Meet the Band
Here's a little history. In September of 2015, the four of us sat down to discuss the formation of a new musical project. It was a marriage of sorts and the goals were simple; choose great songs - ones that we all love, design creative arrangements around our instrumentation, and feature the many distinctive voices the group has to offer. Essentially, we were combining Ann's talents and experience with members of The New Originals - George, Craig, and Steve. Our roots are in jazz and soul. Jazz - not just in the conventional sense, but as creative license to explore the very essence of a song and grow it into something unique. And Soul - because it's the MOST important element inherent in any music. The overarching theme of 4Thought is a passion for musical artistry but it is engendered by the mutual respect, support, love and appreciation for the amazing people in this group...it is a thrill EVERY time we play!
Music gets to places inside you that nothing else can. It does so for us and our hope is to share that with all of you.
A special shout out to our part-time percussionist, Jim Caselli who always adds his heart and soul to the 4Thought mix.
Music gets to places inside you that nothing else can. It does so for us and our hope is to share that with all of you.
A special shout out to our part-time percussionist, Jim Caselli who always adds his heart and soul to the 4Thought mix.
Ann Roach has been singing since the young age of 3. She studied voice with Dr. Scott Martin, a Julliard graduate, for 6 years at the Academy of Arts in Denver Colorado. She has been a freelance musician her entire adult life performing in various duos, trios, big bands, musical theater, spiritual centers, and has been in music ministry for the past 18 years. Ann has two albums available on iTunes. In June of 2018, Ann received her certification as a Certified Music Practitioner. She now spends her days providing live music by the bedside at UC Davis Medical Center, Eskaton and Sutter at Home Hospice. She is the Co-founder/Director of the non-profit organization, TunesWork.org, dedicated to funding increased access to therapeutic music programs in senior care centers, hospitals, hospice and palliative care, memory care, and more.
George Stratton plays guitar and along with Ann and Craig, provides lead vocals in 4Thought. Born and raised in East Sacramento, he began singing professionally in bands at age 13, taking up guitar at age 16. His diverse interest in Motown, Rock, Big Band, Blues, and Swing brings a unique quality and expression to the song selection. He is self-taught, combining his technical ability and vocal style (vocal stylings) to capture the essence of a song, but with his own personal feeling and interpretation.
Craig Faniani plays keyboard and sings in 4Thought. He grew up near Red Bluff, California where he began playing piano at age 9, started his first band when he was 13 (played left-hand bass then, too) and has performed professionally since 1967. His other love is music education. For 36 years, first as a band director and then as a district arts administrator, Craig authored the renowned band program at Rio Americano High School touching the musical lives of thousands of students, and later championed integrating the arts in education - inspiring teachers as well as students that the arts bring deeper meaning and understanding to otherwise conventional teaching and learning.
Steve Roach plays trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion and sings backup vocals in 4Thought. He was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he began trumpet at the age of 10. After landing a few gigs playing in local rock bands, he decided to give the music business a shot. First, playing trumpet at Walt Disney World, he then had the great fortune to travel extensively throughout the world playing in dance bands backing up famous entertainers on the world's most luxurious cruise ships. After a short stint touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Steve continued to freelance in Chicago, Dallas, and Denver. In 2001, he became Director of Jazz Studies at Sacramento State University where he enjoys directing ensembles and teaching Jazz History. Steve is thrilled to call Sacramento his home where he loves playing music, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with his family.