What's the name of your new record? Meraki

 

What's the origin of that name?  Meraki is a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity and love- when you leave a piece of yourself in your work.

 

Where was your album recorded? Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, Ontario

​

Who are some of the players on this record and what do they play? Danny Lockwood (drums), Frank Koren (guitar), Vince Rinaldo (keys) Bob Doidge (Bass & Trumpet), Amy King (Everything), Ron Palangio (Guitar), Antoinette Krusto (Guitar and vocals), Sue Leonard (Vocals), Brent Malseed (Bass), Harold Lee (Drums), Chris White (Guitar and Harmonica), Scott Neilson (Sax, Flute, Clarinet) and Andrew McPhail (Bagpipes and Pan Flute)

 

Who Produced it? Grant Avenue’s Amy King

​

What genre of music is Meraki? It’s a pretty good array of different genres including R & B, folk, 30’s, rock, jazz, pop and a new Canadian Scottish traditional with The Discontented Story of Andrew MacFee (Mind Yer Heid!)

​

How long have you known the players on this record? How did you meet? I have known some players for 40 years, a couple of them I just met when they came to the studio. Some I met from teaching high school at Sir Thomas More, a few from bands that I have played with over the years and some are friends of mine that just happened to be phenomenal players.

 

What inspired you to make music together? A common love of this project, especially with Amy King, a great friend, and her husband Chris White who has already recorded a lot of his own material- that inspired me. 

​

What is your background in music? I played piano as a teenager and achieved my Grade 9 level at the Royal Conservatory but quit due to lack of time as I also started playing in bands and that has continued all of my life. I picked up playing guitar and sax along the way.

​

Who are your major musical influences? 

Ray Charles

Stevie Wonder

Beatles

Rolling Stones

Supertramp

Dexter Gordon

Ben Webster

Scott Neilson

Johann Sebastian Bach

Thelonius Monk

Tony Bennett

​

Is anyone musical in your family that influenced you? My Mother was a great pianist and reader of music. She was the church organist and also had her A.R.C.T.

(Association for the Royal Conservatory of Performers and Teachers). She taught me how to play ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles and there was no stopping me from that point.

​

What can you tell me about your instruments and what instruments can you play? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? 

Piano: I have a baby grand and I love it (Kawai)

Guitar: I have a Norman acoustic- I don’t play electric

Saxophone: I originally took it up because my daughter wasn’t playing hers in highschool. My friend, Scott Neilson(monster player),  has instructed me and is the reason I play it in the band- he gave me the confidence. I now play a Selmer Mark VI

Keyboard: I play a Korg with the band I don’t like electronic keyboards except when Vince Rinaldo plays them.

I’m not really into brands- my ear is not that discerning. I leave that up to others. 

​

Where have you performed? 

I have played hundreds of bars and gigs from concerts, festivals and private functions.

​

Do you have any upcoming shows? I have a ton of shows coming up my band RPG- Retro Party Groove but the big show coming up is the CD Release party for my second album and my first album of all original music, Meraki. This show is on September 16th at the Marquis Gardens in Ancaster starting at 7pm with food and cocktails with the live performance with a twelve-piece band beginning at 8:30. 

​

Who wrote the songs on Meraki? I wrote all of the songs on the record but 2 of the songs are co-writes with Amy King

​

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? They are positive topics. The Beatles were always positive and they did ok.

​

Do you think these topics will change over time? No because to be negative is boring and whiny.

​

Could you briefly describe your music-making process? I write songs based on styles and I make chords/ melody/ lyrics. Pretty much all together.

​

Is this your first CD? If not- how is this one different? My first two CD’s were with were cover material with the RPG. My first solo CD, Meh, was a collection of Classical covers. Meraki is my first CD of all original music.

​

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music? My love of all kinds of music has evolved. Thank you Beatles. I only play classical and jazz now but I still love my musical past.

​

What has been your biggest challenge musically? Still trying to find the time. My kids keep coming back home.

​

Have you been able to overcome that challenge? No.

​

What's your ultimate direction for yourself musically? Play jazz with other good players. Playing on my own, privately, is my greatest time spent. 

​

Are you seeking fame and fortune? No

​

Do you have any other interests outside of music? My family, friends and travel.

​

What advice do you have for people who want to do what you are doing musically? Have fun and don’t get too serious that it takes you away from the ‘real’

​

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Come to show, order it online or contact Lisa Millar  -she’s a great publicist.

 

Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? Yes you can check out the site here: http://lisamillarsmusic.wixsite.com/frankrocchi 

 

Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support? Ivan Marini, a great friend, and Ange Restivo. 

​​