From Arizona | Release Date: March 31, 2023 | Catalog #: ER00050
James Welch - Lead Vocals
Jack “Jaxxon” Schwarz - Guitars & Vocals
Mark Blythe - Bass & Vocals
Conor White - Drums
Scott Grant - Keyboards (Tracks 1-3, 5, 6, 8-11)
Sam Coulson - Guitar Solo (Tracks 1, 3, 7, 9, 11)
Jonathan Varo - Keyboards, Guitars, & Vocals (Tracks 4, 7)
1. Over Me
2. Got To Tell Me
3. One More Time
4. Tears And Promises
5. Was It Love
6. She’s A Deceiver
7. Typical Rock ‘N’ Roll
8. I Can’t Get Enough
9. Victim Of The Night
10. City Girl
11. Tonight’s The Night
Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the band ROXSTER was founded by guitarist Jack “Jaxxon” Schwarz in 2004. Their sound will take you back to a time when songs actually told an interesting story with a keen sense of melody and superb vocals and harmonies. Within two listens, most of the songs will be readily recognizable. The band showcases an incredible blend of vocal and musical virtuosity... a product of the five members’ combined years of extensive musical experience.
ROXSTER started as a cover band faithfully re-creating the glory days of “arena” rock in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Influenced by bands like Journey, Van Halen, Starship, Whitesnake, Styx, Kansas, and so many more. Over the years, the “arena” rock band, ROXSTER has performed at venues all over Arizona, including Tempe Town Lake’s 4th of July Celebration, Arizona Bike Week with Grand Funk Railroad, Desert Diamond Casino, Apache Gold Casino, and Cliff Castle Casino... just to name a few.
JAMES WELCH - Vocals
A skilled entertainer and the lead vocalist for the band, James has been singing and performing for most of his life. Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, he started his music career at a very young age, performing the national anthem at spring training games for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and winning numerous vocal awards. By age fifteen, James was fronting his first band, Idol Rich. Equally comfortable in a small club, a large concert for thousands, or in a recording studio he sings with the passion and versatility of a true professional. James draws from his love of such diverse vocal influences as Otis Redding, Paul Rodgers, and Steve Perry and can deliver a tender ballad or belt out a driving rocker with equal expertise. Melodic Rock AOR says, “James Welch’s immediately brings to mind Steve Perry meets Kevin Chalfant.”
JACK “JAXXON” SCHWARZ - Guitars & Vocals
At a very young age Jaxxon emigrated with his family from the Netherlands to the USA. He started his music business career in his teens touring throughout Southern California. His performance experience includes clubs and halls spread up and down the West Coast, from Southern CA all the way to Alaska. Aside from his sturdy musicianship, he has been heavily involved in several other facets of the music business, including tour management and instrument manufacturing. Jaxxon wears his guitar-playing influences on his sleeve, with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck all making contributions; however, through the years he has developed a style very much his own, playing with a fluid style, smooth tone, and powerful energy. Additionally, Jaxxon possesses a classic raspy rock ‘n’ roll voice with which he shares the vocal duties for the band. Rock Report in Belgium once wrote about Jack: “The star of the band is the earlier mentioned Mister Schwarz, a fluid plank spanker who knows exactly when to let the guitar fly without ever losing his sense for melody.”
MARK BLYTHE - Bass & Vocals
Born in Dallas, the home of the Texas blues, Mark brings the groove and drive to the band’s rhythm section. He brings with him an extensive background in guitar, including a degree in guitar Luthiery. He has honed his bass guitar skills, drawing from guitar influences like Eric Johnson and bass influences like Geddy Lee. Mark also lends his vocal talents and shares in the vocal duties, with his incredible rock tenor voice. Like his fellow bandmates, he has also traveled with several bands throughout the Western US and Canada.
CONOR WHITE - Drums
Laying down the foundation for the band’s driving sound, Conor has been playing the drums for over 20 years. He started at an early age playing professionally in the band, City in the Sea, which opened the doors for many future endeavors. Conor was the drummer for the last tour of the band Bless the Fall and played the role of the drummer on Amazon Prime’s series “Paradise City”. He also recorded and performs with the band High Wind, with a couple of the members of Bless the Fall. Conor is not only a technically skilled drummer but plays with a groove and ferocity that drives every song on which he plays.