A wonderful compilation of smooth jazz featuring composer/producer Michael Barrett on keys, Bob Kirby on sax and Ari Mendas on guitar

14 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Crossover Jazz, JAZZ: Contemporary Jazz

Show all album songs: River Walk Songs


Details:
About River Walk

While living in my apartment in a section of Boston, known as the Fenway, just two block from the Champs' Stadium, I was in the habit of taking a walk most every day along the Charles River. One day as I was walking, this melody kept playing over and over in my head. So I went home and began to develop it a bit more in my little home based recording studio: basicly, a corner of my bedroom. A short time later, I shared the idea with my friends Bob Kirby who eventually layed down the Soprano Sax track and guitar player Ari, from Amen Studio, who assisted in the final production of the tune entitled: 'River Walk.'

Other tracks on the project were created during this same period. One worth noting was created about 3 in the morning, with headphones of course. I rose and began arranging a song based on an old English melody known to most as: 'Scarborough fair.' Seeing that my first experience in recording music occurred in a little studio on Newbury Street, where many years before, prompted me to call the arrangement: "Ten-Eleven" This was the address of First Take, owned and operated by Bob Kirby, where many graduates from the Berkley College of Music, living in the Boston area, got their start in the mid to late eighties. One name that stands out among the many great musicians who frequented First Take is Dan Cantor of Notable Productions in Watertown MA. The studio was located right next to the Ritz. Not too shabby AYE?

The project was completed at 'Amen Studio' in Port Saint Lucie, FL. Amen Studio is owned and operated by Ari Mendes who is playing guitar and bass. He also assisted me in the final production, mix and mastering. www.AmenStudio.com

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Bio:

Since the age of six Michael Barrett has been a student of music. He began with the accordian, moved onto piano and later got into various keyboards. As a sight impaired person since birth, he had to read and memorize all his music. That combined with having an excellent ear, enabled him to take full advantage of studying with the fabulous instructor and jazz musician: Charlie Banacas, who also for a certain period in his teaching career, taught at the Berkley College of Music in Boston. In addition to studying Jazz, he also dabbled in classical organ and became some-what proficient in service playing and directed a few choir's and numerous ensembles. He later got into recording and producing and has had the privilege of working with musician friends like: sax player Bob Kirby, Eddie Saindon-professor of vibes-at the Berkley College of Music in Boston, guitar player Ari Mendez and producer: Hary King, who taught and schooled Michael in the art of recording and producing.

As a student of life, Michael feels that he has so much more to learn, but has that much more to be grateful for. He attributes his musical talent and willingness to persevere in all things to his mother, Evelyn Barrett Shields, who has always been an inspiration to him and his five brothers and who is, at one and the same time, a wonderful vocalist who taught Michael his very first song on the piano at the age of six: "When The Saints Come Marching In." More recently, he assisted in producing a project with three of his brothers and their adopted brother-Garette, who make up the 'Grinnin Barrett Band.' (www.GrinninBarrettBand.com).

Having produced several inspirational CD's, he is now releasing his latest offering: âRiver Walkâ which is a compilation of various tunes that would best be described as Light Jazz. The project incorporates some familiar tunes that many a worshipping Christian would identify with based on their experience of singing them for centuries around the world in some of the most esteemed Cathedrals and Churches known throughout Christendom. In addition to these various interpretations of popular hymn tunes, River Walk also offers an array of original compositions arranged and performed by Michael on keys which is further enhanced by Ari Mendas on guitar and Bob Kirby on sax. Like many musical genres of the day, this project dynamically integrates the best of a retro and contemporary feel.