these are some descriptions of Rene Akan over the years since first appearing on the scene as the explosive
sound in a band out of nyc called FAITH. His contributions to that project resulted in a single on the
BLACK ROCK COALITION CD ("Blacker Than That"-Rycodisc), and a seven page article in the rock & roll quarterly in the Village Voice a nationally syndicated newsweekly an impressive achievment for an unsigned band.(see the book by Lisa Jones "BULLET PROOF DIVA"- anchor books; for the chapter entitled "this is faith") Since then he's played with a varied list of hot talent like Vernon Reid and living colour; the late Stevie Ray Vaughn at the famed Beacon Theatre in NY; Nona Hendryx, Hr(bad brains), the late Joey Ramone, Pfluid (formelrly of 24-7 Spyz ), members of PFunk, Flea of the Chili Peppers, dance diva Ultra Nate', and many more.
Now in the new millenium Rene hooked up with Greg Tate, writer,musician and friend since FAITH & the
BRC. Rene is finally hitting a groove only hinted at earlier . Incorporating sounds from hip hop,dub,funk,electronica
and heavy metal by manipulating loops delays & whammy sounds to create a new explosive, primal & digital
sound. Greg calls it "guitar set on stun". He can be heard with BURNT SUGAR the arkestra Chamber. Featuring some of the country's hottest musicians (Pete Cosey, Vijay Iyer, Melvin Gibbs)
. Blending styles ranging from heavy metal shred, to weeping blues, funk, new age and dub reggae. Rene's voice is a seamless expression of his varied influences. From KIngCrimson, Hendrix,Santana , Buckethead to Phillip Glass. to Wu-Tang Clan.
Sometimes layering up to three parts at once, Rene's sound is similar to frippertronics thru a soukous filter, with Terminator X as the dj.. Truly new millenium music
for the ages.
LOOK FOR THE NEW BOOK: RIGHT TO ROCK the black rock coalition and the cultural politics of race- by Maureen Mahon out now!( click here)
Rene Akan studied at Hunter College in nyc in music theory and played in the jazz workshop. He studied with
jazz great Bern Nix, also took lessons from friend and recording artist Kelvyn Bell.
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