About Tannersville
A long, storied history...
Grown from a pinecone
Tannersville is: Scott Williams (lead vocals & guitar and composer); Bruce Eisenstein (lead guitar); Rich Louie (bass); Mike LaRocco (drums); with Laura Pagnani and Tina Pagnani on background vocals; Dorraine Scofield on backing vocals and violin; and Marji Zintz on backing vocals and occasional acoustic guitar. (For more on each of these folks, check out "Who's Who," below.)
Tannersville was formed at the foot of Hunter Mountain during the same time that Bob Dylan, The Band, and Van Morrison called the Catskills their home. Tannersville moved up to the mountain from Westchester, NY, in the early 1970's to an eight-bedroom farmhouse known as "The Pinecone" on historic Route 23A to work on material for a record deal. Along the way, they opened for such rock acts as J Geils and The Edgar Winter Group on their Frankenstein Tour.
Since then, the band has written and recorded five independent studio albums, streaming world-wide on all music platforms in a dozen countries (see the music page for links).
While Tannersville's music has been described as Americana, their arrangements have been compared to those of CSN's , Brian Wilson's, and Elton John's arrangements. (That's from Spotify, and you know those "algorithms" can't be wrong!)
Here's what actual humans have said about Tannersville:
"Tannersville is a regional treasure...the band is TIGHT!" (John Burton, host of the radio show/pod "Home From Here," a top-10 globally ranked podcast, MX Cloud Radio)
"[Tannersville's sound is] totally timeless music...they can win over an audience very quickly. The music has the feel of an era...like you've known it forever." (Janna Wallack-Cohen Kowan, Author of "The Naked Girl.)
Who's Who?
Scott Williams
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Songwriter
Scott, an identical twin who grew up on early soul music, has always had a preference for “big vocals” with lush harmony arrangements, like The Beach Boys, the Byrds, the Association, the Mommas & the Poppas. You can get an idea of what informed his early musical palate by understanding what his favorite band was: The Four Tops. Scott was also heavily influenced by A Hard Day’s Night and great composers like Holland-Dozier-Holland, Jim Webb, Paul Buckmaster, The Band, Todd Rundgren, Dave Grusin, and countless others in that rich musical milieu.
Scott was fortunate to have been mentored by Tony Caroleo, whom he met at a jam session in 1971. Scott’s life changed when he asked Tony, “What songs are we going to play,” and Tony responded, “You are going to write them.”
Scott took the bait, and there was more music written in that time than could be performed. That’s when the band Tannersville was “born,” and it’s been going ever since.
Bruce Eisenstein
Lead guitar
More info to come!
Rich Louie
Bass
Rich Louie’s musical journey has been shaped by a lifelong immersion in the arts and the dynamic energy of New York’s legendary music scene. Growing up surrounded by friends who were musicians, Rich was inspired early on by the sounds and spirit of iconic clubs such as The Village Vanguard, The Village Gate, The Gaslight, Café Wha, The Bitter End, CBGB’s, Max’s Kansas City, and the Mudd Club. This cultural backdrop laid the foundation for his deep commitment to music and performance.
Over the years, Rich has performed with an array of Rock and R&B bands, building a reputation as a versatile and expressive bassist. Along the way, he has had the privilege of performing with or crossing paths with celebrated artists including Maceo Parker, Charles McGee, Steve Turre, Dennis Davis, and Sonny Fortune, as well as developing a lasting friendship and collaboration with jazz vocalist Marion Cowings. His six-year tenure with the Rockland County big band Reflection further showcased his range, grounding him in the traditions of ensemble playing while allowing his own musical voice to shine.
Today, Rich brings his decades of experience, passion, and groove to Tannersville, where his bass playing anchors the band’s sound with depth and soul and contributes his unique voice and improvisation. For Rich, Tannersville is more than just another project—it is the culmination of his artistic path and his most meaningful and enduring collaboration to date.
Mike LaRocco
Drums
Classically trained and widely admired for his versatility, Mike LaRocco is a distinguished percussionist and a vital presence in the Hudson Valley’s musical community. His career reflects both artistic breadth and a long-standing commitment to musical excellence.
Mike leads his own Mike LaRocco Jazz Trio as well as East Coast Jazz, holding a multi-year residency at the esteemed venue, The Towne Crier. For more than two decades, Mike has been a cornerstone of the First Presbyterian Church of Phillipstown’s Jazz Vesper Series, where his musicianship has helped shape the sound and spirit of the program.
Beyond small-ensemble jazz, Mike’s work spans a wide range of musical settings. For the past three years, he has served as Tannersville’s official “drummer-in-law,” a role that speaks to both his musical versatility and his close personal connection to the band’s founder.
His performance résumé also includes engagements with the Putnam County Symphony Orchestra and appearances at iconic New York City venues such as The Supper Club and The Bitter End.
Grounded in classical discipline and guided by deep musical curiosity, Mike’s performances are marked by nuance, responsiveness, and expressive range—qualities that have made him a respected and sought-after collaborator across genres.
Dorraine Scofield
vocals, violin, guitar, mandolin, viola, songwriter
How do you say that name?!? It's like Lorraine with a 'D.'
The name Dorraine comes from a Johnny Cash song that he recorded in the late '60's.
The artist Dorraine comes from the hamlet of West Shokan, NY located in the Catskills near Woodstock. Born and raised there (also in the late '60's), she began playing violin at age 8 and got her first regular band gig at age 15 with The Suttons, a bluegrass band. Dorraine has been singing and playing upward of 50-100 shows per year ever since.
Past bands include The Suttons, The Pontiacs, Wild East, and Little Creek. In addition to her work with Tannersville, she currently manages and performs in a popular 5-piece new-country/rock cover band in the Hudson Valley known as Thunder Ridge. Dorraine also performs occasionally with the Phantoms Acapella, an acoustic originals trio called Blind Mice, and acoustic trio called Triad. She also makes guest appearances with artists if time permits.
Dorraine has shared the stage with artists such as Diamond Rio, John Sebastian, Cousin Brucie, Charlie Daniels, George Jones, Bill Stains, Little Texas, John Hall, Baillie and the Boys, Kathy Mattea, Waylon Jennings, and Rockapella, just to name a few.
She has also made appearances on local radio stations WPDH in Poughkeepsie, NY; WDST in Woodstock, NY; WRWD in Poughkeepsie, NY; WKZE in Sharon, CT; WTBQ in Florida, NY; Radio Woodstock on the Internet and on Wanda Fischer's Hudson River Sampler on WAMC/Northeast Public Radio network and with Jay Ungar & Molly Mason on their live WAMC radio show "Dancing on the Air." She has also performed at The Bitter End in NYC, the Towne Crier in Pawling, Caffe Lena as well as TV appearances on Poughkeepsie Live and Bobby Flay's Food Nation on The Food Network.
Marji Zintz
vocals, guitar
Acoustic guitarist and vocalist Marji Zintz, living and performing in the Catskills/Hudson Valley region of New York, is a captivating interpreter of song whose performances blend the intimacy of folk, the sophistication of jazz, and the heartfelt storytelling of the singer-songwriter tradition. Based in New York’s Hudson Valley, she has built a devoted following for her warm, clear voice and deeply sensitive musicianship, bringing fresh life to everything from beloved standards to unexpected contemporary gems. With an ear for the emotional core of a song, Marji delivers performances that feel both personal and universal, drawing audiences in with her subtle phrasing and unforced authenticity. “Marji puts an indelibly personal stamp on songs from such diverse writers as Aimee Mann, Mark Knopfler, and George Gershwin...and accompanies her voice with sophisticated and skillful guitar work.” ~The Folk Project
Over the years, Marji has performed in a wide range of settings—from intimate house concerts to large festivals—sharing the stage with celebrated artists and delighting listeners with her nuanced artistry. Whether she’s performing solo, collaborating with other musicians, or recording in the studio, Marji brings to each moment a rare combination of technical skill, emotional insight, and a deep love of the craft of music-making.
In addition to her extensive solo work, Marji is currently part of an exciting project, “Becoming Human,” with Jim Kunkel on guitars and Mickey Kopchak on effects & bass and vocals, and occasionally Larry Balestra or Mike LaRocco on drums/percussion, performing original songs of observation, realization, and transformation. Becoming Human defies categorization, but it has the improvisational feel of jazz and the soulful feeling of folk/rock/alternative.
You can often hear Marji with Mike LaRocco, in fact, at various performances in the Hudson Valley area, as well as collaborations with keyboardist/vocalist Bruce Milner (of The Bob Cats) and guitarist/vocalist/arranger Jeff Entin.
Tina Pagnini & Laura Pagnini
Vocals
More information coming soon.
Tony Caroleo
Co-founder
Tony Caroleo is the original co-founder of the band now known as Tannersville and a lifelong music professional with a rich and enduring career. A gifted guitarist, vocalist, arranger, and songwriter, Tony has spent decades honing his craft and shaping the sound of those around him.
Now based in Florida, he continues to perform and inspire, carrying forward a legacy rooted in both artistry and mentorship. For over 50 years, Tony has guided musicians including Scott Williams and many others, leaving a lasting imprint on multiple generations of performers.
Among his many distinctions, Tony is perhaps most proudly recognized as Kenny Rankin’s favorite guitarist—a testament to his exceptional musicianship.
Watch the video, below, to hear Kenny say it in his own words.