show!" ~ Fan in Brazil

Back from a fantastic tour of Brazil where RR & DRK performed to almost 40,000 fans - old and new. What a wonderful experience! Encores, sometimes two - for all shows! The band incinerated these crowds - and what great audiences!!

The first festival was in a mountain village settled by Italians called Santa Teresa, near Vitoria, about 7 hours north of Rio. The second festival was in an historic village on the gorgeous Costa Verde coast, called Paraty - a stunning old cobblestone town founded in the 1500's (!). Then it was on in to the interior to Nova Lima, near Belo Horizonte - where the band got to meet the Mayor with his beautiful daughters - fun! Nice photo op ladies!! :) The last festival, where the band performed twice - was the 10th year celebration of Rio Das Ostras, near Buzios (a village Brigitte Bardot made famous) - also on the coast. The fans waited for hours to see Roy and the band at this festival - and in spite of the rain - held their own with thousands of dancing umbrellas! What a sight! We thank our presenters and producers - Manfra, Stenio and also Junior - for taking great care of us and we look forward to returning to Brazil. (We will post Facebook photos and videos soon - and there are already quite a few IPhone type videos posted on some of these performances.)

Now it's on to the Pacific Northwest. This week-end RR &DRK perform in the wine country in the Cloverdale Plaza (22nd); then on June 23rd return to one of the best little Sacramento Valley venues, The Palms in Winters, Ca. At the beginning of July (5th) RR & DRK do a show for the town of Windsor, also in the wine country - then they go up to Bend, Oregon to The Sound Garden (7th); then to the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon to open for our good friend Steve Miller (8th). The band is really looking forward to the San Juan Islands run after that, performing in community theaters on Friday Harbor (13th); EastSound (14th) and Lopez Island on the 15th.

As always, bring your dancing shoes and kick up some Summer dust! :) See you there!!

News: Brazil Here We Come!

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers and The Delta Rhythm Kings depart for a tour of Brazil - a return after three years of clubs and festivals in one of the most beautiful countries in Earth! Wish us well and see you upon our return for a blazing summer of dates!

News: In The Studio This Week

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Roy and Ray are in Studio D this week - mixing #3 - before Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings tour in Brazil the first two weeks of June!! More show dates with Roy & DRK posted today for the summer season! :)

News: Roy Rogers and Ray Manzarek in Poland

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers is across the pond performing with Ray Manzarek - for three dates in Poland in Warsaw, Ostroleka and Pozan. An historic adventure to be sure! Check the 'Show' date page often as there are plenty of opportunites to see Roy Rogers & DRK this spring and summer. Bon Ton Roulet!

News: Roy's Fan's Write - We Listen

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We promise to be better about posting the many heartfelt experiences that Roy's fans have....it is so rewarding to read this after the long hard road of travel that we are on. Thank you Tom and Nancy for writing and letting us know what your experience was....keeps us going. :) Best - Gaynell

We just had the tremendous privilege of being entertained by Roy Rogers and Ray Manzarek at the Lake Worth Bamboo Room. We LOVED it! Tom had followed Roy early in his career when he would perform at The Blues Saloon in St. Paul. I (Nancy), had been introduced to Roy's music when I met Tom about eight years ago. I've been on the newsletter list waiting for Roy to be in a venue where I could see him live. We moved to Florida two years ago - and it finally happened. Roy's performance was excellent, but I was most impressed by his humble demeanor, evidenced by his meet-and-greet after the show. Not many artists make themselves accessible to their fans, and Roy didn't "close up shop" until the last person had been properly addressed. We will continue to watch for additional venues. I can't WAIT for the next performance - hopefully, this one with the Delta Rhythm Kings.

Thanks so much for the experience. We look forward to the next time.

Tom and Nancy

News: Roy Rogers Update

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0800

“Thatʼs not a slide on Roy Rogersʼ pinky, itʼs a time machine. With it, Rogers transports you to the Mississippi Deltaʼs past and future. ......” ~ Guitar Player

Roy and Ray Manzarek head to Florida April 19th and 20th - please check the 'Shows' tab for more information! Spring is finally here and the Iris' and Daffodils are starting to come up!

We all had a fantastic time at Dan Hick's 70th Birthday Celebration last Friday night at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on the 6th - with the most 'special guests' we've ever seen on stage! Huge kudos to them for selling out as well! Ricki Lee Jones; Maria Muldaur; John Hammond; Ray Benson; Bruce Forman; Tuck & Patti; Ramblin' Jack Elliott; Van Dyke Parks, Jim Kweskin; Roy Rogers and many more....plus all the original Hot Licks. It was a fantastic night of music and the stories backstage were......historic! :)

News: Spring News from The Slide Zone

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Happy Spring to All our Friends, Fans and Family around the globe ~ . :)

A couple of pieces of news you may want to take note. After this week-end at The Black Oak Casino (24th) , Roy and the band head up to one of our favorite venues in the country - The Triple Door in Seattle, Washington (30th) and then on to a Festival in Coeur d'Alene Idaho (31st) (See show tab on the website for details.)

April 6th - a very unusual show, Dan Hicks is celebrating his 70th Birthday with SF Jazz at Davies Symphony Hall in SF and the special guests include not only Roy Rogers and Ramblin' Jack Elliott but many more including the amazing Ricki Lee Jones - see below.
For tickets and more information you can go to www.sfjazz.org/events/dan-hicks
Here is their release: Dan Hicks 70th Birthday
A guitar-wielding trickster with a sly grin and encyclopedic command of a dozen intersecting pre-World War II musical styles, Dan Hicks has been a Bay Area institution since the mid-1960s when he took over the drum chair in the seminal psychedelic band The Charlatans. By the time he stepped out on his own as the vocalist, guitarist and leader of the Hot Licks, he had expanded his stylistic palette, blending strains of jazz, country blues, Gypsy swing and bluegrass into a highly personal “Hicksian” sound. Ambivalent about bandleading, he broke up and reassembled the Hot Licks several times, while becoming a commercial and critical favorite with early ‘70s classics like Striking It Rich, Where’s the Money? and Last Train to Hicksville. Hicks later toured with a new band, the Acoustic Warriors, culminating in the release of Shootin’ Straight in 1996. But it was his star-studded Hot Licks reunion, Beatin’ the Heat, featuring guest appearances by Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Tom Waits and Brian Setzer, that gained Hicks a whole new set of fans. For this star-studded 70th Birthday celebration, Hicks will be joined by the original and current versions of the Hot Licks, with legendary guests including Rickie Lee Jones, Tuck & Patti, Maria Muldaur, actor and musician Harry Shearer, John Hammond, Van Dyke Parks, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson, Bruce Forman, Jug Band veteran Jim Kweskin and slide guitar master Roy Rogers.

We just sent an e mail blast today - so please note - if your e mail is changed - please do take a moment go in and un-subscribe and then re-subscribe to this very important fan list - as we can not do that manually it is such a large list. Sorry for the hassle - but this is an automatic digital system.

Don't forget Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers with their band head to Florida in April!
Don't miss this if you are anywhere near - (See details on show tabs on the www.roy-rogers website or the www.manzarek-rogersband.com website.) All the best and again, Happy Spring!

News: News from the Slide Zone

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Folks! Join Roy with The Delta Rhythm Kings this week-end at The Black Oak Casino in Tuolumme!

Roy and Ray Manzarek have been reaking havic in Studio D these past two weeks for recording #3 - shaping up nicely.

You might want to check out Dan Hicks 70th Birthday at Davies Symphany Hall April 6th as part of SF Jazz Festival. Joining Dan on stage will be the original Hot Licks; and Roy Rogers, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Ray Benson, Maria Muldaur and lot more - should be a fun evening!

Winter has arrived here in Nevada City and we are looking at some beautiful snow - a late arrival!

News: Update on Roy Rogers

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Fans ~ Lots coming your way from RR & DRK. This week-end Saturday March 3rd join us in Marin County at George's in San Rafael - (they have great small plate food BTW) - and a good dance floor! So don't miss it! Later in March, Roy will be at the Black Oak Casino on the 24th, and then goes up to The Triple Door in Seattle (30th) and performs in Coeur d'Alene Resort in Idaho on the 31st. In other news, he is gearing up for recording #3 with Ray Manzarek - the boys go in to Studio D in Sausalito to record the first week of March. More about late Spring and Summer tours soon!

News: Roy Rogers News & Notes

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

This week - end Roy Rogers splits his musicianship personality - :) - as he performs with the Manzarek Rogers Band in Paradise, California on Friday February 17th ; then heads to his old stomping grounds with The Delta Rhythm Kings and special guest Carlos Reyes in Vallejo for the benefit for The Empress Theater on Saturday February 18th - a beautfully restored art deco theater in downtown Vallejo. With several countries on the books this year, he'll be hopping - so we hope to see you in the Bay Area at Georges on March 3rd. Happy Mardi Gras & Bon Ton Roulet!! :)

News: Winter Finally Here!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

From time to time we review bits about Roy in the press as we look forward to traveling around the country and the globe this year. Roy and the band are on winter break until mid February - and there are some good updates coming in a few days - so check the 'Show' tab often! A few of our favorite quotes...

"That's not a slide on Roy Rogers' pinky, it's time machine. With it, Rogers transports you to the Mississippi Delta's past and future...." - Guitar Player

"Rogers' turns in performances that are searing, soulful and spirtual by turns..."

- Washington Post

"All of Rogers' projects are ultimately about the unique style evolved by this visionary guitarist, a style that reaches through to the truths behind the music itself..." - Offbeat

"Roy Rogers the guitar master is one of the greatest slide guitar players anywhere."

- SF Chronicle

News: Roy Rogers Update

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Happy New Year! We had a wonderful break during the holidays - watching old movies, cooking up a storm and spending rare time with the family. We hope your's was terrific as well. There are great opportunites to celebrate the new year coming right up. We appreciate your support of live music these days - and hope to see hundreds of you at these upcoming shows! Bring friends and family and convert some new fans! :) See you there!

January 6th RR & DRK Napa Opera House, Napa

January 7th RR & DRK The Palms Playhouse, Winters

January 13th Manzarek Rogers' Band at Yoshi's in Oakland

January 14th Manzarek Rogers' Band at Harrah's South Lake Tahoe

News: Happy Holidaze!!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Ho Ho Ho - to all our wonderful worldwide fans. We hope your holidays are wonderful!!

Lots of shows in January to enjoy your favorite slide wizard and looking forward to seeing you

in the New Year! 2012 Here we come - with Norway, Brazil and more on the books already!

All the best - The Roy Rogers Family & The Delta Rhythm Kings

News: RR & DRK Update - MRB Update!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Join Roy and The Delta Rhythm Kings tomorrow night at The Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne - always a great time!!

Sorry to report that the MRB date at The Vipor Room in LA next week has been cancelled - rare, but it happens. So for all you fans in the San Diego/Solana Beach area - go catch the Manzarek Rogers Band at The Belly Up on the 14th.

Also, just added MRB will be performing at Harrah's Tahoe South Shore Room on January 14th!

As always thanks for your support of live music!

News: Manzarek Rogers Band headed to Sonoma!

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Come join us at the fabulous Mystic Theater for the Manzarek Rogers band Petaluma debut!

Tickets still available!

8:00 PM / 7:00 PM Doors - 21 And Over - Blues/Rock

$29.00 - $31.00 price includes $1 community fee

http://www.mystictheatre.com/

News: Happy Thanksgiving!

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends & families!

News: RR & DRK Head to The Northwest

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

RR & DRK head up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest this week - performing in some of their favorite stomping grounds.

On Thursday the 10th , a great additioin at The Heritage Room at Capitol Lake in Olympia, Washington - please support this new venue and long time friends Ron and Debbie Loomis;on Friday the 11th at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters - where the audience gets to sit in the coffee warehouse and rock and roll - so fun!; then it's over to The UpStage Restaurant and Theatre in Port Townsend, Wa - a great venue to support live music.

As we gear towards the holiday season - we hope to see many of you along the way and as always, thanks for supporting live music! Remember your shopping lists for friends this holiday season - lots of good stuff and new T Shirts in the store....and please feel free to share with your friends and spread the word! :) Happy Fall! All the best!!

News: Celebrate The Fall at Center For The Arts - Grass Valley November 5th

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Fall is gorgeous and here in the Tahoe foothills - and Gold Country it is!

Come and see some color and rock and roll to Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhyhtm Kings at The Center for The Arts, in Grass Valley, Saturday, November 5th.

Come support live music at this fantastic local arts center that presents all kinds of shows throughout the year. This is our once a year opportunity to play near home :) here in Nevada City - and the people and region are ablaze with Fall energy...See you there! Bring your Dancin' Shoes!

News: Tonight! Sold Out! Roy Rogers at Feather Falls!

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings Tonight at Feather Falls Casino!

News: Roy Rogers Update - SFO Show This Week-End!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Back from the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas where Roy & DRK got a roaring standing ovation from the audience - very hot set - and oh my! - that catfish was so good backstage! :) Thanks to all the amazing fans - some coming very long distances - who were so glad to see Roy in the South again. Big Fun!

This week-end Roy shifts gears and performs with Ray Manzarek (www.manzarek-rogersband.com) at a new venue in San Francisco called The Showroom - on Van Ness, on Saturday 10/15. Roy and Ray will be appearing on Friday, October 14th, 11 AM PST on the Ronn Owens Show/ KGO Radio in San Francisco (www.kgoam810.com) - which you can hear online; and on Saturday morning, October 15th - early (!) they will appear on West Coast Live! (www.wcl.org) from 10 to 12 PST - also available online.

This summer was a great one - thanks to all of you - and many more surprises in store for you soon. Happy Fall!

News: Arkansas Here We Come!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

October 6th!

http://www.kingbiscuitfestival.com/

News: Roy Rogers Dips In To The South

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

King Bisquit Blues Festival! In a rare appearance in the South, Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings are headed to Helena, Arkansas to the King Bisquit Blues Festival October 6th. Roy and I are going in early to enjoy a visit with friends in New Orleans, Long Beach and Pass Christian, Mississippi - then a ride up through the Blues Trail toward Helena - so looking forward to being in the South this fall. Come say hey if you are anywhere near...bring your dancin' shoes! :) Best - Miss Gaynell

News: Bay Area Manzarek Rogers Band show Released!

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0800

RAY MANZAREK-ROY ROGERS BAND TO PERFORM IN SAN FRANCISCO!

Ray Manzarek, co-founder and pianist for The Doors and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Roy Rogers, world-renowned slide guitar master and Grammy-winning producer, have collaborated on a new record entitled Translucent Blues. In their first Bay Area appearance since the release of the album, the duo will be performing with the Manzarek-Rogers Band in a new San Francisco venue as follows:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15th
THE SHOWROOM
1000 VAN NESS AVENUE, SAN FRANCISCO
415-346-5597
9:00 pm TICKETS: $20 advance/$30 door

These virtuosos skillfully weave rock, blues and a tinge of jazz into an imaginative tapestry inspired by the writing of poets such as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and beat Michael McClure. Brimming with soul, intensity and creative energy, this compelling collaboration features songs with multi-layered arrangements, stylistic depth, and solid driving grooves.

Americana music magazine No Depression wrote of the CD, "The two artists are true masters of their craft and they are at their absolute best here," while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, "You can hear echoes of The Doors, traces of blues, flashes of jazz and touches of rock. It's hard to put into words the magical music world they've created here, but it works."

The Manzarek-Rogers Band has been wowing audiences with their dynamic live show. Elmore magazine observed about a recent performance, "They tore through a set like they carried the apocalypse in their back pocket. They stomped and swung through a gauntlet of roadhouse-style blues cooled by their wizened years. Rogers' slippery grit cuts through Manzarek's indelible bell-toned keyboard like tequila through lime and the result is just as intoxicating."

For more information about the CD, or to listen to sound samples, please click HERE. For high-res, downloadable publicity photos, please click HERE.

For a limited time there is a free download of one of the tracks, "Blues In My Shoes," available at the Blind Pig Records website.

News: Fall Dates - Guitar Player Feature September Issue

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Zone Friends and Family! Gearing towards the fall, we just posted a basket full of dates for September and beyond! Lots more percolating along! Check out the September issue of Guitar Player where Roy is featured on all things 'collaborative' and talks about the creative process, the creation of songs and arrangements and lots more. A wonderful interview!

More dates will be added soon with some surprises! :)

News: Summer Tours not over yet!

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Sqaw Valley Ski Resort 'Bluesdays' don't forget to come check it out! It's going to be another late California summer, we can feel it!

Great article in this Septembers issue of Guitar Player, all you slide fan's should pick up a copy today!

Also new footage posted of Roy and the Manzarek Rogers band on youtube, click on videos to view. Purchase your Translucent Blues CD today at http://manzarek-rogersband.com/

Press: Manzarek-Rogers ready to give festivalgoers the blues

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Ray Manzarek is one of the legends of rock 'n' roll, a member of its Hall of Fame as the keyboardist and founder of The Doors. But while an admitted baseball follower, he's obviously not a die-hard fan of either the Los Angeles Dodgers — The Doors' home team — or of the San Francisco Giants — Manzarek's home team as a longtime Napa resident. How do we know this? Check out his answer to this question. - The Modesto Bee

Press: Rock legend, blues guitarist join forces

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Doors co-founder Ray Manzarek takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. Manzarek, keyboard player for the Doors, one of the biggest rock group of the 1960s, will headline the 16th annual Sonora Music Festival along with slide guitarist Roy Rogers. They will perform songs from their new album, “Translucent Blues,” which just hit No. 1 on the Roots Music Report. - The Union Democrat

News: Mazarek Rogers Band #1 on Roots Rock Chart!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0800

View Roots Rock Internet Airplay Chart


TW	LW	Artist	CD Title	Label
1	2	RAY MANZAREK / ROY ROGERS	TRANSLUCENT BLUES	BLIND PIG
2	1	DAVE ALVIN	ELEVEN ELEVEN	YEP ROCK
3	4	OLD 97'S	THE GRAND THEATRE VOL. 2	NEW WEST
4	5	LUCINDA WILLIAMS	BLESSED	LOST HIGHWAY
5	14	THE JAYHAWKS	MOCKINGBIRD TIME	CONCORD
6	6	LORI MCKENNA	LORRAINE	SIGNATURE SOUNDS
7	3	GREG TROOPER	UPSIDE-DOWN TOWN	52 SHAKES RECORDS
8	7	ROBBIE ROBERTSON	HOW TO BECOME CLAIRVOYANT	429 RECORDS
9	10	JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT	HERE WE REST	LIGHTNING ROD
10	9	HAYES CARLL	KMAG YOYO	LOST HIGHWAY
11	15	RAY LAMONTAGNE AND THE PARIAH DOGS	GOD WILLIN' & THE CREEK DON'T RISE	RCA

News: A Big Happy Birhtday to Roy today!

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Send out your shout outs and wishes to Roy on his birthday! He and Ray are traveling to Minneapolis today for a short Manzarek Rogers Band tour!

Visit

http://manzarek-rogersband.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roy-Rogers

News: Big Weekend for Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings to perform!!

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0800

July 22nd at Georges Nightclub in San Rafael, was such a great show last year, and sold out so don't miss out! Purchase your tickets today! http://www.georgesnightclub.com/

More to come click on Shows above to see Roy the the gang in Junction City and The Palms nightclub in Winters!

News: Harrah's this weekend and new Manzarek Rogers Band Dates Released!

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0800

This weekend Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings will be playing Harrah's Summer Concerts on the Plaza in Reno, NV. Come out and play for some good summer fun!

Also announcing today 2 more shows in October for the Manzarek Rogers Band. Since their new album just released in May 'Translucent Blues' Roy and Ray have been taking the Blues and Roots charts by storm. The Roy and Ray team will be headed to UCO Jazz Club in Edmond, OK and then the Granada Theater in Dallas, TX.

Don't miss out visit http://manzarek-rogersband.com/ to order a copy today. There is a special free with purchase deal only available on the website!

Press: Roy Rogers tops a strong five-concert lineup at this year's Sunday Blues in the Park in ...

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0800

You really know that summer has arrived on the Monterey Peninsula when the start of the annual "Sunday Blues" concerts is announced. Consider yourself informed. Get out your sun block and dancing shoes. Hallelujah, it's summer! In a phone interview from his home in Nevada City, blues slide guitarist extraordinaire and two-time Grammy-winning producer Roy Rogers talked with GO! magazine about many wide-ranging topics, including the recent release of a new recording project with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, formerly of The Doors, titled "Translucent Blues." "We've been doing duet things," Rogers said of his musical relationship with Manzarek. "Ray and I have known each other for five or six years. This album emanated from the duet gigs we were doing. We did a record as a duet called 'Ballads Before the Rain' before this. But this ('Translucent Blues') is a full-blown rocker, as you can hear. We really had a lot of fun doing this. It's a great story. It just came together so seamlessly. We had just come back from an East Coast tour, which was very, very well received. So I'm delighted. We've been playing New York and Boston, major places, and I'm happy to say people are responding greatly to the record." - Monterey County The Herald

News: Blind Pig Adds Roy Rogers 1987 label debut to its "Vinyl Masters Series."

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Blind Pig is proud to add slide guitar wizard Roy Rogers' 1987 label debut to its "Vinyl Masters Series." Roy powers his way through classic and original blues, aided by special guests John Lee Hooker and Allen Toussaint.

"Rogers is both a sensational and a sensitive blues guitarist - certainly among the finest slide guitarists playing today."

- San Francisco Examiner

Both audiophile-quality titles are limited-edition, remastered 180 gram LPs pressed at Record Technologies, Inc. (RTI). Available from Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA).

For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.

News: MANZAREK-ROGERS ALBUM DEBUTS AT #6 ON BILLBOARD CHART!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0800

"Translucent Blues," the brilliant collaboration between between virtuosos Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers, debuted this week at #6 on the Billboard Blues chart, as determined by sales.Manzarek, co-founder and pianist for The Doors, and Rogers, world-renowned slide guitarist, skillfully weave rock, blues and a tinge of jazz together with poetry from the likes of Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and beat poet Michael McClure into an innovative tapestry.

Brimming withsoul, intensity and creative energy, the album features multi-layered arrangements, stylistic depth and solid driving grooves. Music critics have been impressed. Roots music publication No Depression said, "The two artists are true masters of their craft and they are at their absolute best here." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette added, "You can hear echoes of the Doors, traces of blues, flashes of jazz and touches of rock. What you get, though, is a fine blend, like good whiskey, that's a lot tastier than the sum of its parts. It's hard to put into words the magical music world they've created here, but it works."

Press: ‘Rebel’ Rod’s Reviews – Ray Manzarek/Roy Rogers – Translucent Blues

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Co-founder of The Doors, Ray Manzarek and slide-guitarist extraordinaire Roy Rogers have collaborated on projects before and have been very successful at it. However, with their latest project, “Translucent Blues”, they have exceeded their past endeavors and set the proverbial bar at a new height. I literally fell in love with every single tune on the record. I always knew that Mr. Manzarek had a distinct style as a keyboardist, but I guess I just never realized how distinct until listening to “Translucent Blues”. His piano/keyboard playing stands out and adds an entire extra layer to nearly each song. Mr. Roger’s slide-guitar is appropriately layered in, creating a sound that goes beyond blues or rock. It is unique and refreshing all the way through. - No Depression

News: Healdsburg Plaza Tonight!

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Roy's back from his Eastern tour with Ray Manzarek - 'Translucent Blues' first week of release going very well! We hope to have chart news soon! Go get your copy in the Music Store!

See you at the opening of the Summer Concert Series in Healdsburg Plaza in Northern California tonight with Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings!

News: Translucent Blues: Released & I Tunes LP Features!

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

NEW CD FROM RAY MANZAREK AND
ROY ROGERS RELASED

Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Roy Rogers, world renowned slide guitar master and Grammy winning producer, have collaborated on a new CD entitled Translucent Blues. Go get yours with an exlusive artist offer at www.manzarek-rogersband.com - orders will filled after the holiday week-end, as we are on the road finishing the Eastern tour - so thanks for your patience!!

These virtuosos have combined their artistry to produce a release that skillfully weaves rock, blues, and a tinge of jazz into an innovative tapestry. Brimming with soul, intensity and creative energy, Translucent Blues was inspired by the writings of poets such as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and beat Michael McClure. This compelling album features songs with multi-layered arrangements, stylistic depth, and solid driving grooves.

Ray Manzarek said of the album, "This is a head-first dive into American contemporary Blues. Roy and I take the unique art form of the Blues and add a 21st century twist to the genre. We are working with a group of great American poets: Michael McClure, famed beat and close friend of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg; Jim Carroll of 'The Basketball Diaries' fame; Warren Zevon - the 'Werewolf of London' himself; and Michael C. Ford, noted L.A. jazz poet and good friend of Jim Morrison's. Their lyrics are superb, succinct, now, and salient. What Roy and I have weaved around their words are songs that are not standard 12 bar, but do, in fact, live and breathe in the dark, underground world... of the Blues! 'Translucent Blues'"

Roy Rogers added, "This collaboration with Ray was a joy from start to finish. We found inspiration not only from the music and lyrics, but most of all from each other--to create a great sound. To me, the blues is as complex a music as it gets--either you feel it or you don't. But when you add the spice of some of these lyrics, it definitely takes you on a different route. Take a ride with us."

At the Blind Pig website you will also find a free download of "Blues In My Shoes," a track from the new release. On the Ray/Roy website www.manzarek-rogersband.comyou will find an exlusive offer from the artists - and on the ITUNES website you will find a full LP Feature.

News: Critics' picks for Philadelphia-area performances

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers Band: You can't close the Doors of perception or take the blues-rockin', ominous hipster ways away from Manzarek. The keyboardist and songwriter for the psychedelic supergroup has kept stirring the pot in songwriting collaborations with neuvo-beat poets like Jim Carroll and Michael McClure. Now he's aligned his vamping piano and ominous growl with seasoned slide/blues guitarist Rogers, for a jamming new album called "Translucent Blues," out Tuesday, and a tour bringing them hither with Steve Evans on bass, and Kevin Hayes on drums. Yeah, they'll do Doors tunes, too.

http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-20/entertainment/29564537_1_cuban-music-blues-guitarist-raphael-saadiq#ixzz1MuGILR5O

News: Translucent Blues: Manzarek-Rogers Band Release Album, Announce New Tour Dates

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) May 17, 2011

Legendary keyboardist for The Doors and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ray Manzarek and slide guitar master and producer of two Grammy award-winning recordings Roy Rogers have teamed up to record a hard driving blues/rock album, Translucent Blues. Although the album will be released on May 24th, 2011 by Blind Pig Records, the band has launched its promotional tour and eager fans can listen to samples of all 12 tracks now at the Manzarek-Rogers Band website: www.manzarek-rogersband.com.

"This is a head-first dive into American contemporary Blues," said Manzarek. "Roy and I take the unique art form of the blues and add a 21st century twist to the genre."

Press: Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers Translucent Blues

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Ray Manzarek has always been the better half of The Doors. Old Jim Morrison gets most of the credit, as front men often do, but at the end of the day he was just another kid with poetic pretensions who liked to get a little too fucked up. So I guess if The Doors were actual doors that would make Morrison the thick, heavy part you can’t see through, and Manzarek would be more like the hinges; the part that makes the whole thing move. The fact that he has teamed up with legendary guitar player Roy Rogers might explain why Translucent Blues has a very familiar air about it - In a good way. These aren’t songs you’ve likely heard before, but something inside might tell you otherwise - Muzik Reviews

News: Bay Area Shows This Week-End

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Come see Roy & The Delta Rhythm Kings kick some dust up and perform on Friday the 13th at Yoshi's in San Francsico (with special guest Carlos Reyes) and at the Rancho Nicasio in Marin on Saturday before he leaves for his East Coast tour with Ray Manzarek for supporting the new release 'Translucent Blues' out May 24th on Blind Pig Records. More news soon on a special vinyl release this summer!!

See you there! :)

News: Roy On Robert Johnson Link

Sun, 08 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Check out this and the many links with Roy performing and comments on Robert Johnson.

This particular link - over 300,000 views and counting!

http://www.youtube.com/user/RoyRogersSlides#p/f/5/Wsr6rn4TFbY

News: Robert Johnson's 100th Birthday

Sun, 08 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Slide Zone Friends and Family -

May 8th would of been Robert Johnson's 100th birthday. As most of you 'Roy' fans know - a very special influence in his musical life. He was 12 when his brother Bill brought that first incredible Columbia release home for Roy to hear. It changed his direction in life and in his playing - in so many ways.

And most of you hard core fans know - Roy is truly one of the masters of this style of slide guitar - and the last two nights of shows had fans on their feet - more than once during the set.

We are on this Pacific Northwest swing this week -end - and it's such a pure pleasure to see all of the fans and friends up here turn out - and be so excited. Lots of new folks as well - we love that! The shows are especially electric because of this historic moment in blues history - and I have to say that I have seen Roy for more than 30 years perform 'Kindhearted Woman' and 'Terraplane Blues' many many times - but this week-end there is fire in the belly - and we are all so moved to hear it.

I know....I know -- I am not objective - but this man is truly a gifted player. He means it.

The audiences are exploding. It rarely gets better than this. :) Inspired!

My best, Gaynell

News: May Dates Cover the Country

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Fans - A particularly heavy touring month - this month Roy Rogers & The Delta Rythm Kings head up to the Pacific Northwest - hitting their favorite venues in Seattle, Whidby Island, Port Townsend and Tacoma. (See Shows Tab!) From there they return to the Bay Area - and perform at SF Yoshi's on May 13th and the best little roadhouse in the Bay Area - Rancho Nicasio on May 14th.

Then on a rare Eastern run - Roy and Ray Manzarek (The Doors) - are touring with a band (Steve Evans on Bass and Kevin Hayes on drums) - to support their new release 'Translucent Blues' on Blind Pig Records - out May 24th. It's an amazing collaboration - 21st century blues....to be sure. Mark your calendars and bring your friends out !

See more at www.manzarek-rogersband.com. For those of you who have so patiently waiting for Roy to return to the East Coast - this is a gem of an opportunity to hear him with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipient Manzarek. It's quite a show.

As always, thanks for your continued support of live music - bring your dancing shoes !

News: Jimmy Sanchez Benefit Concert May 3rd

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Join us for an incredible evening of music benefiting Redwood City's own veteran drummer, Jimmy Sanchez, recently diagnosed with adult onset Hydrocephalus. All proceeds go to insure Jimmy will receive the medical care he needs, so he will be able to continue to share his unique blend of tasteful drumming that has moved audiences for the past 40 years.

The evening features Garth Webber and Friends with Mz. Dee, Bryant Mills, Endre Tarczy, Tony Lufrano. Jimmy has been a member of Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings for over 15 years.
Special guests Maria Muldaur, Roy Rogers, Keta Bill , Steve Freund, Ron Hacker, Pamela Rose, Rhythmtown-Jive, and more.

The house band for the evening is led by guitarist extraordinaire Garth Webber (formerly with Miles Davis, Gregg Allman, Bill Champlin, Kingfish, Dr. John). For this event he brings a truly all-star band of some of the Bay Area's finest musicians and joining them will be a host of special guests - Jimmy's friends. We've listed a few, but be prepared for an evening of wonderful surprises because Jimmy has a LOT of friends.

Jimmy Sanchez' is known for his powerful rhythms, uncanny musical sense, and the ability to draw the best performances from many of the musicians he has played with. Jimmy's extraordinary talent first gave him the opportunity to perform with T-Bone Walker, and Charles Brown. In the 80's, Jimmy toured with Queen Ida, Kingfish with Bob Weir, and Maria Muldaur. By the 90's, Jimmy's list of impressive recordings and performance dates include Tom Waits, Dr. John, J.J. Cale, Boz Scaggs, Bill Withers, Ray Manzarek, T-Bone Burnett, Paul Schaffer, GE Smith, Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffin, John Lee Sanders, Santa Esmeralda and Ramblin' Jack Elliot (a partial list). His touring experiences include Roy Rogers, Maria Muldaur, Commander Cody, Jim Chappell and Moonalice, to name a few.

Tickets: VIP tickets - $15. NO WAITING IN LINE! VIP advance tickets can be purchased online at www.clubfoxrwc.com <http://www.clubfoxrwc.com/> within the next few days. There will be a separate door for VIP ticket holders open at 6:00 PM.

For those of you who can not attend, please make your check or money order donations out to Jimmy Sanchez and send to Chops Not Chaps Productions, P.O. Box 1566, Nevada City, California 95959

To learn more about Hydrocephalus, please visit: http://www.hydroassoc.org/http://www.hydroassoc.org/>

To make a donation to The Jimmy Sanchez Medical Fund, use Paypal and Send Money to JPSMedicalFund@gmail.com and using the Gift option under the Personal tab.
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News: April is here and so is the Manzarek Rogers duet tour !

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Hang tight everyone come April 19th Roy Rogers and Ray Manzarek will be starting off their duet tour at the Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA. Following that Roy and Ray will be traveling to Ottumwa, IA at the Bridge View Center.

Click on shows above to check out when Roy and Ray are coming to you!

News: Update for Late March

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings venture to Stockton this week and perform at Lozano's Pacific Avenue Grill on Thursday March 31st - new venue for the band and should be great fun. We hear a terrific place for dinner too! Then on the week - end you 'Sonoma - ites' can come and dance away the first days of Spring when the band returns to the Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol on Saturday April 2nd. Also a great place to dine - so we hope to see a lot of our Northern California friends/fans at these shows.

Last Friday, was the first Manzarek-Rogers Band date in awhile. This is rolling up to the new release 'Translucent Blues' on May 24th on Blind Pig Records. They performed in Fresno at The Tower Theater to a great audience - standing 'O's - and up and down on their feet - and asking hilarious Doors questions! It was a fantastic show showcasing the new material and really enjoyed by new fans and old. What a beautiful theater that is! It was a real treat of an evening!

More East Coast dates to be announced soon for the Manzarek Rogers Band - so check the webiste often. It is Manzarek-RogersBand.com

Lots more Roy and The Delta Rhythm Kings dates to be announced for the summer as well.

Spring is finally here - but you wouldn't know it as we have tons of snow in the Sierra Foothills!! :)

Press: New CD from Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers to be released in May!

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

News: Roy Rogers March Update

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks to everyone who attended the Feather Falls show last week-end! What a fantastic success and big fun! Next show for Roy & The Delta Rhyhtm Kings is at Black Oak Casino on the 19th and then a new venue Lozano's Pacific Avenue Grill in Stockton on the 31st. In addition, the debut of the Manzarek/Rogers Band in Fresno on the 25th. See all dates on the 'Shows' tab.

So bring your family and friends and hit the dance floors!

A lot of exciting news coming up - so check the website often!!

News: Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings THIS WEEKEND!! Feather Falls Casino and Lodge!

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Hello Slide Fans! Check it out! Buy your tickets today before they sell out!

Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings with special guest, Carlos Reyes!

Stunning audiences, raising roofs and delivering blistering performances, Roy and his band, The Delta Rhythm Kings, are consistently named a favorite at festivals and special events with their fine tuned contemporary approach to live performance. too see more click: <http://www.featherfallscasino.com/events-calendar/roy-rogers>

Must be 21 or older.

Make it a weekend!

VIP Suites - Luxury Seating for 10 + bottle of wine or champagne, $75!

News: 2011 Schedule Coming Soon!

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

More Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings Dates soon to be released! As well as updates and shows with the Manzarek/Rogers Band ! Stay Tuned!

News: Palms Playhouse Tonight!

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings will be playing at The Palms in Winters California TONIGHT! Should be a great show, always a great time up in the new Palms space! Check it out! http://www.palmsplayhouse.com/

Also: New on ITUNES!

Please check the new Roy Rogers classics and new releases (not available in this country) on ITUNES – as older releases such as “Chops Not Chaps” and are no longer manufactured – and newer collaborations such as the one with pianist Reidar Larsen “The Crossing” - only available in Norway.

Our new digital distribution company A Train, doing a good job of making the older and global releases available to fans. Here is a link: http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearch?allArtistNames=Roy+Rogers&entity=album&genreIndex=4&media=music&page=1&restrict=true&startIndex=0 <http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearch?allArtistNames=Roy+Rogers&entity=album&genreIndex=4&media=music&page=1&restrict=true&startIndex=0>

Press: Rogers blows the doors off Club Fox

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Bluesman Roy Rogers took the stage at Club Fox in Redwood City at 9:28 on Saturday night. He was in full black dress mode, complete with black vest and black hat, a tiny red feather resting on the side. He grabbed his slide guitar and commenced to strumming a casual warm-up, the crowd of about 130 waiting with anticipation. In the crowd was Barbara Coffey, a resident of Salem, Ore., who has seen Rogers "30 times." "I'm a huge Roy Rogers fan," Coffey said. "We've seen him in the Bay Area with Shana Morrison, with John Lee Hooker, or whatever." By Rogers' second song, "Baby Please Don't Go," from "Blues on the Range," his audience was captivated. Rogers plays the slide as well as anyone in the world. And when he crouches, moving his left hand down the line of his guitar in a Cajun backbeat, one had best get out of his way. *for full story click on San Jose Mercury News above. - San Jose Mercury News

Press: Roy Rogers: Sliding into new musical territories

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

One of the world's foremost slide guitarists, Roy Rogers, grew up in the Bay Area. As a musician, at 60, he's still growing. After all, in blues circles, 60 means you're still just a kid. "There's always lots to discover, in anything, especially the blues," Rogers told The Daily News. "Roots music is as deep as you want to delve. It's a never-ending story. It's never a finite thing that you've accomplished. If you think you have, you're sadly mistaken ... or fooling yourself, one of the two. There's always something that you can learn. If you think you've done it all and you're there, then you might as well give it up." Far from giving it up, Rogers looks forward to playing Redwood City's Club Fox on Saturday. He'll be backed by his band, The Delta Rhythm Kings. http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_17212418?nclick_check=1 - San Jose Mercury News

News: Roy Rogers Update & Quotes

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings have completed their 8 camera HD shoot for PBS and are starting to plan out the year's touring and events. Editing and mixing starts next week on this amazing set of shows with very special guests to roll out on the late fall. The December holiday shows were nothing short of incinerating - audiences on their feet and very inspired sets. Check the show schedule often...lots of news and tours coming up!

Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers have completed their new project "Translucent Blues" which will be out in late spring. Stay tuned for more news on this project.

'Pundits who bemoan the scarcity of guitar gods haven't laid ears on Roy Rogers, whose slide riffs could peel a crawfish!" ~ USA Today

'One of the rare guitar heroes who values feeling over flash' ~ Rolling Stone

'Many guitarists dabble in slide guitar, but the number of modern masters can probably be counted on one hand, and Roy Rogers is surely one of them.' ~ Guitar Player

'He's one of the most astounding guitarists working today....' ~ Blues Review

"I know what comes to mind for some of you when you hear that a blues act is playing Santa Cruz: Great, another headful of predictable 12-bar strolls, recycled guitar licks and stale-beer howlings from some guy who can't find his baby. Well, like the gunslinger of the same name, slide guitar badass Roy Rogers is going to blow you right off your high horse. Thirty seconds of Rogers' music will show anyone with working ears that he kicks some down-home Delta tail. Rogers fires a few warning shots from his six string and then tears into a hellacious roadhouse rocker, playing like a man who wants to take over the world. There are the kind of guitar fireworks that get you making ooh-damn faces and contemplating a soul mortgage at the cross-roads." —Damon Orion, Good Times News and Entertainment Weekly

Press: Transcendental Blues and the Girl with a Shoe: An Evening with Roy Rogers & Ray Manzarek.

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

It had started raining by the time the house lights went down again, which only added to the intimacy of the room’s ambiance. So, on the evening of a full moon, one of the creators of my favorite Doors song, “Riders On The Storm,” would be taking the stage to the sound of rain. After brief greetings to the audience, Rogers picked up his guitar and Manzarek took a seat behind his keyboard. There was no hesitation about getting straight to it, and they launched the perfect song to kick things off, “Presidential Boogie.” Manzarek then conjured up an impromptu “Sacramento Blues,” singing lyrics he most likely made up as he went. It made for a great ice-breaker with the audience as he took a poke at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and sang about budget woes. While Rogers changed guitars, opting for his double-necked monster, Manzarek continued with a beautifully light, jazzy piece he dedicated to Gil Evans, who worked closely with Miles Davis at one time. The mood was light, and the music was crisp and full of purpose. Even though I’ve seen him a few times, Rogers’ speed and style left my mouth hanging open. He worked one end of the guitar while notes he’d just played sustained themselves forever. He successfully filled pockets between notes, creating floating transitions where, only seconds earlier, there was nothing but piano. It was almost as if there were three or four musicians instead of two. The room maintained a hypnotic silence until Manzarek snapped everybody out of it by suddenly injecting a riff from “Light My Fire.” “Well, I know you must have some questions,” he said. “I think I see a microphone over there so, let’s go.” - Sacramento Press

Press: Rogers, Manzarek team up at Napa Opera House

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0800

One worked with the legendary blues player John Lee Hooker, the other with rock icon Jim Morrison. While Hooker and Morrison never managed to record together, at least Roy Rogers and Ray Manzarek have. The two musicians with local ties and impressive credentials take the stage together Oct. 23 at the Napa Valley Opera House. Rogers, the 51-year-old slide guitar wizard with Vallejo roots, and Manzarek, Chicago-bred keyboardist for The Doors, realized about four years ago their styles and mutual appreciation works well on stage and in studio, where they follow "Ballads Before the Rain" with the upcoming release of "Translucent Blues." "It's a common sharing of intellectual curiosity," said Manzarek of the duo's chemistry. "And what a slide player Roy is. One of the best players around." Manzarek met Rogers via an introduction by the booking agent who works with both performers. "He said, 'Why don't you guys get together and play some tunes,'" remembered Manzarek. "And it's worked out fine." Manzarek, enjoying some of his wife's homemade apple pie early Wednesday morning from their Napa home, said the opera house audience can expect some blues, a "little bit of classical," a little bit of jazz and some Doors songs. "And, in between, we will tell stories," Manzarek said, laughing that though his brain has "millions of stories" in the files, "they're not all readily recallable. They're piled on top of each other." He easily recalls those fishing days with his dad in Lake Michigan, his years at De Paul University and then at UCLA where he enrolled in 1960. "By the time you reach 70, you know how many memories you have in your brain?" Manzarek said. Fortunately, he has no problems playing and sharing some of the "colorful" tales of Morrison, who died at ...' - Times-Herald

Press: Ray Manzarek (The Doors) & Roy Rogers: An Evening of Music & Rock & Roll Tales

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Concert impresario Bill Graham would be proud of this one. Swell Productions is psyched to announce for one night only: Ray Manzarek (The Doors) & Roy Rogers: An Evening of Music & Rock & Roll Tales. Sacramento's acclaimed new duo, Electropoetic Coffee (guitarist Ross Hammond and poet/singer NSAA) will open the night. The legendary co-founder of The Doors, keyboardist and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ray Manzarek and the critically acclaimed slide/blues guitarist Roy Rogers have put their artistic minds together and created a captivating new concert experience. The much emulated keyboard technique of Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers' solid guitar work carry the day. Amazing new takes on Doors classics like "The Crystal Ship" and "Riders On The Storm", as well as other blues/jazz/classical tracks define the level of musicianship that each of these award winning composers/producers/performers display. Not foreign to the classics, the two visit Eric Satie's "Gnossienne No. 1." Roy is one of the genre's premier slide guitarists, a two time Grammy Award Nominee, and well known for his exciting live performances with John Lee Hooker, Norton Buffalo, and The Delta Rhythm Kings. What was Jim Morrison really like? The charismatic story-telling Manzarek will share his personal insights and rock n' roll tales as a unique part of this concert! There will be a mic in the aisle for audience questions. A very special evening of music and spoken word. - Sacramento 365

News: Blue Revue Cover Story on Roy Rogers

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Good News! Blind Pig recording artist Roy Rogers is featured on the cover of the Dec/Jan issue of Blues Revue magazine. The magazine will be mailed to subscribers on October 21st, and will be on the nation's newsstands in early November. Article is entitled "Slide Show" How Roy Rogers Is Keeping An American Music Tradition Vital."

The multi Grammy-nominated slide guitarist has appeared recently on national radio broadcasts ("House of Blues Radio Hour" and "West Coast Live"), and his latest studio album, Split Decision, has been acclaimed in USA Today, Billboard, Guitar Player & Pollstar as well as on National Public Radio and over three hundred radio stations across the country. The release continues to get rave reviews and is recently on the Grammy list for entries for 2010 in 'Contemporary Blues Recording of the Year' among other catagories.

In late October Roy and Gaynell Rogers take a rare holiday in to Mississippi to enjoy the Delta in the Fall and attend the Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium at The University of Mississippi in Oxford. This years food conference theme? "Music & Food" of course! See more at www.southernfoodways.com

Press: New direction for slide guitarist Roy Rogers - Marin Independent-Journal

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0800

New direction for slide guitarist Roy Rogers - Marin Independent-Journal Blues musician Roy Rogers, who once lived in Novato and has garnered critical acclaim for his work with the slide guitar, found rich material in his life ...and more - Marin Independent Journal

Press: Roy Rogers' Split Decision

Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Press: Roy Rogers' New Album

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The first studio recording from Roy and the band in 7 years this one is eclectic Americana and contemporary blues recordings at its finest. Edgy guitar tracks, deep grooves, tense rockin' blues and ballads. Surprises include jazz instrumentals.... - Bluestown

Press: Jazz Fest on The Upswing

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0800

NEW ORLEANS — Veterans, lathered in SPF 30, clutching a daily lineup with scribbled priorities and lugging nothing heavier than a folding camp chair, can always spot the newbies. They're the ones with sunburned limbs, stiff footwear and iPods. The common ground? Mile-wide smiles, ringing eardrums and grease-stained T-shirts. Slide guitar ace Roy Rogers wowed a packed house in the blues tent with new Little Queen Bee and Calm Before the Storm (sung by son Sam), a sizzling version of Robert Johnson's Terraplane Blues and rousing tunes with pianist Marcia Ball. - USA Today

Press: Roy Rogers' Split Decision

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Slide guitar whiz Roy Rogers has a strong album with "Split Decision," and it's a signature project. - Billboard Magazine

Press: Roy Rogers' Split Decision

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 -0800

There is nothing like a good blues-rock album to get your blood circulating and if it’s good enough it can serve as aphrodisiac. In the case of the first Roy Rogers album with The Delta Rhythm Kings in seven years, all of the above are applicable. Split Decision is well crafted for more than your typical hot blooded blues audience, this has some gripping songwriting and outstanding guitar playing, most notably some blistering slide with both acoustic (“Your Sweet Embrace”) and electric (“Patron Saint of Pain” and several others) that would appeal to a wide array of listeners. - E Jazz News Toronto

Press: Roy Rogers: Slide Guitarist Extraordinaire

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers has been playing the blues for over 30 years. Known as one of the leading slide guitarists in the world as well as for producing records for John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Rogers is the epitome of the modern traveling blues musician, playing gigs big and small throughout the world. Recently, he released "Split Decision," which he describes has having a bit more “edge” than his previous recordings. - Pollstar - The Concert Hotwire

Press: Split Decision

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been described as playing riffs that “could peel a crawfish.” Pretty nice (and accurate) compliment for the Redding-born musician who’s made a name for himself not only for his great slide playing, but also for his singing and songwriting, and for producing albums for music icons John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Rogers’ band, The Delta Rhythm Kings, joins him on his latest album, Split Decision, an eclectic collection of original tunes. - Chico News & Review

Press: Roy Rogers Wins Players' Choice Award from Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

ANNOUNCING THE 2008 WINNERS! Thousands of guitarists voted in the Acoustic Guitar 2008 Players' Choice Awards, and here are the winning companies, players, and products. The Players' Choice Awards are the way you, the players, tell the world which guitars, accessories, instruction resources, and amplification and recording gear are making your musical lives richer and more enjoyable. And this year, you also chose your favorite guitarists in all styles. Check out this year’s winners right here! - Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Press: The Sultan of Slide

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's rare that The Entertainer spills over on to the Opinion page. Rarer still when it involves a debate about a musician's identity, or whether he's even still alive. That's just what happened last week, when a reader wrote in to ask if the Box Office listing for Roy Rogers' upcoming performance wasn't some kind of typo. Hadn't the singing cowboy been dead for a number of years now? My response was simple: That I would gladly pay money to see the original Roy Rogers raised from the dead. Either fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how macabre you are, that wasn't what the Box Office listing was referring to. No, slide guitar master Roy Rogers, who's a mere 58 years of age, is actually the one playing at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at Tyee Wine Cellars south of Corvallis. And though Rogers lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the Internet delivered our Opinion page conversation to his door, prompting his own response, as well as responses from several of his local fans. - Corvallis Gazette Times

Press: Roy Rogers the latest, greatest slide guitarist

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

"Everybody is looking for something that rings true to them," said Rogers, who performs with Perkins on Nov. 14 at the Crystal Bay Casino. "In my case, I couldn't get enough of Elmore James and Muddy Waters. (Howlin') Wolf, too. His early stuff had that slide." - Tahoe Daily Tribune

Press: Roy Rogers Digs In to Gibson ES-137

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Legendary Slide Guitarist Roy Rogers digging on the Gibson ES-137 during a break from recording his new album at Studio D in Sausalito, Calif., on Monday, Dec, 1. Roy loved adding the Memphis guitar to his sound for the new project. Roy's last CD was with Ray Manzarek of the Doors. He has recorded with John Lee Hooker, Keith Richards and Bonnie Raitt to name a few and USA Today says, "Pundits who bemoan the scarcity of guitar gods haven't laid ears on Roy Rogers, whose slide riffs could peel a crawfish." Photo Credit: Pat Johnson - Gibson.com

Press: Roy Rogers & Phil Aaberg Headline Blues & Brews Festival

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Bay Area bluesman Roy Rogers joins with longtime musical ally Philip Aaberg once again for the 13th annual Blues and Brews fundraiser tonight. The 49th Street Blues Project opens the show. Advertisement Rogers last appeared at Blues and Brews with pianist Aaberg in 2000 with a rhythm section assembled by Aaberg. This time around, Rogers brings his touring band, the Delta Rhythm Kings: Steve Ehrmann on bass and Billy Lee Lewis on drums and percussion. "When you use your own players ... you have a whole different subtlety and dynamic that come out through the music," Rogers explained in a phone interview. "It gives you the opportunity to take it to higher ground." - The Great Falls Tribune

Press: Interview of Roy Rogers in Blueswax

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0800

"You've got to listen to what moves you. Listen to a wide range of music." - Roy Rogers Roy Rogers grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where he started playing guitar at age twelve and was exposed to a wealth of musical styles, most notably Blues, which became his passion. Since his first recording in 1976 he has become one of the finest practitioners and innovators of modern slide guitar. In the 27 years he's been playing professionally, Rogers has been nominated eight times for Grammy awards and three times for the prestigious Blues Music Awards. - BluesWax

Press: Interview in Modern Guitars Magazine

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I thought you all would enjoy this recent feature story on Roy written by Mike Shea for Modern Guitars Magazine. It's an extensive interview with lots of personal insights and a variety of perspectives on the state of live performance. - Modern Guitars Magazine

Press: Deepbluereview

Tue, 26 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0800

Whether you compare this disc to anything else Roger's has released, compare it to other slide guitar releases or compare it to other blues CD's released this year, it is not hard to justify a five star rating. This release is simply heads and shoulders above the rest.

- Deepbluereview

Press: All Music Guide Review: 4 Stars

Mon, 31 May 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Roy Rogers is somewhat of a rarity in contemporary blues; he's not only a monstrous guitar player, but is also possessed of a distinctive singing voice. In addition, he differentiates himself from the Chicago-style hordes by concentrating primarily on Delta-influenced slide guitar. By no means simply a revivalist, however, he's managed to take the best of Son House and create a unique style that is much more than the sum of its influences.

- All Music Guide

Press: "Roy's Slide Takes Center Stage"

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"There isn't a slide guitarist in history who didn't sound better live than on record, and Rogers is no exception...The dozen tracks here are well selected, giving equal weight to his many fine solo albums...The band members, veteran road rats all, are tight...and Norton Buffalo and Shana Morrison do indeed show up for cameos. But it's Roy's slide that always takes center stage..."

- OffBeat

Press: "A Worthy Live One from a Master of Slide"

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"A Worthy Live One From A Master of Slide....This is a long awaited release for longtime fans of Roy Rogers. His live shows are the stuff of legends and his signature slide playing is from the top end of town...Live albums are mostly hit and miss affairs...but Rogers' has sensibly recorded in the same venue on consecutive nights to make this release very solid and a worthwhile addition to any CD collection."

- FolkWax

Press: 5 Notes! (Out of 5!)

Sat, 20 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"This is a fine example of live Mississippi Delta Blues by one of its foremost practitioners. Rogers is a marvel on the guitar and his compositions are authentic Delta blues of the highest quality. Ehrmann, Sanchez, Aaberg, Rigney, Buffalo, and the others are worthy companions in this exciting live performance. The sound is great and the enthusiasm of the audience is infectious. If you couldn't be part of that audience, the next best thing is to put Live! at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room on the stereo and put yourself on the mood for a great time."

- Roots 66

Press: Blues Revue Magazine recently reviewed Roy's show at The Triple Door in Seattle, WA.

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"Like his music, Rogers' storytelling is crisp, entertaining, and all of a piece. Still, his powers of expression are strongest in his hands, and he proved throughout the two sets that it's possible to be simultaneously flashy and genuine. His low-key showmanship highlighted dazzling technical prowess but also made it accessible."

- Blues Revue Magazine

Press: Roy at Tampa Bay Blues Festival

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"Can the day get any better! Well yes it can and Roy Rogers proved it. Guitar Player magazine said, "That's not a slide on Roy Rogers pinky, it's a time machine. With it Rogers transports you to the Mississippi Delta's past and future." No matter if he picks up his Martin 016 New Yorker six string or the Gibson 12 string Dobro made in the mid-'60's, Rogers has no equal. Slide music just can't get any better or cleaner. Rogers was the only act of the festival that I sat down and watched the entire performance."

- Blues News

Press: Roy Celebrates 25 Years of the Blues

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"My first reaction was, 'Wow, he's white,'" the New Orleans native now called Gaynell Rogers remembers of that first sighting in 1980 when the Vallejo-reared slide guitarist was celebrating the release of his bluesy album with harmonica player David Burgin. "I'd heard the record on the radio, it was a great record, and when I saw Roy I thought, 'How is this guy playing guitar like that? He's not Southern, and he's not Afro-American.'" And he's not that Roy Rogers, although he was named after the singing cowboy to please his older brother Billy, a cowboy wannabe. This year Gaynell and Roy celebrate the 25th anniversary of that introduction, and the 21st of their marriage. It's a silver anniversary also for the Delta Rhythm Kings, the trio fronted by Roy and in significant part promoted and publicized by Gaynell."

- San Francisco Chronicle