& so the story continues, another chapter in the musical journey. As our experiences become broader we take it as a responsibility to share what we have learned along the way. I have come to understand that each day is a given time to adjust oneself through Spirit, and even when the road is rocky, we must see these experiences as lessons, and only with spirit can we rise above and continue towards fulfilling our vision. We live in a world where man has corruptly complicated things, religiously, and politically, ultimately setting us on the wrong direction from our calling, we need to gain back our spirit and let this be the primary source for which to govern our lives. I know that Music is one of greatest ways to lift people’s spirits, so may this be clear at the gate, that this is what we are here to do and this is what I have and will always play music for.
“Each year births a new level of growth, you should see these signs by the people & the things that manifest around you”
When I was thinking about this album project, all I wanted was to make some honest music in a family type atmosphere. Martin Donovan was the first person I asked to help me on the project, we previously worked together and we always had a good musical chemistry, and his drumming methods have always been captivating, but more than this within our personal experiences we have always been there to show each other support. When I had the direction to follow through with the album me & martin began doing open Jam sessions, but one thing was for sure, if we were to let the musical inspiration flow naturally for the record, then the album would have to be recorded independently. I already had some recording equipment, Martin bought some drum mics, & the plan was set to start recording. The only thing we needed now was a venue to set up the studio, as we began to receive complaints that our jams were too loud for the venue we were currently using…
Carmine Manfredi. Carrying on through the weeks I knew there was an element that was missing within the music, this was the sound of the saxophone, I started keeping my eyes open for players, now we fast forward… Me and Mat Diamond decided to hang out at an Italian restaurant “Ponte Veccio”, I remember when we got in the restaurant we heard some Bossa nova music playing on rotation, this sparked a musical conversation, Carmine who was working behind the bar caught our conversation, we introduced each other then he told us he plays the saxophone, I then invited him for a jam with me & martin, when we got into a jam that day I knew that this was the sound we needed, but even more so it was about where that sound was coming from, his spirit!, this is a guy who only had been playing for literally 6 months, but his enthusiasm for learning and playing the instrument was inspiring. On our second Jam session together “River Nun” was born, of which was recorded live that same night.
The Cave. Right after the completion of River Nun, We were forced to have to find another venue to make and record music. This was indeed a drawback at the time, as we were only just beginning to gain a creative momentum, and I knew that it would not be easy to find an affordable venue where we could all get together and make music in peace, But I kept the faith that we would find something somewhere. One day me and Carmine were walking and talking, then he suddenly hit upon an idea, he said “I know just the place we need”, a few weeks came to pass & then we finally got the key’s to what we now call “The Cave” This became our creative Sanctuary from then on.
Mat Diamond. Through all these events Mat was always there as a friend, He is a Producer from Hungary with a vast experience in the world of music, we have always shown each other support, & Just like Martin & Carmine, we all fit in together like family. Mat started off as a Jazz/funk drummer before moving to become a steady R&B producer, But after we acquired the Cave I called him out so that he can resurrect his gift of “laying grooves”, each recorded session was a therapeutic experience for us.
I and Mat have shared many in depth conversations about the music industry & where we see things headed. We know everyone is influenced by music, but what happens when the spirit gets taken OUT of music?
In real time we see the divide in music, but we can clearly see that the division of music has caused a division in the people. The mission for the album was to fuse musical styles & elemental’s together & bring people out of that genre system & into a broader scope of thought.
Garry Millhouse: is an experienced Spanish guitarist, whom happened to drop around the Cave just days before I sent the music off to be published, everything has a reason and a purpose, We happened to be on the same musical wave length, & he was enthused to lay some Spanish guitar down for the project, We recorded our improvisations live, this was indeed a magical experience.
We all come from extremely different backgrounds, but there is one thing we all have in common…Spirit!
So if someone ever asks you…if a Born African man, a born Italian, a born Hungarian, & born English men, can come together like family & make music. Show them the success story of Ruach!
We all thank you for your support, & we hope you enjoy the album.
Love & Unity people.
Vonj
Ruach: breath, wind, spirit
Original Word: ר֫וּחַ
Transliteration: ruach
Phonetic Spelling: (roo’-akh)
Short Definition: Spirit
Vonj Production 