Marty Koppel releasing his debut CD ‘Vernon Town'

CD release party at Warwick Valley Winery Feb. 9 Warwick — Marty Koppel has been performing music for more than 30 years. He grew up listening to and loving the 1950’s stuff. He loved the roots music — jazz, old BeeBop, folk, rock and roll, Gospel. Some of his favorite artists and biggest influences are Buddy Holly, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Dave Edmonds and “Elvis, of course.” It’s no surprise, then, to find those influences in Koppel’s own music. Next Saturday, Feb. 9, Koppel is releasing his first CD entitled “Vernon Town,” a collection of Koppel’s original songs, at the Warwick Valley Winery on Little York Road. Koppel, who lives in Vernon, performs regularly at the Winery and other venues throughout the area. He is known for his soulful voice and impeccable guitar playing. His style is Americana, a mixture of Blue Grass, country and Rockabilly. Playing in bands until 1989, Koppel decided to write his own music and lyrics and perform solo. About two years ago, he and fellow-musician Steve Vechiotti were playing a gig in New Jersey and were asked to record a couple of songs for a compilation CD. They recorded “New Years Eve Blues” and “Vernon Town,” two of the songs on Koppel’s new CD. “We liked how it sounded,” said Koppel. “Steve said ‘only eight more songs and you have an album.’” Eight songs and two years later, Koppel really does have an album. The songs range from the blue grass “Silver Eagle,” performed with musicians Mike Baglione and Suzy Arnowitz, to “Arrienne,” a ballad with Christy Halligan on fiddle and Glenn Arnowitz on cello, to “Daddy’s Little Girl,” a poignant tribute to his daughters. Along with these musicians, Koppel will be joined by Jeff Mullaney and Gee Mancini at the CD release party. Koppel has written more than 200 songs and has played shows with The Kennedy’s, Cris Smithers, Stacey Earle, Steve Forbert and AC Reed. He also was part of J.A.M. 86 New Jersey Artists for Mankind and performed with Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny. But next week, Koppel is the main event. He along with Vechiotti will do a couple of sets, then the entire band will join him to perform the music from the new CD. Tickets for the event are $10; reservations are suggested at 845-258-4858. The Warwick Valley Winery doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m.. Dinner is available at Pane, the winery bakery and café. To hear some of Koppel’s music, log onto his Web site, www.martykoppel.com.