Windsor Terrace's David Roche was having a problem: the wireless router located in his basement wasn't reaching the laptop on the second floor. Dave had just played a few nights before at Banjo Jim's, a club on the Lower East Side. Things went well there, with an appreciative audience listening to songs from Dave's recent album, Harp Trouble in Heaven. There was also a newer song, "Overzealous Soccer Moms," which, it was explained, dealt with "a little problem over in Brooklyn." To make the point, Dave switched from his usual amplified acoustic guitar to an electric for this song.
Like many, if not most, musicians these days, Dave has a day job. But unlike most, the day job feeds into Dave's music. Dave is a sound technician for the CBS Early Show, where he handles the house mix for the live outside music segments. He also handles other sound jobs as well, including the making of a documentary on the building of the USS George H.W. Bush. As a result of that job, Dave wrote "CVN 77" a song about the building of the ship and the Bush political dynasty.
Dave has had a number of shows in the area recently, including one at the Good Coffee House which paid him in Park Slope Food Co-op workslots. Just ask a co-op member how valuable that is.
Not only is Dave from a musical family (yes, his sisters Maggie, Terre and Suzzy are The Roches) but the tradition is continuing. Daughter Oona joined Dave on stage at Banjo Jim's playing lead and singing on a cover of Mark Knopfler's Sailing to Philadelphia.
Most things seem to be working for Dave these days. Most things except that wifi network.
–Eliot Wagner
David Roche is indeed the brother of the incredible sister act, The Roches. Not to mention the Uncle of FDR and Lucy Wainwright Roche, AND the son of writer Jude Roche. Talent seems to run in the family, so it is no surprise to me that his daughter is stepping up to the plate. What makes each artist that I mentioned here worthwhile, is their own individual desire and passion for their art. If not for the last name, I might never have had the inclination to seek out David’s work, or even have heard of him…and that’s a shame. The man is talented, and much of his work is quite beautiful. There is a depth to his lyrics that may not strike you on first listen, yet it should be obvious that Mr. Roche has a way with a phrase. His singing is also excellent. His voice is strong, and tenderly expressive. His new cd, “Harp Trouble In Heaven”, is sublime. It grows richer for me, with each listen. David Roche is a very fine musician who deserves to be heard. Check him out.