Hardcore Americana roots singer-songwriter/bandleader A.J. Roach sings with the enthralled abandon of a wolf howling at the moon. His characters" secret afflictions are revealed in lines of startling poetry, finding God"s love in a broken landscape. This is a fierce and reverent music. Roach was raised in the deep hollows of mountainous Scott County, Virginia, home of such legendary acts as The Carter Family. Growing up, A.J. was fed a steady diet of bluegrass and traditional mountain music that strongly flavors his sound. "The people who live in central Appalachia are some of the most intelligent people I know," says Roach, "but popular culture would have you believe we"re all ignorant. I hope that I can [use music to] show people the unique character of the region and of the heritage that I"m lucky enough to be a torch-bearer for."