By Chris Spiewak
As the very popular AC/DC song goes, “It’s a long way to the top (if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll)” and truer words never have been spoken.
Every young musician starts out with the instrument of their choice and a dream, then a goal, and this leads to the hard part: What is the best way to hone my skills and meet other qualified musicians to hopefully form a group, and try to someday to ‘get to the top’?
It was not so easy in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, but modern local music schools like Rock’n Music Academy in Middletown not only instruct on an individual level, but also create in-house bands to give young people the opportunity to rehearse and perform together, making the formative years much easier and definitely more fun.
With degrees in both business and music and a very accomplished songwriter in his own right, Lee Edwards created Rock’n Music Academy in 2005 to, in his words, “create a superior learning environment for aspiring musicians of all ages, levels and styles to pursue their passion for music.”
Two recent visits revealed some impressive levels of expertise among the students in the four house bands currently in action at Rock’n Music. Catalyst, with frontman Kyle Baird on vocals, Nolan Kinney on guitar, Morgan Grant on bass, and young (age 13!) Andrew Ahlborn on drums, presented great versions of “Welcome to Paradise” by Green Day, and “Dani California” by The Red Hot Chile Peppers. This group has been together for only a year, but they have been working hard as evidenced by the great music they produce.
Next up was Unwind with Emily Preziose on vocals, Ray Laux on guitar, Robert Collins on bass and Kyle Patterson on keys, who were very proficient even without drummer Ryan Bock, who was on vacation. They gave a fine performance with “Separate Ways” by Journey and “Only the Good Die Young” from Billy Joel. Only seven months as a group, these 15- and 16-year-olds have gelled quickly and sound great together.
Edwards, together with instructor Brian Mackiewicz, do fantastic work with the house bands. It is quite difficult to believe all the band members are in their teenage years. Back in the day (‘70s, ‘80s), very few groups were this accomplished at this age, a testament to the high standards set forth by Edwards and his staff.
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” the 1970 Stevie Wonder hit, was signed, sealed and delivered with great soul by the band No Reason, featuring Julia Grimaldi on vocals, Mike Delgrosso on guitar, Chris McKay on bass, Andrew Clementoni on drums and the very talented Christina Buzzanco on keyboards. Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4” was nicely done as well, a tribute to the 30 years of musical experience among the five members.
The final house band is the duo of Laura Diorio on vocals and Emma Wulfhorst on guitar and backing vocals. I believe that The Cover Girls will do just fine, and their great vocal harmonies will get them work just about anywhere. A superb version of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” was proof positive of their great talent, and they both have a bright future, whether together, or in separate projects in the future.
Edwards is doing a fine job with the young people of the Red Bank area, preparing them well, whether they elect a career in music, or to just play part-time in the local area.
In addition to instruction, Rock’n Music also holds a Summer Rock Camp, and a Summer Recording Camp, where students get instruction on songwriting techniques and professional recording equipment. Weekly jam sessions are also held at the school, and concert events are scheduled throughout the year.
Recently, the house bands were invited to perform at the Wonder Bar’s open mic nights in Asbury Park and at the 110th anniversary festivities at the Keansburg Amusement Park. Later this month, all four bands will showcase their talents at the annual Middletown Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Croydon Hall on Leonardville Road. Come out and show your support for the future stars of rock ‘n’ roll; all of these talented people are starting off on the right foot and with the right support, so let’s help them along on the road to the top!
Additional information is available by visiting www.rocknmusicacademy.com.
Chris Spiewak is currently the bassist for rock/blues cover band VyntEdge.
