Roogalator

Roogalator

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1972
Founder	Danny Adler
Defunct	1978
Headquarters	London , England
Products	Music albums and singles

Roogalator was a London-based pub rock group established in 1972 by American guitarist Danny Adler. Earlier that year, Adler collaborated on demo recordings with 10cc's Graham Gouldman at Strawberry Studios. Prior to forming Roogalator, Adler had been part of Smooth Loser, a band he created with Jeff Pasternak, sibling of BBC DJ Emperor Rosko. The initial lineup briefly included bassist Tony Lester, guitarist Chris Gibbons, and drummer Malcolm Mortimer (known for his work with G.T. Moore and the Reggae Guitars); Mortimer later joined Ian Dury's Kilburn and the High Roads.

History

Roogalator's first live performance took place in November 1972 at London's Marquee Club, where they received a modest reaction. Between this period and the band's reformation, Adler balanced playing Irish Country and Western gigs with studying jazz theory in Paris. He then assembled a new lineup featuring drummer Bobby Irwin, pianist Steve Beresford, and keyboardist Nick Plytas; both Beresford and Plytas would go on to contribute extensively to various On-U Sound Records reggae and dub projects. The band's demo secured representation by a booking agency, though Beresford and Irwin departed before any live dates. Dave Solomon stepped in as drummer, and Paul Riley—formerly of pub rock group Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers—joined on bass shortly before their September 1975 debut gig, which garnered early media interest.

Emerging as a prominent act within the mid-1970s London pub rock circuit, Roogalator stood out through Adler’s Cincinnati-inspired sharp, stripped-down funk style—a notable departure from the prevailing country, blues, and early rock influences—and laid foundational elements for the Britfunk wave of the early 1980s.

In November 1975, the band recorded demos for United Artists Records and connected with Robin Scott, who took on roles as their manager, producer, and label head. Following an underwhelming support appearance for Dr. Feelgood at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in January 1976, personnel changes ensued: Solomon left and was replaced by returning drummer Irwin; Riley also exited. Jeff Watts filled the bass position; during this period they recorded a session for John Peel in May 1976 and embarked on a European tour that was interrupted by theft. Watts and Irwin soon departed to join Riley’s new band, the Sinceros.

Encouraged by Scott, Adler brought in bassist Julian Scott (Robin’s brother) and drummer Justin Hildreth. In mid-1976, Roogalator signed a single-release deal with Stiff Records, issuing "All Aboard"/"Cincinnati Fatback". They maintained an active touring schedule and recorded a second Peel session in October 1976.

The group released "Love And The Single Girl" through Virgin Records in 1977 but opted against signing a full contract due to unfavorable publishing conditions. A third Peel session followed in August that year. Their first album, Play It by Ear, was launched under Scott’s Do It Records label; it received positive critical reviews but failed to achieve significant commercial success.

Roogalator appeared at the ‘Front Row Festival’ held at the Hope and Anchor, Islington towards the end of 1977. This event produced a double-album compilation featuring them alongside prominent artists such as Wilko Johnson and The Stranglers; it reached number 28 on the UK Albums Chart.

After Plytas left the group, Roogalator continued as a trio, releasing the single "Zero Hero" in 1978 while working on demos for a second album. Subsequently, drummer Hildreth departed and was succeeded by Nick Monnas from Stomu Yamashta’s ensemble.

Facing ongoing lineup challenges and feeling that the band had reached its natural conclusion, Adler dissolved Roogalator in July 1978. Numerous tracks intended for their sophomore album were later adapted for his solo debut release, The Danny Adler Story. The band’s recordings were eventually reissued on the compilation album Cincinnati Fatback.

Albums

LP - Play It by Ear (Do It Records, 1977) CD - Cincinnati Fatback (Compilation) (Proper Records, 1999)

Singles

7" - "All Aboard" backed with "Cincinnati Fatback" (Stiff Records, 1976) 7" - "Love and the Single Girl" backed with "I Feel Good (I Got You)" (Virgin Records, 1977) 7" - "Zero Hero" backed with "Sweet Mama Kundalini" (Do It Records, 1978)

External links

• allmusic.com: Roogalator – Comprehensive band profile and discography
• Roogalator Cincinnati Fatback