Artist Information
Biography
ROGER GARDELLA
Singer/Songwriter
A life-long resident of New Jersey, Roger Gardella has been a writer, composer and performer of "wooden music" for over 35 years. A self-taught musician, he began playing his own brand of acoustic folk/rock to live audiences at the early age of 16 during the Middletown Folk Festival days and as a member of "New Morning", his first working band. During his college years at West Virginia University, Roger further developed his solo act by performing the campus towns throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. Through his extensive travels, Roger collaborated with scores of other singer/songwriters from all parts of the country, taking from those experiences the various forms, sounds and techniques that have evolved into what is his style today.
As comfortable on stage as he is in his own living room, Roger has performed in such well known venues as the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Under Acme and Coyote Kate's of Manhattan, and locally at the Stone Pony, Tradewinds and The Downtown Café to name a few. His music has been described by his critics as passionate, courageous and cerebral. Roger's stage presence clearly demonstrates that he is not afraid to express his feelings in his music. As both a highly acclaimed solo original artist and member of several local cover bands, Roger continually challenges himself with today's popular musical offerings as well as creating clever renditions of seldom heard folk & rock classics.
"It's in the study and learning of the early greats that helps keep today's writers true to their art. The hardest thing about being a songwriter and performer today is keeping it original. We are so far along in musical evolution that it's improbable that a particular riff or melody hasn't been covered before. We've been so influenced by our heroes that keeping it fresh is our biggest hurdle. How many times have you heard someone say, "great stuff, I'll bet you're a big JT fan?" For these reasons, I work very hard at creating musical and lyrical phrases that have never been used before. I'm saying the same thing that's been said for years but I'm saying it in a way that's new and different. I suppose that's why I write so much from the heart. It's what you express in your music that makes people want to listen - and to me there's nothing more original than expressing what's in your heart." - Roger Gardella
Roger's latest CD, "Thanksgiving Day" released in early 2009, is receiving rave reviews from his peers and critics alike as getting regular airplay rotation on local radio stations in the tri-state area.
Instrumentation
Roger Gardella: Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica
Discography
Thanksgiving Day - 2009
R Jim - A Collaborative - 1993
Official Website
Video
Press
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Music For The Soul
[+ Show ]
Self Titled - Roger Gardella By: Corbyn Bricie We came across Roger Gardella's EPK on Sonicbi...
Setlist
The Roger Gardella's solo acoustic act covers everything from unique covers of classic folk/rock tunes and obscure "B" sides to current pop & rock numbers and - of course - his originals. "The length of a set depends on the crowd for whom I'm performing. If the room is into it, I'll play all night!"
