PERSONNEL: RICHARD BIENVENU - songwriter/singer/guitarist/pianistOriginally from New Orleans he brings the sensibilities of the city's music and traditions to Misara's music. He released a critically acclaimed CD of all original solo piano music, Tone Poems. 'Although I am technically more proficient on piano, my first instrument (I don't even know the notes on guitar) I took up guitar because the piano is not portable and I loved playing folk music. "Also, singing and playing guitar you face the audience and am viscerally engaged with them. With piano you sit sideways to the audience, it's more internal. You just hope you can take the audience along with you.
'I started to really learn guitar in Sevilla, Spain where I lived teaching English. Pianos were very scarce so I bought a cheap guitar and started playing bluegrass music with my British-Italian roommate Gianni. He was a good banjo player and I learned a lot of songs from him. We'd play on the streets and make $20 an hour. The Sevillanos were very generous and we got invited to play in pubs and nightclubs. I also learned some flamenco licks which I use a lot. 'It was also in Sevilla that I really started writing music for voice and guitar. So here I was in Spain learning bluegrass music from a British-Italian, absorbed in contemporary Spanish music, classical and contemporary flamenco and listening almost daily on a little cassette recorder to one tape I had of Pete Fountain, (the great New Orleans clarinetist). What an education.
' MISA HOPKINS - singer/songwriterA native of Washington state, she is a singer of unusual talent and power with nearly 30 years of stage and theater work. She writes haunting, inspiring songs with universal themesâ€"spiritual yet secular. She is also a professional sound healer with a unique ability to blend her healing sounds into her performances.
Misa Hopkins is a professionally trained singer who first discovered she had a healing gift when her mother miraculously left her deathbed after Misa sang to her. Her tones and vibrations reach the cellular level of the body. These sounds operate on a core vibrational level to support health and well-being. Some of these healing sounds are woven into the Awaken the Dream CD.
Her sound medicine CDs and individualized healing CDs are available by contacting her at helpinghands@spirittreasures Awaken the Dream was recorded in Portland, Oregon. Since that time Richard has returned to New Orleans and Misa lives in the country with her husband in Colorado. MUSICAL STYLE: We call it Nouveau Folk Music -- which blends American roots sound with musical idioms of different cultures for an upbeat contemporary sound.
Misara has garnered acclaim for their originality, liveliness, creativity and inspiration. ESP Entertainment describes them as having 'depth, earthiness and purpose.
'Their themes have universal appeal, transcend culture and are uplifting and spiritual without being religious. AWAKEN THE DREAM- is a musical project between Richard and Misa. The CD contains 9 songs, 7 originals and 2 traditional. All songs have been arranged and produced by Misara.
The album is all acoustic utilizing vocals, guitars and African percussion instruments. It includes Jewish folk song Lo Yisa Goy, Buddhist chant "Om Mane Padme Hum" in Jewel of the Lotus Flower and an Irish blessing with music composed by Bienvenu/Hopkins.
TESTIMONIALS'Heartfelt conviviality borne of diverse genres, excellent musicianship and warm fireside harmonies.
' -Richard Werth, Music Producer, Seatttle, WA'Very uplifting and energizing, superb vocals and the guitar playing reminiscent of Taj Mahal.
'--Kim Argula, Seattle WA'The music is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your talent.' -Barbara Hollcraft'Their songs really pulled at my heartstrings.' -Jaunita Greenway'Misara's lyrics speak to the soul.' -Randy Duboff'Their music really lifts my spirit.' â€"Sandra Watt'Truly inspirational. I felt authentica
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