NEW YORK (By Rick Scott/ Great Scott Productions) -
Althea Rene is making the flute sexy and funky. She's a striking presence with her chiseled physique and long braided hair. The soulfully inspired, sensual grooves on her new In The Moment album are distinctly urban with infusions of pop, jazz, and reggae.
The disc, her third, was released today by Chocolate Caramel Music/SoulVibe Entertainment, which is distributed nationally by Koch Entertainment. Rene collaborated on five songs for the album and produced or co-produced seven tracks. In addition to playing a variety of flutes, she added vocals, keyboards, percussion, bass and drum programming. The album's title cut, featuring Rene's typically aggressive flute flourishes over a deep percussion groove, R&B beats, and hearty horns, is now garnering airplay at smooth jazz radio stations across the U.S.
In The Moment is comprised of ten songs of which two are covers. Rene does versions of Patrice Rushen's 'Number One' and Beyonce's independent woman anthem, 'Me, Myself and I.' Album highlights include the affirmative upbeat jam 'I Can'; the rhythmically astute 'Campari Juice,' featuring a scorching muted trumpet; 'More Than You Know,' an amorous breathy Rene vocal number; and the seductive album closer, 'When You're Around.' The album's production has a live feel and the musicianship is top shelf. Rene's flute emotes alternately between delicate and sensitive and robust and fierce. The album title was inspired by her passionate focus and aspirations to be completely present while striving for greatness in her life and musical journeys.
Earlier this month, the Detroit native returned to her hometown to perform with her band at events surrounding the Super Bowl. This past weekend, Rene performed several shows in her new hometown, Houston, at NBA All-Star Weekend happenings. Tonight she'll be performing in Chicago at Oakton Community College. In March, Rene has a series of concerts scheduled at colleges in the Mid-West. Additional concert dates to support the album release will be announced.
Rene is a second generation musician. Her father performed with various Motown greats. She began playing the flute and studying classical music at age four. After years with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Rene began to incorporate jazz and popular music into her musical repertoire. She went on to study classical music at Howard University. Afterwards, she changed her focus entirely and decided to embark on a career in law enforcement. Yes, Rene was a deputy sheriff in Detroit. Eventually she realized that music was her true calling and she devoted herself completely. Rene won nationally televised talent contests on 'Showtime At The Apollo' and Black Entertainment Television. In 2003, she released her debut album, Chocolate Rush, independently. She now co-owns the Chocolate Caramel Music record label that releases her music. Over the years, Rene has performed with such luminaries as Tony Bennett, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Cassandra Wilson, Earl Klugh, Nancy Wilson, Herbie Mann, Kem, Sheila E and Rachelle Ferrell.
For additional information, please visit www.althearene.com
