What you just heard is our guest setting an intention for this interview, by singing this little song in Haitian Kreyol. I’m happy to announce that we have our first drummer and percussionist on the show! I’ve seen him perform many times over the years and have always enjoyed something about his playing that is hard to describe. I guess I could say that it is as much about his Presence as his playing.

He was born in Bronxville, New York, grew up in Western Connecticut, and made his way to California in 1974. He performs in and around the Bay Area playing with a large pool of musicians and plays in a variety of styles and genres. That said, he has a special passion for Haitian drumming, has studied seriously for many years, and performs regularly with two Bay Area Haitian dance companies.

He has also been a member of the Brazilian Jazz guitarist/composer Ricardo Peixoto’s quintet for five years.

Our guest is also a teacher, teaching both privately and at Sonoma State University, where he leads an ensemble in the Jazz Program.

He is one of the first people I thought of having on the show when Daniel and I first started this project, so I’m thrilled that we finally got to sit down with him, and get to share our conversation with you! We are so pleased to welcome, Kendrick Freeman!

kendrickfreeman.com

Rara Tou Limen with Daniel Brevil

Blanche Brown leader of Hatian Dance Company, Group Petit La Croix

John Salz

Marc Farre: Singer/Songwriter and Guitarist, The Craft of Songwriting: Where do Songs Come From? The Value of Self-Discipline and Perils of Perfectionism, Being Your Own Benefactor.

Our guest this episode is a guitarist/singer-songwriter who is known as an Indie POP-rock musician with an art house French vibe sound, a throaty voice, and darkly poetic lyrics.

He grew up in Washington D.C., was raised speaking both French and English at home, and sings many of his songs in French.

After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in Mathematical Economics he lived in NYC for about 10 years, working as a manager for the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and traveling the world, before he left to pursue a career in music. In 2018, he and his wife made their way out to Sebastopol, California, where they currently live, growing their own food, and enjoying the beauty of Sonoma County.

This episode has plenty of music throughout, with several clips from songs from our guest’s albums as well as two live performances.

We are so pleased to share with you our charming poet-musician, Marc Farre!

marcfarre.com

flatbedfestival.com

Our guest this episode is a professional pianist, originally from Newport Beach, California, currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area where he performs with his trio, as well as with a long list of other accomplished musicians, including vocalist Deborah Winters, and soul singer Chris Saunders. He is also a member of guitarist Ricardo Peixoto’s Quintet.

Our guest is an adjunct faculty member of the Jazz department at Sonoma State, teaches piano privately, and composes and scores music for film. He loves all kinds of music and has played on 13 albums.

He has a B.A. in Economics, attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and has a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music.

I feel fortunate to have gotten to know our guest and listen to him play live during our conversation, as he shares his heart and wisdom generously through both. He is also strong in the empathy department!

We are so pleased to welcome to the show, Ken Cook!

kencookmusic.com

Ken's Discography

Sonoma State University