The last 30 years or so have seen the English-born Roger C. Wade (harp/vocals) become one of the most respected figures in traditional blues on European stages. His harp style and vocal delivery illustrate his love of the genre and respect of its traditions whilst always performing to the highest standard on any given night. Known for his stage presence and ability to deliver a crowd-pleasing show night after night, Roger's reputation has continued to spread.
Born in Norwich, England in 1968, he soon discovered his love for traditional blues. After paying his dues as a busker on the streets in the south-west, he moved to Germany in the late 80s, where he quickly move from sideman to frontman. He formed his first band "Excuse My Blues" in the early 90s with his wife Marion on piano. The two of them spent several months in 1994 touring through the US, where they played with many renowned musicians before returning to the UK and then ultimately back to Germany to form the band Little Roger & The Houserockers.
First-class 50s Chicago blues, boogie and swinging jump blues – that’s what you can expect from Little Roger & The Houserockers. The explosive stage show, the musical teamwork and their deep love of the blues have made Little Roger & The Houserockers one of the top attractions at many a gig in clubs and at festivals alike. This reputation has made the band one of the most popular acts at festivals in Germany, The Netherlands and further afield.
Roger's harp style is firmly in the tradtion of Little Walter, Big Walter, George Smith and William Clarke, creating a pleasing mix of Chicago and West Coast Blues. Tilmann Michalke offers up lashings of T-Bone Walker, Robert Lockwood and Hollywood Fats, all bundled up and presented in his own inimitable way. Marion is one of the few European pianists that echo the great Otis Spann from Chicago and the legendary Fred Kaplan from Los Angeles in both deep blues and rollicking boogies. The young rhythm section of Stephan Roffmann on bass and Chris Seidel on drums provide the dynamic and exciting beat to complete the package.
The band has produced five cds and one piece of vinyl in the last 25 years or so. Their most recent offering "Good Rockin' House Party" appeared in September 2017 to great international acclaim (check out the press reviews on this site!)
One of the few traditional blues bands on European stages that continues to reinvigorate the scene, guaranteed to please both the most demanding of blues lovers whilst making new fans and friends at their unforgettable shows. Don't miss them.