| About LAVENDERSOUL | Bernard DeSeck: Because he was encouraged to sing at an early age by his classically trained grandmother, Bernard DeSeck has been doing that most of his life. With two years of classical voice training under his belt, his teacher saw the amazing ability he had and began to contact the New England Conservatory with the hopes of getting Bernard a scholarship. During this time, Bernard met a Memphis guitarist, bought some leather pants and begin to sing as much Led Zeppelin as he possibly could. Thus began his story in the rock & roll world. Now playing music on the lighted stage, Bernard decide that he wanted to give writing original songs a try. With his five octave range and soulful voice, he was comfortable sing anything from, "Ave Maria to When A Man Loves A Woman" "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. In the 80's, Bernard put together a regionally successful band simply titled, DeSeck. He then added horns, female backups and begin to play his original music on world famous Beale Street in Memphis in clubs like B.B. King's, opening for Al Green. After a few years, Bernard begin collaborating with long time friend, Keith Blanchard, forming the musical well-spring, LAVENDERSOUL. "The sound of the music is very hard to label as a genre! The only way I can describe what comes from Keith and I is, LAVENDERSOUL is the healing music of the universe and its powerful and uplifting energy will surely touch you deeply and bring you here - now - to the present moment. Be IN the moment, because it might be a good one!" Keith Blanchard: Musician, Composer, Sound Engineer, Bassist, Guitarist, Singer Keith's vocal and guitar background includes Seattle-based, Epic recording artist, Fifth Angel, King's Trio, Almost Famous, ABS Acoustic, Acousticats, Jim Wilson Duet,Thunder, Corn-fed Mafia, Rash (a tribute to Rush), Zachary Fist and 5th KIND. Keith has his hand in the creative pot for so long that, he was recognized and contacted by Bluecast Productions in New York and was asked if they could film a documentary movie about the passionate life that he lives. "Do What You Love: A Path To Passionate Living," is now available and changing people's lives, inspiring them all to live their best life in a state of absolute bliss! "My life is dedicated to empowering people so that they are able to create their best life. The light that radiates from such a person helps to restore balance in the world. And so, it is my mission to put a permanent smile on everyone's face!" Angelo Rapan: Angelo Rapan is an acclaimed pianist who has expanded his deep rooted, classical piano performance to include highly successful endeavors in musical theater, opera, dance and creative music. Born in Bucharest, Romania, Angelo Rapan began studying classical piano at an early age and soon established himself as one you the finest young players in Europe with significant achievements in top piano competitions. Those achievements include first prize awards in three major piano competitions: Fredric Chopin National Competition, Romania (1980); Bela Bartock National Competition, Romania (1981), International Competition “Maria Canals” 1982 and 1984. After obtaining the First Prize of Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles in 1990, Angelo quickly moved to international performing stage with credits that include musical direction for Chamber Orchestra La Camera Linca, Waterloo, Belgium; member of Adem Ensemble, Bruxelles, Belgium; Radio and Television shows in Belgium and Romania; concerts with Tango Al Sur, Bruxelles, Memphis, Taiwan; Vocal Coach, Academy for Performing Arts and Music Director Hong Kong Singers and Musical Theatre Federation, Hong Kong, Theatre Memphis and Playhouse on the Square. Angelo’s natural inclination for creative music brought him close to the world of classical ballet and contemporary dance movement. From the Academy of Beaux Arts Bruxelles, Belgium, to Merce Cunningham Dance Company, New York; Hong Kong Ballet, China; New Ballet Ensemble, Memphis, USA. Jeanne Elting Simmons: Jeanne has been playing music for most of her life. She began her formal training early in life on the piano and continued through high school. Playing various brass instruments along the way, it wasn’t until later in high school that she discovered a new love of playing the flute. It has been this instrument that has helped her find passion and a real voice for musical expression. Jeanne earned her music degree in Music Education and Performance. Over the past 30 years, she has enjoyed playing with the Memphis Symphony and Germantown Symphony. |
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