By Danny Coleman
originally published: 06/10/2016
Fotomaker was formed in 1977 and included members of The Rascals and the Raspberries. However, it was the two "Unknown" members of the band who were considered the "Core talent" of the group and they were, Lex Marchesi and Frankie Vinci.
Bassist Gene Cornish and drummer Dino Danelli of The Rascals went on to become members of the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame and Raspberries member Wally Bryson has bounced around in several projects and partakes in occasional Raspberries reunion shows. Marchesi ventured into a solo career and has made appearances on various artist's projects. Vinci chose a different path; that of producer and engineer and that is where he can be found today.
"Fotomaker; I have very fond memories of those days," he started in complacent, accomplished tones. "When I was 23 we opened for Aerosmith and Van Halen, Eddie and those guys were very personable; they invited us for the post sound check food and drink. I'm still involved in music, I'm still in it; man doing what you love is priceless."
Now operating his own studio,"Da Vinci Music," Vinci is seemingly very content with his lot in life as a producer and engineer; enjoying guiding young or undiscovered talent on their journeys down the path of music. "I have my home studio in a barn. I've got a few clients and some projects that I'm working on for TV, film, scoring some movies, that sort of thing; hey, I'm still surviving outside of the music business yet still in the music business. I had a great stage career but I don't really care much about playing out these days. I played at BB Kings last year at the "Blues Awards" and I played "Gloria;" it felt good but I really don't miss it that much. I love the studio, I can work until four or five in the morning with no deadline and no pressure; I'm the Captain of my own ship and it's great."
Vinci is a multi-instrumentalist whose keyboard wizardry aided his rise to prominence with Fotomaker and beyond. Along with tickling the ivories, he also plays the drums, guitar, bass guitar, blues harp, flute and has quite a list of songwriting credits as well; one of which is "Somebody Must Be Praying For Me" by TimMcGraw off of his "A Place in the Sun" record. "Yeah, I play a variety of instruments and I'm in the process of learning the mandolin. I'm also a lyricist and the time I spent, the 15 years I spent in Nashville were a great education. I co-wrote the song that Tim McGraw recorded with Kris Bergsnes and Bob Moulds; we originally wrote it for Faith Hill and she took it to Tim and he won a CMA Award and received a Grammy Award nomination."
Still a creative force, Vinci now uses his production talents to further the careers of other artists young or old and no matter what the case finds that the end result is what's most important. "I find the finished product the most rewarding," he said in a relaxed tone as he elaborated on his approach to working with the musicians who come through his barn doors. "The artists who come here seem to like the vibe of what I create. I help them along and because music comes so naturally to me I believe it gives me a leg up in many ways. I've written songs, co-written songs, performed, produced and I used to write jingles but the business never changed so now I enjoy working with new artists. I'm working with Patty Odell, I'm writing and producing for her; she's got this great voice, very much a soul singer with gospel tones. She's a latecomer to the party but I can't wait to see her finished product; I love working with all who want to create."
Now a veteran musician who has been plying his trade for decades; Vinci has a take on the state of today's music climate that falls pretty much in line with his peers. "Streaming is killing everything," he stated rather sadly."Young songwriters are leaving or are going to leave the business because it's not what it once was. I say that streaming is the culprit but in reality it was just the start; with things like Pandora streaming is now almost obsolete. Who knows what's next; generated music may take over down the road. Songwriters can't make a buck on their music, they get pennies on a dollar; the whole thing is really different now. Dino Danelli I believe it was said something like as great as Apple and Steve Jobs and iTunes are; it wrecked the industry and I think he may be right. The invention of the computer was the downfall of the music business as we know it. Kids, adults, it doesn't matter they just have to go online and go to Youtube or Spotify and get downloads or singles or program what they want; it's a whole different game and I'm trying to survive in it and so far I don't think that I'm not doing too bad a job."
To discover more about Frankie Vinci, his current work or his past projects; please visit
www.frankievinci.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Amalfi's Restaurant146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd. Lawrenceville
(609) 912-1599
Fri. 8:30 p.m. The Dadz
Sat. 8:30 p.m. No Way Out
Amarones Windsor Inn29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Ottmar
Fri. 8 p.m. Shore Soundz
Sat. 8 p.m. Rockin' Rhythm
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Simply Piano" feat. Carla Gaiser
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Sat. 7 p.m. DJ Tony Nini
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road, New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Glen McClelland Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 8 p.m. CJ Steinway
Sun. (12 p.m.) Ottmar (6 p.m.) Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Jonathan Ashe
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers St. Trenton
Fri. 5 p.m. Varsity, Torn Between Tides, Life Like, Doing Better, Burnt Out, Demo Team, (TBA). All ages, $10/$12
Sun. 4 p.m. Strength For A Reason, Bottomfeeder, Gator King, Sick Sad World, Bahscumbug, On Patrol XXX. All ages, $10
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets510 US Hwy 130 South, East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Gyrl Band
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Gypsy Mother
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Visoon (9 p.m.) Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Pop Fiction
Sun. (11 a.m.)"Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (3 p.m.) Brian Cono
Wed. 8 p.m. Mark Macmanus
Fran's Pub116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Hashtag
Sat. 9 p.m. Manifested
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows age 21+
Halo Pub4617 Nottingham Way, Hamilton
(609) 586-1811
Sat. 7 p.m. The Ragtime Relics
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street. New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Thus. 10 p.m. "College Beat The Clock Night" DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8 p.m. Lords Of 52nd Street (Richie Cannata, Liberty Devitto, Russell Javors). Doors at 6 p.m., $40
Sat. (1 p.m.) Black Cat Habitat (CD Release Party) (8:30 p.m.) The Loop
Sun. 3 p.m. Ladies 2000
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Live, Local, Unplugged" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Four + 1
Fri. 6 p.m. Just Us
Sun. 2 p.m."Jazzy Sundays" feat. Adelente
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Rd., Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Jerry Steele
Sat. 2 p.m. Tom Fuller
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sunday" feat. Scot Gurney Duo
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 9 p.m. Polish Nannies
Sat. 9 p.m. The Buicks
All shows 21+
Jake's Pub869
Bustleton Pike, Richboro, PA
(215) 322-6787
Tues. 5 p.m. Bill Shannon
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Fri. 9 p.m. Brother Eye / The Rips
Sat. (3 p.m.) The River Bones (9 p.m.) Peter V. Blues Train
Sun. (3 p.m.) Jamie Salvatore (9 p.m.) Satellite Hearts / Levee Drivers
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Fri. 7 p.m. Awsome 80's Dance Party
Sat. 1 p.m. Living The Dream
Sun 1 p.m. Ben Weiner
Wed. 6 p.m. "Girls Night Out"
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Rd Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ Codie
Fri. 8 p.m. Amnivor, Since The Fire, Racing Fate. Ages 21+, $6
Sat. 9 p.m. "Saturday Night Dance Party" w/ DJ RV and DJ OXX (Beyonce Ticket Giveaway)
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
O'Connor's American Bar & Grille1383 Monmouth Road, Easthampton Mt. Holly
(609) 261-1555
Fri. 9 p.m. Dave J Duo
Sat. 9 p.m. Joe Zook
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street, Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 8 p.m. Steve Bross
Sat. 8 p.m. DiRty ReD "Unplugged"
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Gyrl Band
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web page for upcoming events
RHO Waterfront50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Fri. (4:30 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (8:30 p.m.) Grace Little and The AMG Band
Sat. 9 p.m. Northsidesmitty and Young Fresh Present: the Trillest "All White Experience" w/ DJ RL and DJ Weswill. All white (proper) attire required, Ages 21+, $25 (advance)
1867 Sanctuary at Ewing101 Scotch Road, Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 8 p.m. "Classical in Recital" w/ Vladimir Dyo and Hugh Sung
Sat. (2 p.m.) "Broadway, Jazz and Spirituals" w/ Peggy Lee Brown (7 p.m.) "Swing Jazz" w/Notsinatra
Sun. 7 p.m. Jay Weston and his Atomic Ranchhands
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Big Daddy G
Sat. 9 p.m. Bent Mushroom
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Stereo 87
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Darius The First
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
Sat. 9 p.m. Infinite Bandwith
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. General Krank
Sat. 9 p.m. Deep Release
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Mike Brill
Sat. 9 p.m. Diarmuid MacSuibhne
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 4 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Thurs. 8 p.m. Trivia
Fri. 10 p.m. Royal Noise. ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Wise Old Moon. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m.Open Jam Night (Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.)
Tues. 9 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
