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Reginald K.Son Hands on Keyboard

A SongWriter's Odyssey

  “Amidst all of the “music” on the radio, it sure would be nice to hear a song every now and again”.  -  Reginald K.Son

 

 

I’ve always known that I had an appreciation for good tunes.  As a teen in the eighties, I used to tape songs off the radio in my hometown of NYC.  I had at least 50-60 full cassettes of different songs from various genres.  It wasn’t until I got into some trouble that I realized what music meant to me.

 

As a Queens, NY teen whose mom (a single parent) worked in Manhattan, I was left to my own devices after school. Long story short, I took some liberties with my freedom that I really should have thought twice about. As punishment, Mom proceeded to make me incinerate my whole music collection. I’m sorry. I need a moment. It still hurts a little. This confirmed that music would be more than a passing fancy in my life.

 

In 1984, I saw “Purple Rain” against my will with my cousins at a Detroit movie theater.  As I entered the theatre, I was like, “And who is this Prince person again?” ...  Oh yeah, “Controversy”.  When I left that dang theatre I was a 6’ something Prince wannabe.  When I returned home, I ran, not walked, to the local instrument store and bought that same style Telecaster guitar and an amp.  I wore that damn record out learning “Computer Blue” and all of the other songs on that LP.   When I came to my senses several – ahem – months later, I realized that I didn’t particularly appreciate playing the guitar.  The fretboard and strings annoyed the crap out of me.  My guitar and amp were eventually sold, and I moved on...to the piano.

 

The late ’80s/early ’90s were here, and I’d bought my first synth, sampler, sequencer, and drum machine.  Ahhh...electronica.  My box haircut and I were off and running.  It’s been quite the evolution from then to now.  My music has grown up and matured with me.

During those times, I’d met people who would go on to become lifelong friends and songwriting partners.  Enter Art Thomas.  Art had the best studio (at the time) and could write lyrics to any subject that popped out of your mouth.  That really is a double-edged sword, believe me.  Some left much to be desired, while others were poetry in motion. Art brought his guitar-playing buddy (Alonzo Wells) in from Los Angeles, and we began cranking out tunes as “A.R.A” – figure it out.  We even started producing folks with names such as Hennessey. Don’t ask.  Wonder where he is now?  We disbanded after about a year or so because Art had to move with his job.  Oh yeah, did I neglect to say we had real jobs, too?

 

Enter AmariM.  When I met her several years ago, we began talking about writing together, and I remember telling her that I didn’t write about asses and thongs and other things of that nature.  I’d leave that to the folks on another echelon of existence.  To that, she spoke of her vibes and philosophies of lyrics and music.  I was feeling her, and we decided to get together and see what we could do.  The results of this “mind meld” can be heard on “Vibes from the Inner Garden”.

Enter Kia Hamm.  Kia worked with me at one of my "jobs," and we forged a quick friendship over the love of music and a general love of laughter.  Yeah, she had jokes.  When I got her into the studio, she reminded me of Denise Williams and Minnie Ripperton.  I wrote some songs for us, and we enjoyed vibing until she moved away.  You can hear all our treasures on the "The Sounds" page.  :-)

Then, enter Rosie Bans. I met her on a musician's website and hired her to sing on the track "This World." That worked out so well that we co-wrote "Shiver." Incidentally, this track was sung by Kate Glock, out of the UK. I'd like to work with her again as she has a great Amy Lee-type vocal. Anyway, this sound represents my piano-rock side, which I also love.

Most recently, I've enjoyed working with Caino, who provides the raps on "Vigil" and "The Rider in Your Storm" and lead vocals on "Get Up!" and "Shook."  The dude is an amazing talent with great range. 

 

As I grow in music, I seem to be getting closer to what I really am at my artistic core – a kaleidoscope of my musical and worldly influences.  The list of talented artists that I am influenced by is too exhausting to list.  My songs recognize my father (or lack thereof), my gratitude, my sanctuary, my storytelling, women overcoming domestic abuse, tender moments, world happenings, social commentary, nostalgia, overcoming adversity and finding your strength.

 

I would also like to acknowledge the many fine musicians who worked on that project, but I must mention one in particular—Mr. Larry Grant Fowler, Jr. Larry passed away of cancer shortly after laying the bass down for “Brazilian Queen.” I love the song, but it is made extra special now. I appreciated your bass skills, but I appreciated our budding friendship even more. My prayers to your wife and family. Rest in Power, brother.

 

If I were to categorize myself in a record store, I would be hanging out with the likes of:  Asa, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Brand New Heavies, Amel Larrieux, Sade, Jill Scott, Me’shelle NdegeOcello, India.Irie, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Sting, Michael Franks, Goo Goo Dolls and Groove Collective.  It would be an honor to keep that kind of company, believe me.

 

On this site you will find a variety of songs emanating from every part of me.  Some are playful, some serious, some upbeat and some not.  All are, however, from the heart.  I’ve always appreciated all styles of music and I’d like to think that this presence is a great representative of what lies beneath my surface.

 

         

-Reginald K to the Son

      “Music for Life”

           

 

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