Legendary Chicago Blues Artist Roger Connelly

Roger with Robert Jr. of Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine and friends at The Catherine Hotel after a performance with special guest stars Laurie Morvan and Paul Oscher.

"Roger "The Rooster" Connelly & The Blues Merchants opened in their electrifying style, performing originals and blues standards to a full house of enthusiasts.

"The balcony doors opened into the Casino, a spectacular ballroom packed with blues fans. Roger Connelly greeted them in a white silk zoot suit with a large brimmed hat, as Roger Connelly & The Blues Merchants prepared to take the stage and open for Spencer Davis. Sugar and Junior congratulated both Spencer and Roger and everone for a job well done."

"Local group Connelly & The Blues Merchants played at the Casino Dock Cafe, the place was full, from locals to vistors, dancing, singing and cheering in a big way for Roger and his band".

This article contains a brief Bio and a Q & A Session between Roger and Big City's Rhythm & Blues Editor In Chief Robert Jr. Whitall. Roger is also on the cover with a whole lot of other great Southern California Blues Artists.

Saturday night at the Casino Ballroom was the place to be, if you love the blues. The first group to perform was Roger Connelly & The Blues Merchants were awesome! You can truly say that Avalon has some outstanding musicians.

"10 solid no frills tunes. Connelly shows off his guitar prowess with slick, fusion-style changes and a driving back beat, and southern-style acoustic ballad Reason To Cry, with moving and insightfull lyrics."

In addition to being an extremely talented guitarist, there is a cast of bravery in Connelly's voice which gives it sincerity and depth. The One In Grey is on my list of the top 25 greatest blues tunes.

"This past spring, the world that we know as "Chicago Blues" just got a little more aggressive when Roger Connelly, highly respected local Bluesman, signed a recording contract with Dag-Nabit Rocords, located on Chicago's North Side.

"This release is killer, multi-personalities, rock 'n blues". Ten tunes, nine by Connelly, shake rattle and roll all the way through. Each side of this gem shines.

"These simple but powerful tunes speak volumes about this player's talent. It's hard to pick a best cut they,re all pleasing".

As never before, Connelly 41 has arrived on the National blues scene with a vengeance from the town that put the blues on the map. "Connelly is a one-man wrecking crew with all the technical dexterity and soul of a delta blues Virtuso".