Home » Member Page

Gina Roche'

Gina Roche is a vocalist, songwriter, guitarist who sings from the heart, everytime.

About Me

Born in Philadelphia, of Spanish and Irish descent. Gina made a name for herself professionally in Philadelphia PA., writing songs and playing guitar. Early musical influences were Billie Holiday, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bonnie Raitt, Gino Vanelli and Ricki Lee Jones. Gina became part of the Philadelphia jazz group “Interchange” lead by vibes player Tony Miceli. It was a time of Blue Rondo and Night in Tunisia. In 1985, she relocated to Atlantic City, where she formed her first group. Over the next six years the “Gina Roche Group” played most of the Atlantic City casino hotels performing material by Tania Maria, Chaka Khan, Ricki Lee Jones, Gino Vanelli, Flora Purim, and any eclectic fun music you could think of!

In the early 1990's, The Gina Roche Group performed in Grand Cayman for a month followed by an 8 week engagement in Aruba. It was here, where her love affair with the music of Brazil was born: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dori Caymmi, Djavan, Joao Gilberto and Elis Regina. There were a few return engagements to Aruba.

Upon return to the U.S., Gina formed her first jazz quartet (Jim Ridl on piano, Steve Holloway on drums and Tim Lekan on acoustic bass), playing Harrah's and local jazz clubs in Philadelphia, NJ and NYC.

This was an intense period of learning and studying. She began to open to the music of Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone, Chet Baker and his soulful, tasty solos, Keith Jarrett and Carmen McRae singing Monk. During this time, she and acoustic bassist Tim Lekan began playing together regularly and performing as a bass and voice Duo.

Gina's Jazz Trio performed in Japan.

On our return trip from Japan, we spent some time in Portland, Oregon, recording and playing jazz clubs with the wonderful jazz pianist Randy Porter.

In 1996, Gina was special guest artist and lyricist on the Tim Lekan CD “PM” (Dreambox Media). Here's what Jazz News had to say about her contribution to the “PM” recording: “Gina Roche' is what makes the listener sit up and take notice” -Jazz News

This group performed at the Cape May Jazz Festival and the Somers Point Festival. Also singing for a time with “Edgardo Cintron's” Latin jazz group at Zanzibar Blue. Gina's Quartet also performed at the “Blue Moon Jazz Club” in Philadelphia.

In the late 1990's, Gina sang with the all Female Latina group “Ellas”. Playing Afro-Cuban, merengue, salsa and latin jazz, performing in clubs, the Latino/Americano Festival and outdoor festivals for the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia. Also touring with the world music group “World Color”, singing in different languages, with musicians from Africa, Japan and Mexico. “The Sacred Divas”(a gospel/jazz group) came to be during this time, performing with great Philly jazz musicians...Doc Gibbs, Gerald Veasley and Mike Boone, to name a few.

In April of 2001- Gina released her debut CD “Dawning of a New Way.” The CD features artists-Romero Lubambo-guitar, Jim Ridl-piano, ChicHuff-bass, Tim Lekan-acoustic bass and Allison Miller-drums. That same year, “The Gina Roche' Quartet” opened for McCoy Tyner at Kennedy Plaza for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. Also in that same year, Gina performed as guest artist in concert and on WRTI “live” with Gerald Veasley and his Electric Mingus Project.

Late 2002, Gina performed one of her original compositions in concert with a live orchestra at the Kimmel Center.

The Gina Roche Quartet played The “Jazz at the Point” Festival on March 6, 2004 in Somers Point NJ.

For more details or to get on my mailing list, please visit www.ginaroche.com. Have a lovely day!

Peace, GINA ROCHE'