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Despite having studied the more Classical style of music whilst pursuing degree qualifications at Glasgow University, Roger was first lured into the traditional Jazz field of the Monty Sunshine, Dick Charlesworth City Gents and Terry Lightfoot bands before gaining the position of Principal Trombonist with the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra.
After some years of this kind of studio work, including spells with the BBC NDO, BBC NRO and others, he joined the Syd Lawrence Orchestra in 1974, staying at first for about three years, before moving to Birmingham as Musical Director of the “Night Out Theatre Restaurant”, which at the time was the largest live cabaret venue in Europe. It was during this period that Roger had the honour of directing a Royal Command Performance before HRH Princess Anne.
When the venue closed in 1985, he was invited to return to the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, with which he remained until September 2005, combining this with appearances also in the Trombone Sections of the Glenn Miller UK Orchestra, BBC Radio Big Band and many others.