Renaissance profile picture

Renaissance

About Me

Bringing back that “Mellow-A- Cappello , RENAISSANCE is an all a cappella, street corner style; doo-wop singing quintet that’s dedicated to showcasing and preserving this critical art form of the American musical and cultural heritage. The group is equally adaptable to film, TV & stage as they are beneath the street lamp. “We felt honored to have been able to participate in U.C.L.A’s week long Festival of African American Music Symposium, right out the gate;” says Maurice Kitchen, the groups founder and CD producer, speaking about an early engagement in the groups infancy stage. He went on to explain that the festival was a comprehensive affair hosted and produced by world renowned guitarist Kenny Burrell where they shared the stage with the likes of Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Patty Austin, Freda Payne Linda Hopkins, Lalah Hathway, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson & Patrice Rushen, just to name a few. Following that experience RENAISSANCE opened for fellow a cappella group, Take Six at Debbie Allen’s “Smile Festival,” Critically acclaimed Poet, Nikki Giovanni and performed with the legendary, Stevie Wonder. “To start out working with such a stellar line up was all the encouragement we needed. We took it as a resounding endorsement that the music we’re committed to, has a valid place in the broader cultural and musical landscape;” remarked Torre Reese, the groups resident historian, bass and occasional lead singer. If the group wasn’t convinced by the reception they received at the festival, the overwhelming response they’ve gotten for “Meet Me on The Corner” their maiden recording venture, should remove all doubt. These Cats can flat out sing and their infectious energy is quite entertaining as they transport their audience to another space and time.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 14/10/2006
Band Website: http://DooWopAintDead.com
Band Members: As listed on CD cover from left to right: Torre Brannon Reese, Charles "Sonny" Banks, Tony Snead , Maurice Kitchen and Kwame Alexander
Influences: Maurice Kitchen, the founder and creative force behind the group, received his training from his mentor and friend,the Legendary Leonard Reed, who is acknowleged for the distinction of having produced the final show at New York's world famous Cotton Club, in 1939 and was a long time Apollo Theater manager and show MC during its hay day. Maurice also credits his association with and tutelage under James "Peter" Long for his creative development as a writer and producer. Long was manager to Quincy Jones and the Brothers Johnson. He was also responsible for producing Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall and was infuential in futhering the careers of BIll Cosby, Miles Davis and numerous others.kitchen's musical influences include, Harvey Fuqua & the Moonglows, Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield as well as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Frank Sinatra. His first bite of the doo wop bug came in the early 60's after hearing "The Mandells" a local Chicago group, strolling through his neighborhood singing.Group Member, Tony Snead, is paticularly partial to the sounds of "The Whispers." The other member's (Kwame, Torre and Charlie) musical influences span the Gamut from "The Drifters, Elvis Presly, The Flamingos,Clyde Mcfadder, The Coasters, Ink Spots, Jackie Wilson, to The Mighty Dells and The Dramatics. Torre, the group's historian, Bass and occasional lead, hails from "The Big Easy" And slips in a little New Orleans flavor from time to time. "Ga-run-teed!"
Sounds Like: ...Whoever the moment requires them to sound like as they take you back to that magical place and time from an age of innocence. With five strong lead singers, their's is a versatile sound that's effective in recreating the experieces of a lifetime with an imaginative and nostalgic sound track of our favorite memories. You'll swear they sound "familiar" yet refreshingly original.
Record Label: Bronzeville Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Renaissance sings street corner doo wop (for money)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ2sStDRZrI
Posted by on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:47:00 GMT

Check out this event: Renaissance in Concert

Hosted By:Paniolo ProductionsWhen:Saturday, March 21, 2009Where:The Grand Annex434 W. 6th St.San Pedro90731Description:The Doowop workshop starts at 5pm - 6pmClick Here To View Event
Posted by on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:53:00 GMT

Renaissance--Doo Wop Group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh1ymBOs0nI Kickin' it at the party
Posted by on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:45:00 GMT

A Song for Sam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX-iP3mGRxI
Posted by on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Long live doo wop

Let the music live forever!  The group and I just got out of the studio in an interview session. It felt like a funeral as we all huddled around the microphone affected by the death of Lady ...
Posted by on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:28:00 GMT