Category: music

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Put on the Pink Flamingos

Put on the Pink Flamingos is my tribute to the one-and-only Mike Otten.

Mike and I met as high school freshmen and first bonded over comic books, Star Trek, and rock-n-roll. Forty years later, it breaks my heart to say he is gone too soon.

He was a very creative person. And he was a huge supporter of my creative projects. I dedicate this piece to him. I think he would like it.

Huge thanks to Crystal Pascucci (cello), Danielle Goldsmith (recording engineer), Jacob Winick (mastering), John Vanderslice (Tiny Telephone), and Aimee Stevland (art).

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Transcribing Joni

Every so often, I transcribe articles or podcasts for the official Joni Mitchell website. I like volunteering to a site dedicated to ensuring Joni’s legacy — not that she needs any help in that regard. In any event, it’s fun and inspirational to learn new things about Joni Mitchell by working on these materials.

Here’s a recent transcript I did of a podcast about the importance of the album Blue.

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Release Day!

Someone needs to pinch me because I can’t believe it. It’s RELEASE DAY. It’s been a long, wonderful haul to make this album of original music. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to give it a spin. You can pick it up at all the usual places (like those listed below).  

CD Baby: https://tinyurl.com/roenschcdbabycloud

Bandcamp: https://tinyurl.com/roenschbandcampcloud

iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/roenschitunescloud

Thanks again to all involved at Tiny Telephone Recording. You are a super-talented crew of dream-makers. John Vanderslice (producer), Jacob Winik (mastering), Carly Bond (guitar, vocals), Robert Shelton (keyboards, synthesizers), Jamie Riotto (bass, synthesizers), Jason Slota (drums, percussion), Crystal Pascucci (cello), and a special guest appearance by Andrew Dixon (saxophone). Big thanks also to Richard Osborn (photography) and Aimee Stevland (art design). Thank you all a million times.

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This One Time at Music Camp

Well, I never thought I’d get to play a song for Shawn Colvin, but that’s exactly what happened at the Frets and Refrains music camp.

After saying “prepare to be slaughtered” as I made my way to the hot seat, Shawn was super charitable in her feedback — as were my fellow classmates.

Other camp highlights included contributing a new jingle (“Welcome to the Chernobyl Big Top”) to a new eco-disaster-themed concept album and performing “Celluloid Dream,” “Don’t Forget to Pack Your Hand Grenade,” “Speak Your Mind,” “Nobody But You,” and “Trigger Finger” for various workshops and audiences.

All in all, a very good time in the Catskills.  

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Rock the Retirement

June 27, 2019. Athletic Club. Oakland, California. A top-secret operation was set in motion for a small group of musicians to surprise Mambo PC at his retirement party. Congratulations to the man of the hour for 29 years on the job … and for remembering the lyrics to all the songs.

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New Video Alert !!!

Excited to share a new video for “Remember the War to End All War,” a song from my upcoming album.

So many people to thank: John Vanderslice (producer), Carly Bond (guitar, vocals), Robert Shelton (keyboards, synthesizers), James Riotto (bass, synthesizers), Jason Slota (drums, percussion), Crystal Pascucci (cello), Jacob Winik (mastering).

And super huge thanks to Matthew Washburn for making the video.

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Say It Again …

Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. New album coming soon … it’ll be available on a bunch of digital platforms and on CD, too. Thanks to the super talented Aimee Stevland at Aimee Bruckner Design Studio for bringing her artistic talents to the project.

What’s in the Meaning of That Cloud in the Sky … coming soon.