NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: An Afternoon with Singer/Songwriter Robin DeLorenzo at Jankland Recording Studio. April 13^th 2014   By Calvin Schwartz

I always marvel at how events and wondrous connections in the course of my life develop. What am I saying? A few weeks ago I got a phone call from my friend Rock N Tommy, acclaimed oldies disc jockey who invited me to a recording session at Jankland Recording Studio (a fabulous story and place in itself) with Americana singer/songwriter Robin DeLorenzo, who was recording her new CD due out in May, “Walkin Miles in My Shoes.” My journalistic sense governed and I was grateful and accepted the invite. Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer and my co-host on our NJ Discover Live Radio Show) and I embarked on a unique journey to the studio.

I love walking through a regular unassuming door into a magical musical historic world of recording expertise; yes a little like Calvin or Alice in Wonderland through that rabbit hole portal. Suddenly Tara-Jean and I were in a special world. Steve Jankowski, whose music resume and historic accomplishments are daunting, (current Musical Director for the legendary horn band Blood Sweat and Tears) greeted us with warm hospitality. The walls surrounding the outer office were museum like with Steve’s many musical achievements; we were indeed in very special environs. Tommy introduced us to Robin DeLorenzo who just walked in from the tracking room and iso- room beyond. Instant chemistry and bonding; we were drawn into her warmth and sincerity; her voice magnetized; indeed a singer. Soon three accomplished classical artists arrived; Claudia Chopek and Hillary Castle (violins) and Jennifer DeVore (cello). I wandered around awe-struck as they warmed-up; the music emanating for Robin’s song, “Pink Ribbon Angels” was haunting. A week later Robin sent me the instrumental version from this classical segment; I keep listening and getting magic carpeted away.

Just before Robin’s disappearance to the iso-room in the back for the recording of “Pink Ribbon Angels” we had a chance to chat briefly on a sofa in the office. Her new CD, “Walkin Miles in my Shoes” is due out in May. There are 12 songs which detail the last four years of her life including the breakup of her 23 year marriage. Her effervescence and exuberance was evident. She talked about a song “It Does Something” which she co-wrote with Manny Charlton from Nazareth, the Scottish hard rock band. “It’s about a woman feeling frisky and being the aggressor. The way you move, the way you groove. It does something.”

Then she talked about the song I was going to hear recorded, “Pink Ribbon Angels,” co-written with John Rehmel. “It’s about cancer. You fight with love. Live by faith. Do whatever it takes. Cancer won’t make us break.” Funny thing; you can tell people things from a few intense minutes sitting eye to eye; Robin is passionate, soulful and something intrinsic grabs and holds on to you as you listen. Minutes later I heard a few takes of the song; it did hold you and the music accompaniment and her resounding heartfelt voice kept me standing in the corner listening to take after take. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome but I didn’t want to leave. It was an extraordinary musical interlude for me. Robin and Steve and I are now friends; my time there was poignant and possessed beyond wildest dreams. As I was leaving, Robin still in the iso-room, I turned to Steve Jankowski and said “I’ll be back.” He said “I’d love that. Just let me know.”  And I marveled about my day all the way home.

Robin DeLorenzo contact info:

http://www.RobinD.com

YouTube.com/robindelorenzo

http://www.facebook.com/robindmusic

http://www.myspace.com/robindmusic

http://www.twitter.com/robindelorenzo

http://www.reverbnation.com/robindelorenzo
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/robindelorenzo

Steve Jankowski and Jankland Recording Studio Contact Info:    http://www.stevejankowski.com/index.html

http://janklandrecording.com/

For this central Jersey writer, novelist, reporter, the notion of sitting in for a live global broadcast with  accomplished radio disc jockey (Rock N Tommy) was particularly thrilling; this was my first time in a radio station. I brought my NJ Discover TV camera to record for posterity.

Tommy  has been doing radio since 2001, firstly on a station called Top Shelf Oldies then briefly at WRBG in Delaware. Of course he loves music and sharing that love. Funny, within the first few minutes of being there and listening to him, I closed my eyes and was transported into the movie ‘American Graffiti’ when Richard Dreyfus (Curt) meets the famed disc jockey ‘Wolfman Jack’ in that famous ‘Popsicle’ scene at the radio station. I told Tommy thinking and feeling this was the highest compliment I could give him. Then he actually offered me a ‘Popsicle.’ Talk about back to the future.

He started his own station www.njkewl98.com  four years ago which has grown dramatically. He’s interviewed many artists ranging from the ‘Dixie Cups’ to BJ Thomas. Another love for Tommy is playing local and rising talent’s original music. He devotes a lot of energy into promoting local talent and plays original  music on his stream and mentioned if any local talent is interested, they can send  a CD by contacting  Rock N Tommy at  tommy@rocknoldies98.com

The following Sunday, I sat glued listening to Tommy for three hours on his oldies show; I just love being magic carpeted back to the malt shop memory days which his impeccable music selections did to me. Also fun was the musical chat room with world -wide listeners, although being somewhat shy, I mostly lurked. Hey, I’m a Jersey guy.   Tommy on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/rockntommy )  www.njkewl98.com

Tommy’s  programs on the station is Rock N Tommy Live Wed nights, Rock N Oldies Spot Saturday Nights and Malt Shope Of Memories Sunday Nights.  Other programs to check out are Mike Bollea’s Jukebox Party, BJ’s Soul Shack, and Tea Time with Paul Anthony.

When I left,  I hit Tommy with one of my better Arnold Schwarznegger impersonations, “I’ll be back.” I need oldies for my vascular cerebral circulation. This was a great night.