Renaissance

Brings back that "Mellow-A- Cappelo" 

Renaissance has defied the odds and did what many thought was either insane or impossible. The group's founder, Maurice Kitchen, was a retiring insurance professional joined forces with Torre Brannon Reese, a community activist, Kwame Alexander, a former Minister/Pastor, Anthony (Tony) Snead, a legal assistant and Charles (Sonny) Banks a retiring transportation worker. The five banded together to form a professional Doo Wop group of distinguished gentlemen and   Renaissance was born.

"Right out the gate we felt honored to have been able to participate in UCLA's week long Festival of African American Music Symposium, says Kitchen; speaking about an early engagement in the group's infancy stage. Kitchen 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 for 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 bass singer, Torre Reese.If the group wasn't convinced by the reception, they received at the festival, the overwhelming response they garnered for "Meet Me on The Corner" their maiden recording venture, should have removed all doubt.

In an unprecedented move promoter Roland Betts then, invited Renaissance to perform at the prestigious "Jazz at Drew Festival" where they wowed the audience and made festival history as the first a cappella group ever to be booked at this perennial event. In a bold show of support for their work and mission, Betts hired Renaissance to open on several consecutive nights for the venerable Impressions and Popular funk band Lakeside. Other acts on the bill included Hubert Laws, Jerry Butler, Shelia E., David T. Walker, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and other cross genre luminaries.

 

 

 

These Cats can flat out sing and their infectious energy is quite entertaining as they transport their audience to another space and time. Renaissance recently finished in third place in the prestigious 2007 National Harmony a cappella Sweepstakes Festival. They are not just another singing group Renaissance intertwines social and cultural awareness themes in their music offering "food for the spirit" as well as the soul. Whether it's a soul stirring tribute to the legendary love songs, Black History themed conscious music or a rousing Gospel celebration, their superb vocal skills creating a unique and consistent sound that has delighted audiences in colleges, clubs and various venues throughout Southern and Northern California. All were over the age of forty, and had been long-suffering with life's responsibility and dreams deferred when this fantastic voyage began. shine through…"We're poster children for vibrant Baby Boomers who dared to dream the impossible dream and now our collective professional life is that dream" Say's Charles (Sonny) Banks), the elder statesman of the group.

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