Artist Bio
Memphis born, Alabama raised, Colorado grown and now a staple in the ever flourishing Alaskan music scene. Roland Roberts is able to blend an array of genres into a captivating yet delicate musical experience. With comparisons to the likes of John Prine, his storytelling and stage presence have entertained audiences across North America. After recording his debut album, All About The Timing in Whitehorse, Yukon and settling in Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Roberts connected with drummer Matthew Wallace. They soon added talented multi-instrumentalist Matt Faubion and bass player extraordinaire Garrett Monroe creating the Roland Roberts Band.
ALL ABOUT THE TIMING // Album Writeup
Short Version // Album
Every so often, an album will come along that is almost impossible to put a genre label on. Roland Roberts’ debut album All About The Timing is definitely one that would fall into this category. Rooted in a classic country sound, yet bearing heavy tones of American Folk, Delta Blues and even a touch of Bluegrass paired with thought provoking lyrics and commanding vocals, All About The Timing is sure to be an album that will make it into your regular listening rotation for years to come.
Long Version // Album
With his debut album, All About The Timing, Roland Roberts takes the listener through vivid landscapes that include the stories of personal growth through love loss and heart break with songs like ‘Beautiful Soul’ and Don’t Tell Me Goodbye’. He also explores the self realization that these experiences bring and expertly weaves them into song, such as the title track, ‘All About The Timing’ and ‘Being Me’. These song are also offset by a mix of upbeat stories that seem like simple strokes of paint on a canvas but in the end are a masterpiece that you can’t help but listen to again. ‘Picture on the Wall’ is a fun number about growing up and all that comes with it, while ‘Sittin’ In Nebraska’ is a catchy ditty about getting stranded by Mother Nature. Overall the album is a journey through the mind of a man that has the innate ability to see the human condition for what it is and transfer it seamlessly into the best parts of folk, Americana and country music.
Mashup Version // Album
Every so often, an album will come along that is almost impossible to put a genre label on. Roland Roberts’ debut album All About The Timing is definitely one that would fall into this category. Rooted in a classic country sound, yet bearing heavy tones of American Folk, Delta Blues and even a touch of Bluegrass paired with thought provoking lyrics and commanding vocals, Roland Roberts takes the listener through vivid landscapes that include the stories of personal growth through love loss and heart break with songs like ‘Beautiful Soul’ and Don’t Tell Me Goodbye’. He also explores the self realization that these experiences bring and expertly weaves them into song, such as the title track, ‘All About The Timing’ and ‘Being Me’. These songs are also offset by a mix of upbeat stories that seem like simple strokes of paint on a canvas but in the end are a masterpiece that you can’t help but listen to again. ‘Picture on the Wall’ is a fun number about growing up and all that comes with it, while ‘Sittin’ In Nebraska’ is a catchy ditty about getting stranded by Mother Nature. Overall the album is a journey through the mind of a man that has the innate ability to see the human condition for what it is and transfer it seamlessly into the best parts of folk, Americana and country music.
Articles
ROLAND ROBERTS Created a Gold Rush All His Own in Debut LP, 'All About The Timing'
recordmagazine.com
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“I walked into Old Crow Recording in Whitehorse, Yukon on a cold, snowy January day,” Roberts recalls. “I’d only brought a ‘bag’ of new songs and an acoustic guitar, and had little knowledge of what the outcome would be.
cashboxcanada.ca
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Roland Roberts makes the most of a golden opportunity with his debut album, single and video All About The Timing — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
tinnitist.com
read the article here
Reviews
“A singer-songwriter is only as good as the songs in his bag and this Alaska-based musician certainly carries a colourful array of engaging material. Given that this is his debut album, Roberts has plenty to be proud of and his way with a lyric and a melody will see him gather a fair wind as his career blossoms.”
– Lonesome Highway, Dublin Ireland
“Whether it’s his soulful solo performance, where his masterful word craft will have you smiling, or leading his band in rocking renditions of his original songs, Roland Roberts embodies what real live music is all about. It’s rock, but it’s country, but it’s not. It’s simple, authentic, well-crafted, and unique. New to the local scene, The Roland Roberts Band is perfect for Alaska, and I expect that Alaska will come to agree with me on that.“
- Josh Fryfogle // Make A Scene Magazine
“Roland Roberts re-affirms what is special about a sound and style cemented years ago and powering into the future in the arms of talented progressive operators. ALL ABOUT THE TIMING is a critically appealing body of work and shows that sometimes thirty minutes is all you need to sell your wares effectively.”
– Three Chords and The Truth, UK
“On “…..Nebraska” Roberts talks about the fact Tyler Childers is in town that night and because he’s stuck in the snowstorm he’ll miss the gig. Almost four years ago to the day, I reviewed Childers debut album and said this: “ [he] has done more in 10 songs than some would manage on 10 albums.” It’s the only way this album review could end too, frankly.”
– Maximum Volume Music, London
“The contents of All About The Timing are these. In the end, it is a record full of good songs washed down by an excellent country which, although very classic in the choices and timing, incredibly works (it is positively surprising how in 2021 we can still make good music with originality and simplicity). The thirty minutes spent listening to Roland Roberts' debut are well spent.”
– Roots Highway, Italy
“If you have known how to treasure the cocktail with the bitter irony of the Kinks “Muswell Hillbillies”, this debut album is specifically dedicated to you.”
– Blues Magazine, Paris