Category: Live

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Pitch Perfect Review

Another review is in for Rock-n-Roll Oasis: Live at Tiny Telephone. I think the writer (Matt Jensen) does a great job of capturing the essence of the night and our performance, with quotes like this:

“The album carries the spirit of MTV’s Unplugged sessions, recreating that same sense of closeness, as if the listener is tucked into the corner of a dimly lit studio, watching the trio lock into their set. Across 18 tracks, the record plays best when experienced as a whole—one of those albums you can let spin from start to finish…”  

And this:

“The applause, the stripped-down instrumentation, and the room’s natural acoustics give Rock-n-Roll Oasis: Live at Tiny Telephone a warmth that feels immediate and present. Roensch leans into the rawness of a live setting, allowing for small imperfections that make the album feel human and unaffected by studio gloss. It’s a direct, unfiltered snapshot of a songwriter in his element, fully engaged with the moment.”

Thanks to Matt Jensen and Pitch Perfect for their attention to the music and their insightful words.

You can read the full review here.

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“a stripped-back masterclass in storytelling”

Thanks to We Write About Music for the awesome review of “Rock-n-Roll Oasis: Live at Tiny Telephone.” It’s humbling to read such complimentary and spot-on words.

Like this…

“Roensch, accompanied by the virtuosic guitarist Jules Leyhe and the ethereal harmonies of Elisa Wendell, creates a sonic atmosphere that feels warm and deeply personal, like a late-night jam session among close friends. The stripped-back arrangements allow every note and lyric to breathe, making it easy to get lost in Roensch’s poetic storytelling.”

And this…

“…what makes Rock-n-Roll Oasis truly special isn’t just the musicianship; it’s the sheer heart poured into every moment. The recording captures the energy of the night and that magic translates into every track. Roensch’s lyricism, shaped by his background in flash fiction and poetry, is vivid and evocative, turning each song into a story that lingers long after the music fades. You hinge on every single word, all the while being more than impressed by the pure artistry that’s flowing out.”

You can check out the full review here.

Album available now on Bandcamp, with all of my proceeds of sales in February going to MusiCares to help support their relief efforts for LA music professionals affected by the wildfires.

Photo: Dwayne Jarrell

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Live Album Available Now

It was a cold and rainy November night when Greg Roensch, Jules Leyhe, and Elisa Wendell performed two sets of original music (plus a handful of covers) at Tiny Telephone recording studio in Oakland, California. Here’s your chance to listen to a show that audience members referred to as magical, unique, and fun – which is exactly what you’d expect when entering the rock-n-roll oasis. Welcome in.

Available now on Bandcamp

Rock-n-Roll Oasis: Live at Tiny Telephone

Feel free to listen for free, but please note I’m donating 100% of my proceeds from all sales in February to MusiCares for fire relief support for music professionals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

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Live Album Coming Soon

Thank you.

Jules Leyhe: guitar

Elisa Wendell: vocals

Danielle Goldsmith: audio engineer

Amar Lal (Macro Sound): mastering

Sammy Braxton-Haney: photography

Aimee Stevland Design: album art

Thanks most of all to the folks who braved the storm to attend the show.

Recorded at Tiny Telephone, Oakland, CA. Nov. 21, 2024.

Dedicated to Uncle Tony Roensch (1945 – 2024).

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For Uncle Tony

Aloha, mahalo, and rest in peaceful ocean waves to our legendary Uncle Tony.

How lucky was I to spend an entire summer in the early 80s with him and Aunt Corinne. We explored Big Island backroads in his shaky-ass heap of a jeep. We did water things (he surfed; I waded by the shore). And, as we laughed about a million times over the years, we sipped martinis (my first ever!) during a special night out at a posh French bistro, even though I wasn’t quite the legal drinking age just yet.

A few days after Uncle Tony passed, I shared a few words at the start of my concert in at Tiny Telelphone recording studio in Oakland. He didn’t want a big send-off, and I can respect that, but I needed to pay tribute in my own way… and I know others will too.

Here’s to you uncle.

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Pass the Popcorn

I’m looking forward to checking out a screening today of “This is Where We’ll Build the Labyrinth” at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco as part of the local short film collection at the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival (1:30pm, PST).

My film is also playing on Dec 9 at the 4 Star in San Francisco with a group of animated shorts.

Can’t make it to SF? That’s okay, you can see the film online later in December at the official website of the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival.

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Another Hole in the Head 2023

I’m pleased to report that “This Is Where We’ll Build the Labyrinth” is an official selection at this year’s Another Hole in the Head film festival. You can check out my short poetry film online from Dec 1 – 25 as part of Strictly Local 2 collection.

Better yet, you can join me at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco on Dec 2 (1:30pm) for a live screening of my film, following by a short Q&A session.

A second in-person screening has been added: Dec 9 (1:30pm) at the 4 Star Theater in San Francisco (with other animated shorts).

Click here to check out the schedule.

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“I’m One” (cover)

While working on a new album recently, I took a few minutes to record this song from my favorite album from my favorite band. It’s one of the first songs I ever learned to play and I’m still trying to get it right … but here’s where it is now.

“I’m One”
Written by Pete Townshend
From “Quadrophenia” by The Who

Performed by Greg Roensch & Jules Leyhe
– Greg Roensch (guitar & vocals)
– Jules Leyhe (lead guitar)
– Nico Sotomayor (video)
– Danielle Goldsmith (audio)

Filmed and recorded at Tiny Telephone Recording, Oakland, CA.
August 22, 2023.

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“a beautiful performance”

March 25, 2023 – It was a wonderful night at The Lost Church in San Francisco when Jules Leyhe and I played together live for the first time. Thanks to The Lost Church … and to Jules … and to the amazing people who came from near and far. As one audience member said, it was “a beautiful performance.” I’m a bit biased, but I agree 100%.

SET 1: Come on Over, Hello Thelonious, Eyes Wide Shut, Alcatraz, Rock n Roll Oasis, Celluloid Dream, Notorious, Chernobyl’s Been on My Mind, Don’t Forget to Pack Your Hand Grenade, Every Morning (by Keb Mo), E Is for Elephant

SET 2: Remembrance (Jules Instrumental), Nobody But You, I Heard the News, You Never Know, Sea of Tranquility, A Blackbird Flies, Speak Your Mind, Tell It like It Is

Huge thanks to Richard Osborn for taking tons of amazing photographs. Here are just a few.