Continue reading »]]> The Awakening After 2 years of painstakingly composing on paper, note by note, his latest CD “The Awakening” is here. James says his CD “is dedicated to providing hope and courage to people who must deal with disease in their lives.” He would like you to listen to the music, read the stories that go with each piece, and enjoy the journey. 

An elegant compilation of violins, cellos, piano and woodwind instruments. Plus a lush choral piece recorded live with ethereal passages and tight aching harmonies.

1. Within These Walls
2. Going Back
3. A Light in the Dark
4. A Time Remembered
5. Domenica
6. The Search for Enchantment
7. Song for my Daughter
8. Only You and Me
9. The Heartbeat
10.The Awakening
11. Cantebrias ~ Performed by the Linfield Concert Choir
12. Cho Ku Rei
13. A Dream Within a Dream
14. The Gift
15. Out of the Dawn

James LaRocca was born in Rochester, New York. He grew up in Oregon and graduated from the University of North Texas where he earned a Bachelors in Music Composition and Jazz Guitar. Two years after graduating, James’ vision suddenly became impaired. After some tests, James was told that he had Optic Neuritis which is a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis.

Because of this devastating news, James and his wife Sunday, who was expecting their first child, decided to move back home to Oregon. James had a serious attack in April of 2000 which led to a diagnosis of MS. However, he was still able to pursue his work, compose music, and perform at various jazz clubs.

In 2003, with the help and encouragement of his family, James produced his first CD entitled “A Different Road”. This CD is a musical compilation of his original compositions, featuring his sensitive guitar playing. (Note: James dedicated 51% of all profits from his CD to the MS Society of Oregon to help find a cure for this devastating disease)

Just before Christmas 2005, James had a severe MS attack again which left him so disabled that he is unable to play guitar, his love and passion of more than 30 years. At this point, James felt that he would no longer be able to be a part of the music world because of his challenges. But then on his 40th birthday, his parents bought him a computer. He later discovered a software program for music composition. Then, a wonderful idea came to him; just because he could no longer play the music doesn’t mean that he could no longer write it. He began composing again and lined up his talented musician friends to play his music.

After 2 years of painstakingly composing on paper, note by note, his latest CD “The Awakening” is here. James says his CD “is dedicated to providing hope and courage to people who must deal with disease in their lives.” He would like you to listen to the music, read the stories that go with each piece, and enjoy the journey.

To Order a CD Please email: Larocca5972@comcast.net

The Awakening is also available on iTunes!

Continue reading »]]> A Different Road “A Different Road” features Mr. LaRocca’s acoustic guitar as lead voice, augmented by violin and accompanied by drums and string bass. The melodies are haunting and the overall tone is reflective — soothing, thought provoking, and hopeful. 

1. Summer’s Day
2. Changes
3. Eleanor
4. Domenica
5. Understanding
6. Camille
7. Julian
8. A New Beginning
9. Little Girl Blue
10. A Different Road
11. Passage

Local musician and area resident, James LaRocca is tearing up the music scene and raising money to find the cure for Multiple Sclerosis. James, 36 and a father of two, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 3 years ago after experiencing a range of symptoms including vision impairment, fatigue, sensitivity to heat, and others. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, usually diagnosed in the prime of life, between ages 20 and 50. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS and a new case is diagnosed every hour.

James is a music graduate of the University of North Texas jazz program and is an accomplished guitar player/composer. “I want to reach out and communicate with all those who are battling MS…” says James. ” I want to tell them that there is hope. That despite our challenge, dreams can still come true and there is still a life waiting for us. We just need to have faith. To me, MS stands for ‘more success.’ ”

The new CD, entitled ” A Different Road” features Mr. LaRocca’s acoustic guitar as lead voice, augmented by violin and accompanied by drums and string bass. The melodies are haunting and the overall tone is reflective —soothing, thought provoking, and hopeful. I believe “…the music will put you in a contemplative mood while holding your musical interest.”

In July 2003 “A Different Road” was featured on KINK 101.9 -Lights Out Program. Willamette Week says, “Everyone Benefits from this CD……….The entire album features instrumental tracks with LaRocca’s guitar as centerpiece, weaving the listener through contemplative melodies and moments of meditation.”

To Order a CD Please email: Larocca5972@comcast.net

Continue reading »]]> The Never Ending James Larocca returns with his second New Age/Classical Album representing his life and struggle with MS. You will experience many emotions in this music, from sadness, to beauty, and finally hope. 

1. The Never Ending
2. Somewhere In Time
3. After the Rain
4. A Walk Within
5. Thinking of You
6. A Dance With You
7. Beneath the Soul
8. Surrender
9. Tears For Yesterday
10. Broken Home
11. If I Could Fly
12. Wings of the Soul
13. The Whisper
14. Stairway To Silence
15. Enchantment

To Order a CD Please email: Larocca5972@comcast.net

The Never Ending is also available in iTunes