RENO

Outstanding Reno musicians who have shared the stage with Rocky and give him

their enthusiastic recommendation. All may be contacted for further information. 

  Tony Cataldo, trumpet. 775-544-3877.  tc@tonycataldo.com

  Vince Crudele, piano. 775-851-2847. 530-541-4920.

  CeCe Gable, vocalist. 775-828-2404. cece@cecegable.com

  Gerry Gennuario, drums. 775-240-2211. 775-747-4803.

  Bob Greenwood, piano.  530-412-2226. bob@leepentertainment.com     

  Phil Jerome, trombone, bass, big band director.  775-475-855. JEROMEPK@aol.com

  Dave Kubin, piano.  775-746-1866.  davidkubin@sbcglobal.net

  Linda Alexander Merrell, vocalist.  asingerwithstyle@yahoo.com

  Frank Perry, alto sax, clarinet, flute.  775-323-4151, ext. 241 

  "Siep" (Werner Siepenkothen), violin.  775-750-6427. 775-359-6425. 

  Neil Strocchio, drums.  775-846-1479. stragooch@charter.net

  Lee Warner, drums. 775-333-1022.  leew@muzak.com

  Buddy Wright, vocalist and bassist.  775-240-1438. buddy-wright@sbcglobal.net

LOS ANGELES

    "Rocky is my first call tenor player-in fact the only one I choose to call.  I have plenty o' players to pick from in Los Angeles but I just can't get Detroit Motown soul like I always get from Rocky, so I have to fly him down here to get 'real deal' on my tracks."  

   Jimmy Hunter/Los Angeles producer-drummer/Cazador Recording studio owner. 

jimmy@jimmyhunter.com

SAN FRANCISCO

       "One of my favorite sax players! Fantastic sound, soul for miles, great attitude. A wonderful addition to every show I hired him for. If you're looking to enhance your show with a sax man, he's the cat!"

   Kelly Park, Owner, Kelly's of Alameda.  Former faculty member, Berklee College

   of Music, Boston, MA   www.kellysofalameda.net

    "You can't go wrong with Rocky Tatarelli.  Rocky is the most sincere "Coltrane-inspired" tenor man I've ever heard.  Unlike most guys who play at a style, Rocky's playing comes straight from the heart, and because it's so real, he can fit into any situation.  Most people who hear him will say that he's a modern jazz saxophonist, which he certainly is, but I've hired him many times for straight commercial gigs and the people love him because they can feel his emotionally direct playing.  I love him because he's a joy to play with and he really is the nicest cat around.  Great sound, great chops, great heart.  Doesn't get any better than that!"  

   Stuart Yasaki, multi-instrumentalist, big band leader.  sypleasant@aol.com

    "Working with Rocky is great!  Not only does he play smoothly and tastefully with expertise in melody and improvisation, but he knows every tune, in every key. Rocky is also undoubtedly one of the nicest, most easy going players I've ever played with. He always has a smile and good things to say about everyone."

   Clinton Day.  Jazz Bassist, Pianist.  Alameda, CA.  cday@lmi.com

    "Rocky Tatarelli is the consummate professional and would be an asset to any musical group.  First of all, he is an amazing and versatile saxophonist with impressive improvisational skills and a beautiful, rich tone.  Secondly, he is one of a rare breed of musicians--the kind who is unfailingly punctual, reliable, good-natured and plays well with others. Hire him--you won't regret it!"

   Jazmin Sky, vocalist.  http://jazminsky.com

    "Rocky's horn breathes warm notes and velvet tones. Hands down, one of the finest sax players I've encountered." 

   Mark Stevens, Jazz Singer.  jazzguy@sbcglobal.net

     "Rocky is an inspiration to everyone, from rookies to pros.  He has been an unfailing source of caring, support, positive feedback, and helpful criticism since my earliest days as a singer.  And of course to perform with him is a great delight.  It is rare to meet a soloist whose playing is so exciting and creative, but who is so sensitive and unselfish with the other musicians." 

   Judith Ames, vocalist (Reno & the Bay Area).  judithames1@sbcglobal.net

    "Rocky T. is a wonderful musician and a fantastic person. He is versatile in all styles of contemporary music and is able to fit in to just about any musical situation. His personality is quite easygoing and pleasurable to work with.  Rocky's tasteful playing is a major asset which will complement all musical styles.  Hearing just one of Rocky's tasteful solos will leave you begging for more!  It is always an honor and a pleasure to play with such an exceptional musician and kind person as Rocky Tatarelli."  

   Mark Manfredi.  Top Shelf Trio.  Mark Manfredi@cms.hhs.gov

     "In the past 5 years, I've worked with Rocky on several projects and have found him to be the consummate professional in both his attitude and demeanor. He has the rare capacity to take verbal cues, and turn them into musical ideas that are on the mark. From there, he's able to expand on that idea, and take it to the next level and create something fresh and new. Live situations or recording, it makes no difference, I would recommend him as your first choice."

   Paul Diddens, guitarist. pauldiddens@hotmail.com

     "Rocky is a treasure - a gifted musician who has an approach to music that brings great joy to the bandstand. He's got a very solid sound that complements any tune, plus he's just a great guy to work with. He's got years of amazing experience that, in his humble way, elevates everyone he plays with. A true 'old school' pro. I'm only sorry that he moved!"

   Susan Rancourt, vocalist.  srancourt@mac.com; www.susanrancourt.com

     "When I first heard Rocky play, I knew he would be a valuable asset to my group.  He would connect with the audience perfectly by stepping off the stage and playing especially for individuals.  He made each guest feel special.  This was true if we were playing for dancers or for 'seniors' at retirement centers.  He fit in perfectly with the other members of  "Lee Russell & Co."  We all miss him here in the East Bay."

   Russ Seyferth. Lee Russell & Co.  lnnruss@comcast.net

    "Rocky Tatarelli can play anything.  He makes every moment sound fresh and full of love.  As a singer, one can't find a more supportive, inventive and energetic player than Rocky Tatarelli.  "I love Rocky.  He makes me feel special and truly cared for in every tune we do together.  Rocky dives into a tune, has a fantastic ear and makes the room come alive when he plays.  What can I say?  Rocky is as kind, dependable and generous a person as he is a fantastic player."

   Gina Harris, vocalist.  gina@ginaharris.com

    "Rocky enlivens any ensemble with with muscular tone, driving swing and inventive melodicism; he can make his fellow musicians perform several notches above the level they were playing before he stepped on stage."

   Aaron Germain, bassist.   aarongermain@hotmail.com

    "Rocky is the greatest!  He's easy and fun to work with. He's sensitive and attuned to the needs of the gig, the style of music, the  audience, and the other musicians. He has a huge dynamic range, from very soft to wailing, exciting solos that stimulate the band to new heights. I've known him for 25 years, and he has consistently been  reliable, trustworthy, helpful, and a true gentleman."  

   Tom Lander, guitarist.   tomlandermusic@yahoo.com

    "Rocky Tatarelli exemplifies the marriage of soulfulness and musical skill on the saxophone.  He plays with energy and is the kind of sax player that can make your toes tap, your head bob and your heart race; A versatile, talented, unselfish and disciplined professional; He lifts the level of any performance he's a part of. That's how I could describe Rocky Tatarelli."  

   Dave Jackson, vocalist and percussionist featured in the S.F.Chronicle

   ("His Voice Packs a Thrill"), San Francisco Bayview, Contra Costa Times,

   and other publications. djsmission@hotmail.com 

     "I met Rocky Tatarelli at Kelly's of Alameda about 2 years ago. After hearing him play and back numerous vocalists, I invited him to play with my vocal jazz combo.  Since then we have done about 10 gigs together. Rocky is an ideal saxophone sideman.  He arrives with a wealth of playing,

recording and composing experience, tells some pretty juicy stories about working with all kinds of musicians from jazzers, to Motown, to LA studio types. He is ever alert and right on the money whether its to support the lead singer or instrumentalist, or to complement them.  He allows others

to take the lead but is ready to cut loose with ear-opening, mind-bending solos when its his turn to blow. And he gets a mellow-sweet sound out of his specially handcrafted saxophones that is widely popular and pleasing.  Now, I shouldnt have told you all that because now, hes not gonna be

available to play with my group anymore!!"

   Richard Kalman, leader of Con Alma Vocal Jazz Combo.  RICHKALMAN@aol.com

     "I played with Rocky a number of times and found him to be a fine musician. He is a good listener: by that I mean that he will be aware of the band behind him and aware of the vocalist he is playing for, so that he will fit into the musical situation without taking over.  But once he is being featured he will play with a lot of fire and soul: he has a great feel for what he plays. I always had a ball playing alongside of Rocky."  

   Don Santos, tenor sax.  dasjazz@sbcglobal.net

     "I have had the wonderful opportunity  to work with Mr. Tatarelli at several music events in the San Francisco Bay Area.  His track record speaks for itself, but to work with him is like saying "pictures speak a thousand words."
    Sal Jose, Jazz Pianist   sljose@comcast.net

     "It is with great pleasure that I recommend sax virtuoso Rocky Tatarelli.  Rocky is my homeboy from Detroit, Michigan, where he played and hung out with many of the Motown greats, including Holland-Dozier-Holland, Joe Messina of the famed Funk Brothers rhythm section (and star of the movie "Standing in the Shadows of Motown"), and Larry Nozero, the saxman heard blowing the solos on Marvin Gayes masterpiece, "What's Going On."

     Rocky can cover any style on sax, but he especially excels at anything that requires heart and soul.  Rocky is a beautiful player with a heart of gold, and that purity of spirit comes through loud and clear in his playing.  He has a tremendous feel and sound on tenor sax.  I have had the great pleasure of working with Rocky in many settings, from sax-and-guitar duos to big band gigs.  Rocky nails the sax parts every time.  Rocky is especially accomplished at and in-demand for his work accompanying vocalists.  Rocky plays perfectly with a singer, and he always adds to the mix and never predominates or detracts from the overall musical situation.  

    If you have a group or an engagement that requires a monster sax player, Rocky Tatarelli is your man!  He sure is my main sax man!"

   Tom Douvan, guitarist (formerly with Johnny Griffith & Pistol Allen of Funk Brothers fame), 

   Alameda, CA.  Westcoast160@hotmail.com

     "Rocky gets that big tone like they do in the Midwest. He is the kind of

horn player that drummers like to play with because he goes for the groove."

     Bob Scott, drummer.  Berkeley, CA.  www.gumbowest.com

     "Rocky is the consummate musician. He plays with grace, passion and ears wide open. I've played with him as a duo and played with him in a full band. He always listens to the groove, supports the other musicians and keeps an eye on the crowd. He is a gentleman and a friend who acts and plays the only way he knows how - with compassion and integrity."

    Tom Myers, guitarist. and drummer.  Tom.Myers@yahoo.com

     "While working as a bandleader in the Bay area Rocky Tatarelli would always be my first call for tenor sax.  What I like about Rocky is that he always shows up 100%, no matter what the gig, he's into it and brings his full considerable energy, you can count on it.  Plus he's a really fun player to work with, big ears, a listening player who will hear what you're doing and play off it.  Musical communication, now there's a concept. . . with Rocky it happens all the time.  Plus he's just a really soulful guy. So I'm asking you guys in Reno--don't hire this guy. We want him back here in Oakland!"

  Doug McKeehan, pianist and bandleader.  dougmck@sbcglobal.net

     "It was great meeting you yesterday; absolutely one of the funnest gigs I've played in a while. You are a fantastic player with a big sound and an even bigger heart. Thanks for sharing with me. I'll talk to you soon!   Peace, Terrence."

  Terrence Brewer, guitarist. terrence@terrencebrewer.com  510.755.2821.

Terrence Brewer Productions.   Strong Brew Music.  www.terrencebrewer.com

ROCKY TATARELLI - "The Soul Man of the Tenor Saxophone"
     "I met Rocky at Kellys of Alameda, where they hold weekly jam sessions featuring vocalists.  Rocky sat in one night, and I was immediately impressed by his big tone on the tenor saxophone and his great personality.  The two words that to me best describe Rockys sound are "warm" and "soulful.  This also describes Rocky himself, as he is a very warm, "for real" guy with a heart of gold and lots and lots of soul.  Like his playing, he is very compassionate and knows how to listen.  He is capable of playing in a variety of styles--knows how to accompany a singer--and his solos will knock you out!  He is the perfect ensemble player: capable of shining without overshadowing. Coming from Detroit, he knows about the blues and can get funky.  He knows exactly what each song needs and he delivers!  I consider it an honor to have had Rocky play with my band, and I consider him one of the best tenor players anywhere!"

   Carlos Zialcita, harmonica and vocals, The Carlos Zialcita Jazztet with Myrna Del Rio.

   510-553-1756.   www.zialcita.com

     "Rocky Tatarelli is a sweetheart and a sweet player.  He is the lead sax man on our album "Little Fling," and rest assured, every recording session was a lot of fun, and every take was a keeper.  He played in a variety of styles for us first in the style of Coltrane and then switched to something reminiscent of a Van Morrison songfrom blues to jazz, and even took the lead on a rock ballad we threw at him. I hired Rocky much to the delight of our producer, Garth Webber (Miles Davis). Garth pulled me aside during the first session and said, Man, this guy is a great player!  As if we didnt know that. . . ."

    Kathy Moxham, vocalist.   k_moxham@hotmail.com

     "Rocky is a highly versatile player who always comes up with well-structured, surprising, and lyrical improvisations that reward the listener and inspire his band-mates. With all his talent, he doesn't try to dominate the stage or overwhelm other musicians.  He's a great musician and a great human being who loves jazz and always puts the music first."

    Taylor Bennett, saxophonist.  taylor.bennett@ngem.com

DETROIT

     "Rocky Tatarelli is a musician's musician. His tasteful playing and overall  artistry are an asset to any group he performs with. I have worked with Rocky in many different gig situations and he is always prepared, professional and most of all just a pleasure to share the stage with.  Rocky comes highly recommended from Motown."

    Jotown (Jozef Slanda).  Detroit Michigan.   jotown@aol.com

   "Rocky Tatarelli is a godsend, not to mention a great guy.  He can handle any musical task: he has that great, round, cutting-edge tone and knock-out solos that leave you breathless. He will take your band to that next level, and your audience will always come back for more.   He is the musician any

    "Rocky Tatarelli and I go back over 30 years to the mean streets of Detroit. When I arrived there the music scene was thriving. This was before Karaoke and Disk Jockeys, and live music was everywhere. Rocky took me under his wing and introduced me to many musicians. He took me to the clubs and jam sessions. With his help I was getting work quickly. We became a team

and worked in many bands together over many years.   Rocky was always very professional. He was on time and prepared to play whatever style of music the job called for. One reason he was so in demand was that he could play any type of music at the highest level. If I could say one thing about

Rocky's playing that I really respect it would be that, whatever the style, he has the ability to move people on an emotional level.  Simply put, Rocky would be a valuable addition to any musical ensemble." 

   Bob Scarff.  bobscarff@adelphia.net

     "As a pianist, I've worked with Rocky many many times over the years throughout the greater Detroit area - he's always been at the top of my short list of horn players.  I could depend on "the Rock" to to be on-time and

ready to play, no matter what the gig - And I looked forward to hearing his strong solo work over any type of changes  those colorful lines that are uniquely his really make a gig special. And during breaks I have received

lots of positive comments from the audience about his outstanding musicianship."  Michael T. Breen.  Visteon Corporation, Powertrain Division, Software Engineer. 

734.710.2488 (o) 734.736.5589 (fax) 734.710.7543 (lab).  mbreen1@visteon.com

     "I operate a studio in Michigan and would call Rocky from time to time for a saxophone overdub.  Every time, without fail, he would, in one or two takes, lay down something that would leave everyone at the session

speechless. . .astounding !!  More importantly he is one of the best human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing. He's always been prompt, prepared, kind, generous, funny, easy going, and a complete pleasure

to work with."      

  Ray J. Kozora II. Incidental Sounds Co. West Bloomfield, MI 

(248)360-8138.  kozora@yahoo.com 

     "I've known Rocky Tatarelli since 1970, when I first met him in the circuit we were playing in metro Detroit.  To make it clear and simple, Rocky is a musician's musician.  His expertise on the sax is excellent, whether it is jazz, studio work, big band, theater, or club work.  He plays the job he is hired to do. I would recommend him for any job without hesitation." 

   Nick Palise, fellow sax player and musician. mkamich@comcast.net