Althea Rene~

Music:

Member Since: 2/24/2006
Band Website: AltheaRene.com
Influences: Donald Byrd, Jethro Tull, and Yusef Latif
Sounds Like:
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September 9, 2008, Houston, TX-- No Restrictions debuts on the heels of René's headline show at the prestigious Russian River Jazz Festival and a perfect follow-up to her three previous albums. Known for her electrifying live performances at such venues as The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Red Cat Jazz Café, and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Europe, René aims for a complete listening experience. “It's not just a bunch of songs,” she insists. “There's got to be a fluidity and mood within the music. No Restrictions evokes a certain sweetness, yet, it's very high energy.”

The fourth CD for Houston’s legendary flute artist, René moves into her own as one of the reigning divas of the jazz flute. Gathering some of the top producers in the field, René has reached a new level of musicianship and confidence. According to the artist, the title refers to where she finds herself in her life today. “I am very content and secure right now,” says René. “And musically, I am not trying to fit into anybody else's mode. I am my own person.”

René always surrounds herself with top people in the field. She found a perfect match in Grammy-winning producer Michael Broening, who produced and wrote the title track, “No Restrictions.” Broening, who has worked with such luminaries as George Benson, Al Jarreau, and Paul McCartney, brought a keen instinct to the table. “He took the time to get a feel for my personality and my potential,” says the sultry flautist. “I am so honored to work with him.”

With “Wishing on a Star” and “I Love Your Smile” René evokes the power of memory through re-creating two classic tunes re-produced for the CD by Grammy-nominated Rex Rideout. René brings her signature eclectic style to covers as well. “Why do it the same way?” René asks. “I have to add something to the song… Rex tailored the arrangement around the flute.” Songs that work well for a sax don't always work for flute. For René, the flute is the voice. Originally from Detroit, the wistful melody of Wishing on a Star has been echoing in her mind since her teen years when she would skate to the popular Rolls Royce tune amidst the “motor city’s” icy winters. “This was the song they would play when I would wish that the cute boy would ask me to skate,” recalls René. “It's a favorite old school song.”

While recording “I Love Your Smile,” Rideout's three-year old daughter spontaneously burst into dance. “Watching that little girl captures the lightness I was going for,” says the artist. “I wanted to express the innocence of childhood, and be mindful not to overplay.”

No Restrictions features some of the best jazz artists working in the business today, including Houston's leading saxophonist Kyle Turner. He lends his elegant style to the sumptuous “Island Breeze” track. “Kyle brings such a great presence and personality,” says René. “He really shines on this CD.”

In “Ladies Nite Out,” René gathered two of the hottest women jazz musicians, bassist Rhonda Smith, and Dutch alto sax player, Candy Dulfer. She met Dulfer literally on stage while headlining on The Smooth Jazz Cruise together, and Smith, while playing in Amsterdam. “Rhonda and Candy are both really strong women and incredibly talented,” she says. “We knew immediately that we all wanted to work together. I want to be around people that are totally driven. I love that they bring their A-game every time.”

Delighted to work with Sam Pink of Red Cat Music Group, her first CD on his label, René totally relished her experience. “He gave me complete creative control and allowed me to do it my way,” she admits. “He really believes in me and has such a knack for spotting people that don't sound like anybody else.” The feeling was mutual. Equally honored to be working with her, Pink cherished the opportunity to support such a rising star. “Althea came to me with a complete package,” says Pink. “She's just an amazing talent.”

With No Restrictions, René moves into full ownership of her extraordinarily original contribution to women in jazz. “I am really pleased with how the CD turned out. It's getting a great response; the buzz on the street has been tremendous. This is what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. The best compliment is when people tell me that they never thought a flute could sound that way,” she says with pride. “I give all that's inside me every time I play.”

Record Label: Red Cat Music Group/ Bungalo/Universal
Type of Label: Major