Vance

Vance is a singer, songwriter and performer whose work centres on songwriting and live performance. His music draws on a wide range of influences across several decades, and he is noted for lyrical writing and arranged harmonies. He also works in a broad mix of styles, including country, pop, rap, hip hop and holiday music.

Career

From the 1980s onwards, Vance performs as a solo artist and with bands in New York City, including at venues such as the Hard Rock Café, Peppermint Lounge, China Club and Irving Plaza. He is lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist for The Mosquitos, a club band active in the early to mid-1980s and known in New York for original material at a time when many bands mainly play covers. The group also present acoustic shows in 1984 and 1985, before the MTV unplugged format becomes established. Their performances include the Peppermint Lounge, Beacon Theater, Irving Plaza and Folk City.

In 1985, The Mosquitos release a five-song EP that includes the title track “That Was Then, This Is Now”. In 1986, The Monkees record the song and make it a million-selling single, using it as the theme for their comeback tour. Vance also writes songs for other artists, and some of these are used in films, including a song for a 1991 John Travolta movie.

Since late 2001, Vance works as guitarist and music director for Peter Noone. Alongside that role, he also uses music in therapy work with seniors in nursing homes and community programmes, including people with memory challenges.

Releases

Vance releases his first solo CD in 2007, followed by a holiday CD in 2008. He also issues a series of singles in 2009 and 2010, later collected together. His music is available for use in film, television and advertising.