Roger Troy - Roger Troy (1976) Remastered Reissue 2016

This is the lone solo album by sideman Roger "Jellyroll" Troy, a consummate session player who was best known for his collaborations with blues bandleader Michael Bloomfield, including as part of a reunited mid-'70s version of Electric Flag. Troy's bona fides go back even further than that: while still a teen, he was the bassist in the novelty rock band, the Hollywood Argyles, and went on to gigs with James Brown and Freddie King. In 1969 he cut an album as the leader of the band Jellyroll (which was his nickname) and he had considerable success as a songwriter in the early '70s.

This album is pretty much pure white soul, with a heavy Muscle Shoals feel: four songs were written by Troy, though tellingly he also covers Dan Penn, whose emotive vocals style is echoed in Troy's own phrasing. Among the many musicians backing him are jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts and pianist/producer Mike Lipskin… Fans of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Joe Cocker and any number of eclectic Memphis roots/soul bands might want to check this one out.

Review by DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music

Roger "Jellyroll" Troy, Musician, Singer, Bass Player, Songwriter, Producer, affectionately known as "Roll" to his peers, was a very well respected and talented musician, known by many fans, musicians and producers alike for his great vocals, writing and producing, and solid funky bass playing. Pull window down to see more below.

He was originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, later relocating to San Francisco, and played in numerous groups including "The Fendermen", "The Hollywood Argyles", his own group "Jellyroll" and record on Kapp records in or around 1969' entitled "jellyroll"-which included members Roger Troy (lead vocals bass), Tim Heding (keyboards, background vocals), Ed Setser (guitar), Stu Perry (drums, percussion), Lee Asch (alto-tenor-baritone saxophones), Dave Parkinson (tenor saxophone) and Bob Thorne (trumpet), also featured on the album is Cosme Joseph Deaguero on Conga.

Jellyroll joined The Electric Flag reunion band around 1973' and was on their subsequent record "The Band Kept Playing" and was a excellent record with Michael Bloomfield, Buddy Miles, Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, and others, with producer great-Jerry Wexler, in 1974'…

He went on to play the next several years with "Michael Bloomfield and friends" groups, including "Try It Before You Buy It", "Life In The Fast Lane", "Between A Hard Place And The ground", "Count Talent and The Originals", "Live At The Old Waldorf", "Analine", "if You Love These Blues, Play Them Ad You Please", "Bloomfield-A Jellyroll had a solo record he did on RCA records in 1976, which featured such top-notch studio musicians such as James Gadson, Sonny Burke, Larry Goshorn, Ernie Watts, and others.

Roll worked into the late 70s and 80s with such artists as Maria Muldour, Mick Taylor, Lonnie Mack, Nick Gravenites, Jerry Garcia & Howard Whales("Hooteroll" tour), Mike Finnigan, Timmy Goshorn and Larry Goshorn of Pure Prairie League, Dave Widow and many others too numerous to mention…He had several songs covered by artists such as Tracy Nelson, Jose Feliciano, Carlene Carter, and others.

Roger, was 45 when he died of heart problems resulting from a heart surgery and later complications, he died in 1991. Roll, was a "card", and a practical joker, always pulling one on someone, for a good laugh…Bless his soul…When he was on top of his game he was one-bad to the bone-Musician, and would often make the hair on the back of my neck-stand up, when he would sing…roll was a powerful singer with great melody and articulation, with a sometimes Gospel-like feel, and a blues and rock and roll soul. .He was like a white Bobby Blue Bland.

Dave Widow, Rockasteria