What does independently defiant, post-punk, spiritual new wave, quirky mantra-art-pop, edgily introspective musical poetry sound like?

Join us to find out!

Robin Renée

Saturday, April 7th, 2007   8:00 pm
Doors open 7:30 pm

$10 admission, $5 PSALM members

The Philadelphia Society for Art, Literature & Music
5841 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19131
215.477.7578

"Her smooth delivery flows through, and I expect her to pop up on all sorts of interesting projects delivering wonderful post-modern soul to the masses."
– San Francisco Spectrum

"She draws from rock, punk, New Wave, and folk, but a spiritual awakening brought South Asian chant into her musical vocabulary as well… sometimes merging her melodies with the mantras that have become her passion."
 – Princeton Packet

"…one of the Garden State's finest singer-songwriters whose spiritual pop is a solid mix of Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, and The Beatles."
– Courier News

If Robin Renée were to start a religion all her own, it might well hold Groupie Consciousness as its central tenet. She chases after the God/dess within with a reverence and fervor not unlike her passion for the music that moves her most- acts as disparate as Elvis Costello, Krishna Das, James Taylor, Gary Wilson, and Devo. Those in the know are realizing that Renée is worthy of just as much hot pursuit. Oh, and that religion? There'd also be lots of yoga, a strong belief in cartoon physics, a little sexiness, and zero dogma.Such is the musical and magical world of Robin Renée. Her accessible tunes with a spiritual twist have forged her personal genre--Mantra-Pop! The seeds of her diverse influences can be uncovered therein, as well as a longtime focus on Eastern and eclectic mysticism, the mystery that cuts to the core of this powerful singer and wordsmith. At a live show today you might catch a solo acoustic set, a collaboration, or pure kirtan- a form of Hindu devotional chanting in Sanskrit, with which she finds deep resonance. Live Devotion - brand new and soon to be released is Renée's first recording dedicated wholly to sacred chant. Borne of one inspired recording session in October 2006, the seven long tracks evoke peace, passion, and the presence of Universal Love. With the sexy, rock feel of "Jai Ma" to the traditional "Sita Ram" to the fun, multi-part "Om Shanti Krishna," Live Devotion is a fresh take on an ancient tradition.Renée's previous offering, All Six Senses, is the real-life chronicle of one caught in the act of cosmic transformation. Themes of love, seeking, and celebration emerge through a medium of edgy rock, accomplished singer/songwriter lyricism, pop hooks, and the sonic impact of chant. All Six Senses was produced by Scott Mathews, who has worked with artists as fabulous as George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle and many more. Two of its tracks, "First Sight" and "Thursday Morning Afterglow" won Honorable Mentions in the 11th International Billboard Songwriting Contest. All Six Senses follows In Progress, Renée's full-length CD debut (2000). It follows In Progress, which was applauded in much alternative press across the U.S. She has often credited the sight of David Bowie in a dress with opening her eyes to transformation and expression. It was no doubt an inspiration, but Renée's real drive comes from within. She has battled through the wearying grip of depression, has been enveloped in the bliss of spiritual ecstasy, and lives to tell the tales. She is not afraid to listen to what the voices in her head tell her: Live for your truth, keep it real, and make music that matters.

www.robinrenee.com

UPCOMING SHOWS

Adelante Quartet
May 5th, 2007 - Effortlessly crossing musical boundaries in an intoxicating journey of jazz, ambient, world and folk traditions. The quartet is led by J. Jody Janetta on bass and percussion.

Also coming soon:
Ester Nicholson
Incendio
Juniper Trio

"The best listening space in Philadelphia"

Experience world class performances in the comfort of a unique residence, featuring an intimate stage, top quality professional sound and lighting, and seating limited to 50 guests.

Directions from City Line Avenue:

Going West (from the river): Follow City Line Ave. (Rt 1) past the foot bridge at St. Joseph's University and make the next left, which is Cardinal Avenue. Go one block and turn right onto Overbrook Avenue. The house is toward the end of the block on the right.

Going East (toward the river): Follow City Line Ave. (Rt 1) past the Executive House Apartments  to the red "St. Joseph's University" sign on your right. This is 59th St. Turn right, go one block, and turn left onto Overbrook Avenue. The house is 4th on the left. The R5 Overbrook train station is about four blocks from the house.

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