Frank Zappa - John Prine - Ray Davies - the Doors - the Rascals - anything remotely associated with baseball - the Monkees - Joe Shuey - Van Morrison - King Crimson - Bobby Orr - Steve Marriott - Jim Depre - Ian Anderson & Tull - Frank Delia - Gentle Giant - Crossbone Pie - Joe McSorley - the Galaxy (RIP) - the Floyd - my blue collar, middle-class, Irish - Italian - Catholic upbringing (not necessarily in that order).
Sounds Like
The Reviews Say:
Springsteen Mellencamp The Everly Brothers John Prine Tom Petty Billy Joel James Taylor
Our Fans Say:
"The bastard son of Huey Lewis and Joni Mitchell"
"The Who fronted by John Prine"
"Dylan with a sack - and a sense of humor"
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Our Other Sites:
*Please express your opinions about our music at these locations!
Tony Mecca writes and performs songs about people and personalities. Real people that is, and genuine life experiences like love, longing, growing-up, working and watching life play itself out. But tedious and plodding reflection is not his forte, and rock ‘n’ roll sensibilities are injected at every opportunity to keep the proceedings vibrant, passionate and really fun. His music has been called Pop Rock, Singer-Songwriter Rock, Adult Rock and Americana among others. He calls it “Urban American Heavy MeNtal” or “Americana from a city boy”. In reviews his songs and sound has been compared to Springsteen, Petty, Mellencamp, Elvis Costello, Smash Mouth and Leonard Cohen. He’s been described as “The bastard son of Huey Lewis and Joni Mitchell” and “The Who fronted by John Prine.”
Bio A troubadour that rocks - really! Philadelphia singer/songwriter Tony Mecca serves wisdom from deep in the inner city via a delicious storytelling based blueprint that inventively merges elements of Pop, Roots, Americana, Folk and plain old Rock 'n Roll. In the grand tradition of elite wordsmiths like Dylan, John Prine and Ray Davies (The Kinks), Mecca fuses equal amounts of humor and sympathy to thoughtfully examine everyday people dealing with ordinary and surreal life circumstances. However, his musically eclectic approach, robust delivery and a gritty Philly twist produce results that are quite different from that of his esteemed forerunners.
Meet “Annie Helicopter", "Plain Jane & Average Joe", "Billy the Bully" and a host of other characters and friends from Mecca's sumptuously eccentric neighborhood that laugh, cry, love and cavort on the mean streets and avenues of his beautiful Urban American landscape. As anyone more than a little familiar with Tony Mecca’s music will tell you, his infectious raspy voice and hook laden melodies may initially confiscate most of your attention, but it is his sage commentary on the beauty and failings of the "human drill" that will eventually permeate your head, heart and soul.
That's my Tony Mecca Bio/Article, your thoughts?
I’m flattered and a little embarrassed.
What can you tell us about yourself? I was born and still live in Philadelphia. I’m 53 years old, married and have five kids and six dogs (currently). I own the Opera House/Ozone recording studio. I miss Frank Zappa terribly.
You’re a pretty old dude. No shit!
What style of music do you play? Urban American Heavy MeNtal
What’s that? Storytelling Rock Music slightly altered by elements of Root, Pop and Folk – My music has also been called “Singer/Songwriter Rock”, “Adult Rock" and several other sub-genres of "Rock"
Who do people say you sound like?
In reviews I’ve gotten Springsteen, Petty, John Prine, Mellencamp, Billy Joel, and Leonard Cohen among others. In a recent email poll through our website, our friends said we sounded like:
- The bastard son of Huey Lewis and Joni Mitchell
- The Who fronted by John Prine
- Random Old School
Where have you been and where are you going?
I’ve recorded three CD’s - Purple Monkeys (2003) / Princes of the New Dark Age (2005) / Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between (2007) - and I’m back out playing the bars – Over the past year I’ve signed eight of my songs with various publishing companies throughout the country. While I’m not disappointed with my status as a "local artist", I do live in hope that my songs will someday reach a larger audience through higher profile recording artists. They tell me we’re getting close!
Finally, a bit about your musical past...
After playing along side the likes of Cinderella, Britney Fox, The A’s, Robert Hazzard/Heroes, The Hooters and a host of many other wonderful bands on the fertile 1980’s Philadelphia/South Jersey rock scene with his bands HABITS and MECCA, Tony had devoted all of the 1990’s to operating his rehearsal studio - THE OPERA HOUSE - while organizing its eventual resurrection as one of Philadelphia's premier recording facilities. He would go on to become an instrumental force on the Philly music scene as a manager, arranger and producer for several popular area bands including WARNER BROTHERS recording artists TIDEWATER GRAIN before returning to his first love, songwriting (Tony has recently produced the 2008 EP "Word On The Street" for Philly's wonderfully heavy DRIVE 56)...
…and your opinion?
Very accurate – you are well informed.
Thank you!
What did you say your name was?
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HELLO, GOODBYE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN (Released March 2007 - Available through CD BABY)
Purple Monkeys / Princes of the New Dark Age (Our first two CD's are available as a 2 CD set at a special discounted price through our site by clicking on the CD's)
Thanks for the Add. Your music is very interesting. Zappa's "Joe's Garage," always made my Dad laugh, and storied music is what music is to me. Love to jam with you guys in Philly. Good luck in the Series but I'll be rooting NY.
hey tone, just read your post thank you so much. we have much resect for you also it's always a pleasure to share the stage with you and the tony mecca band. were looking forward to more shows with ya in the near future.
you been around for most of my musical endeavours weather the band was good bad or ugly (lol). you always gave us kind words and guidance and still do to this day. i hope it keeps getting better my friend as we all continue this musical journey with both our bands. I can't wait to hear the new cd.
looking forward to catching up with ya soon i'm sure there will be many cups of coffee and us talking zappa when we do. good stuff. -bert
Thanks for the comment a while back, I'm on a bit of a mission this year to get to know people who visit my page - If you get a chance come and join the conversation on my blog.
Hope its ok if i leave this music player here?
Anyway stay in touch - I really value your correspondence.
The Krunch Inn was a fun filled night with the best music in the world. I am glad to see everything coming together... Jim is a great addition to the group and John is coming around as well... Cant wait for the new CD to hit the market... And always know I will continue to show the love and support to you and the gang.. Always a great time and always Rock and Roll Forever...
Also the acoustic guy (I forget his name..lol) had a fantastic sound and jammed his ass off...
Ronnie G. Ron Dawg Studio Productions
Get that damn CD finished so we can hit the summer hard with some big shows!! Ron Dawg wants to make Tony Mecca the official heart throbbing, pantie dropping, show stopping, troubadour of the music scene in Philadelphia...
