Performer: Tom Rotchford, AKA "Rotch" - a versatile vocalist, prolific songwriter, and multi-faceted guitarist.
During the “70’s” Tom was involved in acoustic trios & solo performances. Rotchford, Cooney & Davis began the musical odyssey that enabled the young singer/songwriter to introduce his own style of original music to the New Haven area college music scene along with two other amazingly talented musicians, stellar song writer & guitarist, Tom Cooney & flute/woodwind player extraordinaire Lou Davis. Tom eventually segued his talents into the Folk/Rock trio of Grey Haven playing in Connecticut bars & night clubs.
The mid 80’s introduced the four piece Classic Rock & Blues band EXCEL to the Hartford Area bar scene. As lead vocalist for the band, Tom enchanted crowds with soulful ballads & driving Rock & Roll tunes. Tom played rhythm guitar along side blues guitarist & vocalist Martin Kelly & drummer Brian Swahn. EXCEL was the first full band in which Tom collaborated with talented Coventry bass player Donn Federowicz. The duo of Tom & Donn would go on to appear at coffee houses & cabarets performing a mix of lyrical songs with extraordinary harmonies to audiences throughout CT.
Tom & Donn got together once again in the 1990’s to play with the Country/Rock band Hard Luck Aces. Brothers Jake & Gene (Wee) Ciccarelli had established the Hard Luck Aces legacy throughout Eastern Connecticut with tight musical arrangements, premier pedal steel playing, & tasty lead guitar licks accompanied by fine country vocals. Old country, new country, it was all good, as Tom & Donn brought their unique style of song arrangement & harmonies to this noted group of country musicians. Wee Ciccarelli & Tom Rotchford introduced original songs to the set-list along with county & classic rock standards.
Tom Rotchford has recently established the Right Moment Band with a seasoned group of musicians & vocalists. Tom expects that this project will provide a lyrical exclamation & musical summary to some 40 Years of artistic creativity & performance. It is all about the song – and that point in time where you will get a chance to share in the experience with - The Right Moment Band.
Musical Genre: "What kind of music do you play?” - the question every player is asked. Tom's answer - Musical styles and I remain close friends but we are currently seeing other genres... it's complicated. Take a moment and listen to selections on the media page - you decide.
Connecticut native, Tom Rotchford lives in Tolland County CT. For a schedule of performances, Tom can be reached at www.RightMomentBand.com or Rotchsongs@gmail.com.
Tom Rotchford
Rotchford, Cooney & Davis at the Davis Jam Fest circa 2012.
Tom Rotchford, Donn Federowicz, & Scott Peszko perform at the Hartford Public Library.