SF Music Speaks: Jeff Rolka
Jeff Rolka will tell you in one breath that he got a Master’s Degree in saxophone performance as well as that his music is like ‘Neil Young and Sting have a drink at a Beatles tribute party’. What does this mean? That he’s got a unique style with some great influences and he’s got the training and the ability to back it up. He’s playing tonight at The Rockit Room so go check him out. But first see what he has to say in this interview with San Fran Voice.
What can you tell us about your musical history?
My history in music goes way back. I’ve always been fascinated with the music of the Beatles, though they’re from the generation before mine. I used to pretend to play along with the records with my purple plastic guitar. I joined band in fifth grade, go figure, and followed that up through getting my Master’s Degree (with Honors) in music performance from the University of Michigan (in saxophone performance). I started studying voice while I was there and took a few bass lessons from a local guy as well. I play saxophone, clarinet, flute, shakuhachi flute, piano (and keyboards), guitar, bass, drums, and can also engineer sessions in addition to singing and teaching voice.
If you had to sum up your sound in a sentence, what would you say?
“Neil Young and Sting have a drink at a Beatles tribute listening party.” English rock made in America.
A person who walked into a live performance of yours right now would see …
The most stunning vocals attached to a head of delightfully curly hair.
If your music was a San Francisco landmark, which one would it be and why?
The Sutro baths, beautiful broken people.
Favorite SF venue?
The Hotel Utah, small, indie, awesome sound if the band doesn’t over play the room. Favorite to play.
Which spots in the city can you be found in when you’re just out and about?
I can be found at Quetzal on Polk. And the wine bar over there on Taylor.
Where do you want to be a year from now?
Happy. Making awesome music playing with my band at awesome clubs all over. Or, at least all over the Bay Area.
If there was anything that you could make sure your fans knew, what would it be?
I do my own stunts.
Tell us what we should know about any CDs, posted videos, or upcoming events that you’ve got going on.
My next record is going to be digital only, and the current one is available on iTunes and snocap on my MySpace page. I’d love for them to download it because I’m getting married and I need the money. Additionally, I can be found at the Rockit Room on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, the Red Vic Sessions on September 13, 2007, and the Nomad Café on October 5, 2007.
What other local musicians or bands should the people of SF know about?
The good people of SF should listen to Dave Armo, and show some love for Chuck Prophet. He’s been at this for such a long time and every person in the Bay Area should be there when he rocks out at the Sweetwater. I also think that it would be a nice idea for people to go see live music that isn’t being made by someone they know.
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