Michael's latest release 'Innocent Child'. Here is an excerpt from the sleeve notes written by Robert Tilling:
"...passion is evident in this all acoustic set and although Michael is equally at home with his electric band, he is perhaps at his most relaxed and at ease when he is performing acoustically - very much returning to his musical roots! Michael has surrounded himself on this very entertaining and thought provoking set with some outstanding performers, including six titles with his long time friend the harmonica maestro Johnny Mars and the Birmingham based acapella choir “Black Voices”, who feature on four titles. The titles with the choir are among the highlights of this enjoyable set and Michael’s distinctive vocals work sympathetically with the power of the choir.
The opening title has Michael’s own young children Archie and Sadie adding spirited backing vocals and lyrics showing how Michael is willing to wear his heart on his sleeve. There are equally heartfelt tributes to two of his late friends and mentor’s, on his traditional arrangement of 'Remember Me', which he dedicates to John Cephas, and on his original title 'Close of the Day' he fondly recalls Jerry Ricks.
Michael’s lifelong interest particularly in early acoustic blues is shown here by his choice of songs from some of those pioneering performers including Frank Stokes, Mississippi John Hurt, Josh White and Charlie Jordon. Michael makes these songs very much his own while respectfully keeping the spirit of the original recordings and
hopefully encouraging listeners to seek out more material by these important recording artistes".
Tracks (click on Button to hear sample)
1. Innocent Child
2. What’s The Matter Blues
3. Mystery Train
4. Remember Me
5. Be A Man
6. Got the Blues and Can’t Be Satisfied
7. Jesus Knows I’m Coming
8. What Shall I Do
9. Noah
10. Honky Tonky Blues
11. Music at the Close of the Day
12. DC Girls
13. Midnight Train
14. Didn’t it Rain
15. Staggerlee
Musicians
Michael Roach, Guitar and Vocals
Johnny Mars, Harmonica
Sadie Roach, Vocals
Archie Roach, Vocals
Celia Wickham-Anderson, Vocals
Shereece Storrod, Vocals
Jennifer Wallace, Vocals
Carol Pemberton, Vocals
Order
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