Althea Rene'
Althea Rene' an impassioned flautist from Detroit, Michigan, has been known to mesmerize her audiences with her vivacious captivating performances. This unparalleled artist, born December 25, began her musical career at age four as a classical flautist. She was influenced by the rich talent in her family, among them her father Dezie McCullers, Sr., who performed with many Motown stars. After years under the direction of many distinguished members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, she focused her attention to jazz and popular music. While attending Howard University she studied music with the legendary educator/trumpeter Donald Byrd. Althea Rene' gained further musical inspiration from the accomplishments of Yusef Lateef and Hubert Laws and has since developed her own creative style. She has a performing history with sensational artists such as Najee, Art Porter, and Herbie Mann. Today, Ms. Rene' is regarded among musicians and enthusiasts as one of the best jazz flautists. The release of her upcoming CD is sure to launch her solo career with her own ensemble into the national jazz music market. Althea Rene' has performed in all of the most popular venues in Detroit. She has appeared on local Detroit television programs such as "The Lou Rawls UNCF Telethon", "The Michigan Tastefest" and "The Montreux Jazz Festival". Her performance on the nationally syndicated television program "Showtime at the Apollo" was so captivating that she was proclaimed the winner by an overwhelming response from the audience. Her diverse experience includes musical projects such as, the gospel play "First Lady" with Vickie Winans and Clifton Davis; and several local commercials including one for the Michigan Lottery. In June of 1997, Ms. Rene' began touring with the all-female, internationally acclaimed, jazz band "Straight Ahead". Their appearances included performances in "The Oklahoma City Jazz Festival", "LaGuardia College" in New York, and "The Jamaica Jazz Festival". Althea Rene' and "Straight Ahead" also performed in beautiful Puerto Rico in May of 1998 with vocalist Tony Bennett, percussionist Pete Escovedo, and his daughter, the lovely performing sensation, Sheila E. In August of 1999 Althea Rene' and "Straight Ahead" performed at the Indianapolis Black Expo in honor of recording artist and music producer Kenneth "Baby Face" Edmonds. In March of 2000 they were invited to perform at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri to participate in the Charlie Parker Symposium among other great jazz influences. On September 1, 2000 "Straight Ahead" was the house band for "The Detroit Ford International Jazz Fesitval's" live television broadcast on 62/CBS. Among jazz greats such as Marcus Belgrave, Althea Rene' was one of the featured solo instrumentalists. Althea Rene' is also featured on the recently released CD by "Straight Ahead" entitled "City Cuts". One of the highlights of 1997 was her jazz pop single "You're the Best" which topped the local jazz charts. In February of 1998, Althea Rene' was the opening act for the international jazz guitar phenomenon Earl Klugh. The sold-out concert audience listened with emotional intensity as Ms. Rene' performed several songs from her upcoming CD. In October of 1998 and December of 1999 Althea Rene' received nationwide attention when she appeared on Black Entertainment Television's "Jazz Discovery". She shared her stylishly aggressive flute performance with thousands of delighted viewers and jazz enthusiasts as she earned winning scores from the panels of judges. Be on the lookout for Althea Rene'. This enchanting and vibrant artist enthralls audiences wherever she appears. Soundsamples here:www.mp3.com/AltheaRenehttp://www.althearene.com/pages/downloads.html
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