GINA ROCHÉ BIO (voice/guitar/songwriter/uke):
GINA ROCHÉ, known for her exciting live performances, imbues a Brazilian twist
into her unique blend of jazz, blues, pop and original compositions. Her compositions draw upon many genres of music, life experience, love, and the human experience.
Here’s a link to Gina Roche performing her original composition I Belong as part of The Jim Ridl Quartet 55 Bar in NYC: https://youtu.be/81gQvSQBJeg
In the music scene for over 35 years, Gina has toured the UK, Japan, the U.S.,The Grand Cayman Islands and Aruba and has performed on Good Morning America and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The Gina Roche Quartet opened for McCoy Tyner at Kennedy Plaza for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.
Gina has performed as guest artist in concert and on WRTI “live” with Gerald Veasley’s Electric Mingus Project. Here is the performance of Goodbye Porkpie Hat: https://www.facebook.com/kt.jones.73/videos/10153775726718430/
Her music has also been featured in concert with Gina and a live orchestra performing one of her original compositions at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
For a taste of her sultry, silky voice visit: www.facebook.com/GinaRocheMusic
“ …the music and lyricism are outstanding. Congratulations on producing a unique and tasteful contribution to original music.” ~ Jeff Duperon WRTI 90.1FM
"...an individualistic and compelling singer." ~All About Jazz.
"Gina Roché is what makes the listener sit up and take notice." ~ Jazz News
"Roché is a commendable vocalist." ~ Cadence
Jim Ridl is in high demand as a New York City jazz pianist, composer, teacher and band leader. His ongoing residency at the internationally known jazz club The 55 Bar is in its fifth year, where he and his quartet perform his original compositions monthly. Jim performs worldwide with a variety of jazz artists, including The Joe Locke Quartet, The Dave Liebman Big Band, The Paul Jost Quartet and the Mingus Big Band. He has toured with the US State Department American Music Abroad program (’12 and ’15), performing in Russia, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovenia and Malta. As a composer and leader, Jim has released 7 recordings, the latest titled Door in a Field,Volume 2. Jim was a Princeton University Visiting Artist for three separate semesters (’12, ’14, ’16), coaching jazz ensembles in repertoire and performance. Jim continues as adjunct educator in Jazz Piano Studies at The City College of New York and the New York Jazz Workshop in Manhattan. From 1994 – 2004, Jim performed with jazz guitar legend Pat Martino, receiving critically acclaimed reviews of performances around the world, and producing four outstanding recordings: Interchange, Night Wings, The Maker and Nexus. Jim was raised on a farm and ranch in North Dakota, and discovered his love for piano and jazz at an early age. He attended the University of Colorado at Denver, where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Scoring and Arranging, and was awarded its Student Achievement Award for composing “Ocean Sojourn,” an orchestral tone poem, performed with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, James Setapen conducting.
