Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice, and Politics without principle. the seven deadly sins - Mahatma Gandhi
"I think the majority of musicians are interested in truth."
"I’ve found you’ve got to look back at the old things and see them in a new light."
"When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups. I want to speak to their souls."
"My goal is to live the truly religious life, and express it in my music. If you live it, when you play there's no problem because the music is part of the whole thing. To be a musician is really something. It goes very, very deep. My music is the spiritual expression of what I am - my faith, my knowledge, my being."
"There is never any end. There are always new sounds to imagine; new feelings to get at. And always, there is the need to keep purifying these feelings and sounds so that we can really see what we've discovered in its pure state. So that we can see more and more clearly what we are. In that way, we can give to those who listen the essence, the best of what we are. But to do that at each stage, we have to keep on cleaning the mirror."
"Over all, I think the main thing a musician would like to do is give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things that he knows of and senses in the universe. That’s what I would like to do. I think that’s one of the greatest things you can do in life and we all try to do it in some way. The musician’s is through his music."
John Coltrane
"People's Park'
For those of you who haven't ever heard of People's Park, it is one of the many places in Berkeley California that became famous in the late 1960's for it's fervent political activism. There have been many documentaries and books that include sections about the park, most notably the documentary called "Berkeley in the 60's", because it became a landmark for free speech in that era. At one point in May of 1969 this peaceful place, where freedom of expression reigned supreme, became a scene of police brutality, oppression, and bloodshed. For more information on the events that took place at People's Park check out the Wikipedia article. Ren and DeLaire composition People's Park is in hope of keeping alive this peaceful place, where freedom of expression reigned supreme, All Peace and Love - "The Duet" The piece "Skyline" insipred by Rahjta Ren's daily view of the Manhattan Skyline from his perch in Weehawken ,New Jersey just across the Hudson from 42nd Street. The same spot where Alexander Hamilton rowed across the river for his fatal Duel with Aaron Burr*.
Available at these fine sites:
Rahjta Ren is a forward-thinking keyboardist, composer, producer, arranger and educator. Rahjta was awarded a Gold Record for his work on saxophonist/flutist Najee's Capitol/EMI/Manhattan recording, Najee's Theme. Among his many other accomplishments, Rahjta released two RCA/Novus recordings, Signs of Life and Balance to extremely favorable reviews. Rahjta studies and pioneers methods and techniques in the teaching of personal growth based on manifesting human potential. Rahjta’s life since teenage years has been dedicated to music, emerging decades later with a voice unto himself. His vast travels far, wide and within, both exoteric and esoteric, have nurtured his artistic insight and sensibilities bringing forth a most humble and gentle artistic maturity. He is a longtime student of the disciplined practice of Meditation and its application to the mechanisms of manifestation as ‘downward causation’ - mind manifesting experiential reality. Stylistically, Rahjta spans and hybrids genres from modern improvisational piano to lush ambient soundscapes. His years of focused musical exploration have yielded a command of harmony and rhythm offering artistry from the depths of his very essence. Rahjta is owner of Ren’s Den, a boutique style production studio continually expanding its catalogue of genre specific original music. Functioning as a production studio, Ren’s Den employs some of the most technologically advanced audio and midi software available with its discrete focus on sonic purity. Ren’s Den is the creative home for Ren Arts, an eclectic production company for the development and viable marketing of music composition and production possessing a wide range of artistic appeal. As an artistic coach and mentor, Rahjta offers adept insight for those seeking an effortless command within their disciplined expression. The uniqueness of Rahjta’s attention to the subtle aspects of an individual’s needs has brought many to places of celebrated achievement. Pianist, Composer, ProducerSound-scape DesignerRen's Den: The Art of Sound http://www.RahjtaRen.com
John DeLaire -
Early Years
John DeLaire’s long career as percussionist has been documented on many film and television sound tracks as well as performance gigs in Off Broadway productions and with various bands all across the globe. As a youth, John parlayed his bongos and conga playing in many a dark basement in Flatbush Brooklyn into making his professional percussion debut at age 12, performing for President John F. Kennedy. Continuing playing the drums with an award winning drum and bugle corps, John had the privilege of entertaining dignitaries at the New York Worlds Fair, the Macy’s Thanksgivings Day Parade and The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 5th Ave.
All musicians have their first band at 18. John’s was as a member of “Stephen’s Court”, a vital part of the New York scene in the late sixties and early seventies. Sharing the bill with artists like Pete Seeger, the “MC5”, Andy Warhol’s “Ultra Violet”, Zoot Sims, Wilson Pickett, Paul Krassner, and Allen Ginsberg, John played many venues throughout the tri-state area including performances at Central Park's Bandshell, and The Diplomat Ballroom. Throughout this period, John continued his work as the staff percussionist at the prestigious Upsurge Studios, later to become Blue Wave Studios, on the West Side of Manhattan.
Current Events
Settling in Minneapolis after successful stints in Los Angeles and Atlanta, John has had the good fortune to play with the cream of the crop in the Twin Cities, including Linda Peterson and her family, and Jimmy Bowman, as his percussionist, playing all the prominent venues and events. John was also the percussionist for The Basilica of St Mary's World Ensemble.
John has studied acting at the Acting Studio under the direction of Tony Steblay and has also composed the title songs for the plays, Lunar-tics and Players.
Heading his own ensemble John is most recently working co-opting talents and souls for “The Duet". The end result of this union is a passionate display of Audio Art.
Email: johnnyd15@msn.com
On line at: www.myspace.com/1lamf
Hey! i wanted to let you know that i have a show coming up on sat nov 21 at the door plano, in plano tx! its my first show doing the whole "solo" thing lol and it would mean alot if you came out and had a good time! you wanna come?
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