Althea René Interview Page 4

Smitty:  Althea, I can attest to that because I know your live performances are like no other and they are always cool and people are always standing and cheering during and at the end of your performances. You are so on the money there because your live performances are fantastic, that’s for sure.

AR:  Well thank you, thank you. I think that I have a duty….a lot of people have a certain perception of when you say, well, she plays flute, they think, “Oh, I don’t know if I like the flute,” you know, and so I always set out to make sure that people are entertained and that they go away saying “Hey, flute is cool, “I like the flute.”

Smitty:  Talk to me about that, because sometimes in this strange world, not only the instrument itself, but for a woman to perform, perhaps there are perhaps some reservations, especially when you have a combination of a female and the flute, you know.  Have you met any obstacles there?

AR:  I think, yeah, over the years definitely I have, but I think now, after my shows, they don’t comment so much on the fact that they didn’t feel that a female could play, but more of how much they enjoyed this flute and that they may not have known all of the sounds that the flute could have, and also a lot of people who say “I don’t like jazz typically, but I like jazz now after hearing you.” So I think that’s the most important thing that I hear, is that people who thought that they didn’t like jazz can now say “I like jazz,” because jazz does have many, many faces and that’s why it’s important for artists like myself and other artists get out and put a personality and a face behind the music. Because people need to be able to connect.

Smitty:  Yes, I love the conversion factor. I love it when a performer can win an audience by their performances, their personality, and just their overall talent, to help people to see that there’s a lot of diversity in music. Also, if they would just take the time and listen, they would truly love and appreciate what they are hearing.

AR:  Yes, and you can’t please everyone.

Smitty:  That’s true.

AR:  However, I’ve only heard the positive.

Smitty:  Same here. You have really scored a serious hit with this record.  It is a great mix of tunes. You’ve really showcased the flute and I think you really, in my description, put a lot of funk in the flute, and I love that sound.

AR:  Thank you. Thank you so much.

Smitty:  You are so welcome! Check out her website for her tour schedule, and catch her live performance, I can truly say that you will not be disappointed in any way. In fact, you will be shocked at the great talent that this young lady has. Althea, thank you so much for sitting down for a few minutes and talking about this powerful CD and all of the things that you’re doing in 2006, and we certainly want to extend our best to you in this coming year.

AR:  Well, thank you and thank you so much for supporting artists, and emerging artists and just keeping people abreast, so thank you.

Smitty:  You are so welcome. It’s always a pleasure. We’ve been talking with Chocolate Caramel recording artist Althea Rene. She’s about to release her great new project February 21, you must have this one in your CD changer. It’s called IN THE MOMENT.  Althea, thanks again and all the best to you my friend!

AR:  Okay, thank you.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit  www.althearene.com.