WWW.PhillyJazz.Org - One of America's websites

Mickey Roker

    What is left to be said about Mickey ?? He's a legend to be sure.   A treasure not just to Philly, but to the nation.  There are damn few jazz musicians who can serve as role models to kids. Mickey can and does.

 

  While his musicianship speaks (loudly) for itself, too few people realize what kind of human Mickey is.  I've heard him tell dirty jokes (in a club) and use the clinical definitions for body parts.

 

    I used to see him with Dizzy when I was a college student in Montreal, and when I moved back to Philly I was SO honored to meet this cat.  The first time I sat in with him at Ortlieb's I was nervous as could be, but Mickey lets you know where the CHANGES are !  Not many drummers help like that (especially when you ain't exactly Charlie Parker) ..  Mickey is a joy to play with, listen to, or trade jokes with.  He's at Ortlieb's Jazz Haus a lot when he's not touring, and if you're in Philly on a Thursday, DON'T MISS HIM !!!