Musical Duo Wavelength Performs at Whole Foods Market's Acoustic Cafe

Graveyard Blues from Long Island's Classic Rock Station 103.9 WRCN presented an Acoustic Cafe at showcasing the Long Island duo Wavelength with Denise Romas on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Ray Jensen on congas.

Romas is a longtime active participant in the New York acoustic music scene.  In addition to performing moving and stripped-down renditions of acoustic pop covers, she also enjoys treating audiences to original songs which impart her heartfelt and witty perspective on life and love.  When not on stage, the lifelong music lover and Islip resident can be found delighting in the sound of children singing as an elementary school music teacher.

Ray Jensen is a much in demand percussionist, most notably as a conga player, due to his singular, energetic and passionate performance style.  He has been part of the New York music scene for years playing venues such as Jones Beach Theater, Irving Plaza, CBGB's and some of Long Island's finest wineries.

There is an undeniable chemistry between these seasoned musicians that enlivens and entrances audiences.  Wavelength is a new musical endeavor that just began in April, when the two players serendipitously met at an open mic night.  Since then they have showcased their talents in restaurants, pubs and at private parties with lively versions of cover songs from the '60s through today.

Romas said of the initial encounter with her sonic counterpart and kindred spirit that, "we must have met in another life, because the connection was instant.  We're on the same wavelength; that's how we got the name."  Jensen chimed in saying, "We finish each other's sentences."

The emcee of the Acoustic Cafe is WRCN's Marisa Pizza, a 2002 Sachem alum with a penchant for offbeat attire, and an uncanny ability to cull local musicians from all different genres who are aptly suited to this unique venue.  

"A good cross section of all different ages come shopping here, and tend to stick around, shop, and maybe get dinner while they're here," Pizza said. "It's a win-win situation."

 Kaitlin Moore, WFM team leader pointed out that this is just one of several fun and enlightening activities the store hosts each month. 

"There are so many amazing opportunities, a ton of kids' classes, enjoying live music, cooking classes — all for free.  That's what the beauty of Whole Foods is.  We have events for any age group.  They have a really community driven mindset, even just bringing in local bands," she said.

Jensen, a Lindenhurst resident, comes from more of a rock background and said his favorite band is Santana.  Denise, on the other hand, relates more to singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell.

"We're meeting in the middle," Romas added.  

The duo's extensive repertoire includes everything from The Grateful Dead to Jack Johnson, and they are open to taking requests.

As the appreciative audience enjoyed hearty soups, crisp salads and pizza fresh from the oven, Wavelength played mellow hits such as Sade's sultry "Smooth Operator" and KT Tunstall's propulsive "Black Horse & The Cherry Tree.  A standout selection of the two-hour show was a lovely and lilting version of the Alicia Keys song "Empire State of Mind."

"They sound great," said Moore," It's awesome for a cafe setting.  This is perfect music to sit with a cup of coffee and relax."

Wavelength is available for bookings at bars, clubs and private parties.  The versatile musicians can even tailor their set to fit theme parties.  The duo is hoping for more gigs and increased exposure.  "We get so excited.  We hope that's the way it comes across," said Jensen.

The Acoustic Cafe is taking a break in January, but will return to WFM on Friday, February 25 with musicians Ken Korb and Lora Kendell.

Romas and Jensen are off to an auspicious start as Wavelength, and are optimistic about what the future holds for their collaborative effort.  "We try to sound like more than two people.  This is with no effects.  This is just going to grow from here," said Jensen.

You can check out Wavelength on Thursday, March 10 at Kodiak's Restaurant and Bar in Farmingdale starting at 6:30 p.m.