Nancy Roche' (pronounced “row-shay”) is a Boston-born Vocalist/Songwriter/Guitarist known for her passionate vocal/lyrical interpretation and her historically prolific songwriting on-demand. Together with her band, "The Wave" they have launched a long-awaited music project strictly for themselves, melding Nancy's original folk-pop roots with a "Florida Beat" style, creating their fresh, cross-pollination of pop music throughout New England, and beyond.

At the heart of “Nancy Roché & the Wave” is a creative partnership: singer-songwriter and guitarist Nancy Roché, and songwriter, arranger, trombonist, and keyboardist Tom Frazee. Their unique fusion of technology and organic creativity opens the door to a group-creation “road less traveled”... a one-of-a-kind experience!

The Wave can include many other great performers, depending on the show. Typically their favorite addition is a Latin percussionist. They feature world music artists including Marcus Santos from Bahia Brazil, flamenco guitarist Toto Zara from Spain, Mike Ringquist from Sweden and others …

“Nancy Roche’ & the Wave have been huge mentors to the artists on my roster. The way they engage with the audience is truly an inspiration!" –

Guy F., EVO Entertainment

Rooted in New England and refined by years in the Pacific Northwest, Nancy Roché & the Wave blends deep musical pedigree with pure feel-good energy. Nancy’s history with top New England acts including the popular original band, “Zonkaraz”, Tom’s legacy at Berklee College of Music (where he co-founded their Songwriting Department and Major) deliver a sound that’s rhythmic, soulful, and horn-driven.

Performance highlights include: On-demand original piece for Koman Race for the Cure, “As the Ribbon Breaks”, for 65,000 people Washington DC and Minneapolis, Boise 2000 Millenium Show for 80,000 people, opening act for Atlantic Star, Lou Rawls, Mainstage performances at Boise River Festival, International Festivals and Event Assoc events, shows in Ceasars Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Humanitarian Bowl Half-time Show, and more . . .

“I loved this band SO much that I even started another venue, just to have them as my house band! Their mix of polished music and spontaneous comedic eruptions never fails to make each night a fresh experience!" – Wes H., Rascals Concert Club

THE TECH START: 
Years ago, when Tom graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging, he had become adept enough to hear entire arrangements in his head, but getting to hear them PLAYED was another story!

Back then, composition students depended on overworked, understaffed student ensembles to bring their music arrangements to life, oftentimes being allowed only 10 minutes of time for an assembled big band to read through a score they spent weeks writing. If in these 10 minutes something didn’t sound quite right, the writer/arranger was left with the frustrating question of “Did I write it wrong, or was it PLAYED wrong?” There was no resolve to this common, yet uncomfortable live-music situation.

Music technology began emerging when Tom, as a then 28-year-old College Professor at Berklee, returned to Las Vegas to work. There he was mentored in technology by his now lifelong friend, Toto Zara. Suddenly, with the help of his tech mentor, Tom had the power to hear what he had written, change voicing, experiment with an entirely different approach, and hear the results instantly using music technology! This was the epiphany that entirely changed Tom’s musical experience. Technology didn’t REPLACE his creativity. IT SET HIM FREE! Now Nancy & Tom’s mission is to not only continue their songwriting endeavours, but to help set YOUR creativity free, as we discover together, building music in real time.

“Wow- that girl can SING!” – Gene Harris, Jazz musician

In 2027 Nancy Roché & the Wave will begin their “Lollapaloopah Project”, the goal of which is to come away from their performances with some fun loops that they can expand into full songs (or just keep as mementos!) Those who join “The Wave eMail Newsletter” will be privy to these recordings as we go. Join to become a part of our creative community!

"Learn the rules like a pro...so you can break them as an artist" P. Picasso