-JOHN VECCHIARELLI spent many years as the drummer, singer, and collaborator on projects ranging from punk rock to jazz and everything in between. His affinity for songwriting led him to the guitar and piano, and a solo artist was born. He gathered his songs, and recorded his first CD, "Tiny Rooms". In addition to playing many of the instruments himself, John recruited talented friends, Matt Greenberg (Charles Atlas), Devin Hoff (Nels Cline), Glenn Kotche (Wilco), and engineer Todd Ayers, to produce songs supported by subtle dynamics, and startling beauty. "Tiny Rooms" is a very special debut recording, from a very special artist...take a listen and judge for yourself.
*Album and individual song downloads also available on iTunes, and other online download sites (see Links).
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Here's what the press has to say about John's music:
"Transplanted from New york to Denver to San Francisco to Portland, John Vecchiarelli is a troubadour of the one-man-and-his-guitar variety. But his somber songs sound more like Trent Reznor doing his best Billy Bragg impression; that is, Vecchiarelli shares the smoldering intensity of Reznors ballads, and strums his electric and acoustic (usually alternating between the two) guitars with the tense righteousness of a younger Bragg. With his clever use of guitar effects and ominous chord changes, Vecchiarelli's songs are simultaneously dark and brooding, while exuding charm and humor. The songwriter's self released debut cd, "tiny rooms", employs a full band of pianos, drums, bass and organs on several tracks, which further flesh out his beautiful songs. However, Vecchiarelli's music is best experienced live, where the singer/guitarists emotional impact hits hardest."
-------Dave Clifford, Willamette Week
"Deep within the mind you'll find Tiny Rooms. John Vecchiarelli, with his first swing at a solo venture, creates a collection of songs whose simplicity tempts the ear and soothes the soul. It's comforting to know that songs like these are still being written. Simple and dynamic, with a handful of help from friends, John Vecchiarelli and his guitar paint soft landscapes of dark nights and overcast days.
"Idiot Kids" heavy swaying pace lulls you down rivers and through streams. The real proof of Vecchiarelli's singing ability comes through on "My Own Design" and the title track "Tiny Rooms", where his voice effortlessly curves around space in a secondhand reaction. Glenn Kotche, Matt Greenberg, Todd Ayers, and Devin Hoff help brighten the highlights and darken the shadows on this folk masterpiece."
----Rob Heater, Editor in chief, Sponic Zine
"John Vecchiarelli has been kicking around Portland for a while now, though you don't hear all that much about him. He's a great songwriter, though, with beautiful lyrics and interesting, folky melodies. His vocal delivery is one of the thousands that graduated from the School of Nick Drake, but damn, I mean, Nick Drake was pretty frickin' awesome. Know what I'm saying?"
----Justin Wescoat Sanders, Portland Mercury
"...John Vecchiarelli's got vocal chops to rival '70's smoothies like, say, James Taylor, but with a darker demeanor and a closet Beatles jones. His debut disc, Tiny Rooms, is extremely affecting in its humble way, and word of his live performance is glowing."
--------Jeff Rosenberg, Willamette Week
"Tiny Rooms is an impeccably produced and mightily impressive debut, illustrating once more that it's always the quiet "ex-members of" who come up and knock you on your ass."
-----Tim Scanlin, Editor, Snackcake Magazine
"A true original, drummer turned singer/guitarist whose eliptical songs seeem obscure and revelatory at exactly the same time... intensely personal."
-------Michael Roberts, Westword Magazine
"Tiny Rooms...is a beautiful, lonely record. Vecchiarelli has a great voice... and a good sense for sparse arrangements and minor chords."
------Beth Lisick, Special Contributor, SF Gate
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