The REAL MUSIC Agency 

Michael (one of thirteen children born to Ted and Sadie Roach of Washington DC, USA) sings and plays guitar in an East Coast style of blues that dates back to the 1920s. After spending several years learning directly from such well known figures as John Jackson, John Cephas and Jerry Ricks, Michael has developed his own style and is now a very exceptional performer. He interacts with his audience and entertains as he plays.

Michael is a dapper, gentle man who is not only keeping the blues alive, but breathing new life into them as he seamlessly mixes traditional numbers with his own compositions.

As a cultural arts performer, Michael has promoted African-American culture through the use of blues music. He has lectured for the American Smithsonian Institute and conducted workshops throughout the USA and, more recently, at Oxford University here in England. It is Michael’s communication skills, together with his superb musicianship that enables his audiences to share and achieve a greater understanding of blues music and the black experience.

Stella Records of Cheltenham, England released Michael’s debut album Ain’t Got Me No Home to enthusiastic reviews both in the UK and abroad.  This album features versions of six traditional blues songs along with seven of his own compositions in the traditional style .... but written with a modern day theme – including the title track.

Michael’s more recent release on the Armadillo label Good News Blues was exceptionally well received, and features some great tracks with Ian Briggs on harmonica.

The Millennium year was a great one for Michael – he toured all over Europe, and particularly enjoyed a summer tour of duo shows with Mississippi John Jackson.