James Ranka and Friends: Bios

James Ranka and Friends' Bios - James Ranka

BORN? I saw my first-ever sunrise in Port Arthur, Texas, home of chemical plants, oil refineries and some very famous people - Janis Joplin, Jimmy Johnson (Dallas Cowboy super coach), Edgar and Jonny (sp?) Winter, Bubba Smith, The Big Bopper, Mark Chessnut, Tracy Byrd, many, many others - must be something we (they) breathed from those refineries that gave us a humongous,
super-energized music gene.

MARRIED? Yes.
HAPPILY? She's standing behind me as I write...what would you say?
Nah- Allow me to put it this way; anyone who stays with a moody, crazy musician like me is VERY special.

MUSIC BACKGROUND? I heard a song on the the radio when I was 8 years of age. I internalized the melody and after a few (OK - after many) attempts, I played the melody note-for-note on an old upright piano at my grandmother's house.
Immediately a family audience of 4 congregated from other rooms in the house and one of 'em declared "That boy is taking piano lessons!"

I studied under different teachers for about 7 years when I decided to leave the music thing to pursue sports with a dream of becoming a professional baseball player (pitcher). People say I was good enough to make the bigs, but in the process of throwing a fastball one night, I damaged my elbow beyond repair and instantly a new career choice became mandatory.

This single, life-changing baseball game happened about the same time Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Barry White, Average White Band and groups of their ilk (ilk.!? - what a goofy word) just began to crack the airwaves. The first time I heard "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" (so much for one word song titles) by then-known-as Chicago Transit Authority, I knew one day I would follow in these guys' footsteps.
No more "if you practice today, I'll bake your favorite pie," stuff - man I was at that piano at least 4 hours every day. When I wasn't at the piano, a set of Koss (Remember those? If you do, you are showing your age) headphones covered my ears as I wore out album after album listening to these music pioneers, all the while mentally rehearsing what Bobby Lamm (Chicago's keyboard player) was playing in every song on every album Chicago released.

An aside opinion: I'm totally amazed that Chicago has yet to be recognized in the same way the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and other groups are revered. Granted, those band names reside in different genres, but if Chicago isn't THE group for all time in pop/rock then who is?
Enough said.

I honed my chops playing local lounges. Normally the groups in the '70's tended to have only 3, maybe 4 members. Wasn't a money thing - it was a stage thing. These rooms were so small they simply couldn't accomodate 8 member groups.
Anyway, I played the lounge circuit for years and for the era, the pay was enough for me to survive very comfortably.

Following many years of being a member of the typical cover band, I grew very weary of learning songs written by others...so I began composing.

I remember some of my early material was just awful...but don't you dare criticize it; after all, James Ranka wrote that song - lol!

When most people heard my earliest material their reaction was ALWAYS "man, that was great!" Funny thing, they never asked to listen to "that song I wrote last week" again. I subconsciouslly heard their silent roar, but nonetheless I persevered.

As the years went by, I worked in the corporate world but music still played a big role in my life.

I finally reached a financial point where I could purchase equipment for my first recording studio. That "studio" consisted of a 4 track cassette deck and some of the most awesome MIDI gear (for the time) available in those days. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING revolved around the Yamaha DX7. That was the keyboard to end all keyboards, but it WAS revolutionary as it ushered in the MIDI era. Now musicians could and did produce their demos at home. What a breakthrough!
I also began to learn all I could about recording, engineering and producing. I studied with some of the best engineers around and, in turn, received a solid education in what makes a good mix.

Several years later and armed with hundreds of hours 'behind the console' I expanded to a commercial 24 track analog studio where I was composing and producing a lot of pop/rock songs. But I also began receiving opportunities to write musical scores for short films, videos, commercials and such - you know, doing things that actually paid the bills.

As all this progress was going on, I still held fast to my dream of becoming a recording artist and that brings us to 2006.

True to form, I am still with the curve. I own a totally digital recording studio in NE Houston, TX, where I have the pleasure of working with incredible people like Nigel Maynard, Ontario-based drummer, and David Chionsini, in my book the best sax player I have ever heard. (period) - along with some of the best players to be found anywhere.

We are currently working on smooth jazz CD number 2 via long distance using dedicated computer program files and WAV files. The results are nothing short of amazing.

I could never imagine the day when good musicians could easily record in different studios, email or snail mail their tracks to a central studio where it's all put together and then make it sound good. But that is exactly what is happening; and the sound quality is beyond belief.

What a wonderful time to be a composer/musician. We (music type peeps) are doing things now in seconds that took weeks for our musician forefathers (and mothers) to accomplish!

Allow me to close with the following: Just as I progressed in my songwriting skills from years back, I am a work in progress. If I ever lose the desire to write better songs and give you better CDs then that is the time for me to pursue underwater basket weaving.

A good friend who has heard several cuts from our new CD said, "Man this next CD is gonna make your first one sound like a mic check."

I hope he's right.

If he is, I'll know that elbow-busting fastball I threw one night many years ago in Dodge City, Kansas, happened for a very, very good reason.

Peace
James Ranka

David Chionsini - Keyboards/Composer/Saxophone/Wind instruments

I was born in Beaumont, Texas, where I lived until I was 24 years old. Since then, I’ve moved around a bit. I ended up in San Antonio then New Orleans. After several years in New Orleans, I decided I just had to get back to Texas. So, I moved to Houston and eventually made my way back to San Antonio, where I live today with my wife, Andrea.

Andrea and I have been together for a number of years. We both share a love of music. She learned to play the piano at an early age and later was trained as a classical voice major. We met one day while I was living in Houston. We attended the same large (very large) church. One particular Sunday, I played the church service opener with a small jazz combo. We had yet to even meet at this point. Before the choir entered the church Andrea heard someone (me) playing soprano sax warmups. She then inquired as to WHO that sax player was. Several weeks later as I was making my way into the church for a rehearsal I met Andrea in the parking lot for the first time. She introduced herself, said how much she enjoyed my playing, and I thanked her and stated (like a typical man) “Gotta run, I’m late for a rehearsal”. There I was standing in front of this six-foot tall beauty and all I could think of was “I’m late for rehearsal”.
What a dork!
Thankfully she gave me a second chance to get it right, and brother – I got right! After six months of dating, we were married.

My music background is fairly simple. I started out playing the clarinet when I was a young kid in elementary school. No offense to those who play and love the clarinet, but I just couldn’t get into the instrument. It just wasn’t my thing! Anyway, I got the chance to move to the tenor sax just before I entered high school. It was at that point that I became very interested in music. My high school band director played tenor sax, flute, and piano and inspired me to learn more about jazz music. My mom and dad recognized my talent and enrolled me in music lessons. They took me to music lessons week after week after week (LOVE you guys for doing that). By the time I reached my senior year, I had tried out and placed first chair tenor sax to the all region jazz band three years in a row. My senior year was exceptionally great. Not only did I make the region jazz band, but I was also selected as the first chair tenor sax player to the All State Jazz Band.

I attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and had the opportunity to play in many different venues throughout the area. It was in college that I began taking piano lessons. I started out on a regular piano learning classical music.
Well, THAT didn’t work for me!
I took about six months of lessons and then decided I’d just learn on my own.

I sold my spinet piano and bought a Yamaha Clavinova. It had five sounds and a split function with one sound in the lower keys and a different sound in the upper keys. After a couple of years with this I decided to move on. I purchased my first keyboard with an onboard sequencer; I chose the Ensoniq VFXsd! What a great keyboard!
I absolutely TOOK OFF with this instrument. I began to compose my own music ---- I really started to have fun.

That’s about the time I met James Ranka. He needed a sax player to do a small part on a song and I was recommended. That started our musical relationship and friendship. I got the chance to share some of my music with him and we decided to see what we could do together.

Today I live in San Antonio, Texas. I still compose and play the piano and sax. Music is just a part of my life; it’s a gift from God, my creator. So, before I sign off, I leave you with this:

PSALM 100

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

So, no matter what, I WILL make a joyful noise unto the LORD and praise his name

Nigel "MaynStreet" Maynard - Drummer par excellence (Canadian for 'he can play')

BORN? I believe so.. if not - it would indeed be difficult for me to work with Jamey Keys... Now as to when? Hmmm.. here is the deal - When indeed I was born - it was some time ago - and I can't remember the events of that particular day.. however... well... I don't think it stems back as far James does - but not as short as L'il BowWow... - somewhere between there...

MARRIED? Lord sparing my life - I would really like to be.. but I would like be in my field full time when that blessed time comes to pass... I know she will be a blessed woman of God - I can imaginate her in my mind already (yes - imaginate is a real word - it is what we call a "Nigelizm"). Pray for her though - she will have to deal with the likes of this rather interesting dude...

So to make a long story short - I still be single - but we will indeed see what the future holds.... Truss me...

HAPPILY? Does that even apply??!?! Well lemme say when that amazing time does come - I will say: "more so then expected!!!!".

KIDS? - Uh - not until I be married yo... That is the plan for me!!!

FAVOURITE FOOD? - As hard as it is for me to come with "a" favourite- I think best thing I could come up with is one good "homemade styled" West Indian (Caribbean) Curry Chicken or Curry Goat Roti...
THAT - my friend - is the food of the future....
Now you askin - "what the scratch 'n sniff is a Goat or Chicken Roti??" - Well.. Do a google search!!! LOL You will find out!!!

FAVOURITE COLOR? : Teal or Turquoise - (aqua)

INSPIRATIONS/APPRECIATIONS)? Jesus Christ - Where man may let me down - HE never does... Words fall short of my gratitude to him. I thank you Lord God in every little thing in my life.. Where would I be with out you? My mother. THE strongest human being I know on the planet. (But I know where she gets it from....) You have taken the task of raising your two kids up - and you have done a GREAT job... I will carry the legacy Christ in which you have given and shown me - on to others and to my kids when they come Thank you mom.. for your heritage - for putting up with me and my crazy inconvenient things that I have put you through... Love you moms... more then you know... , My sister. - Little does she know the kinda of influence she has on me - and the precious gem that she is to my life... - who also had to look out (still does) for her "little brother". Love you Leese! - Other noted peeps would be - Everett "Timbit" Haughton, James "Jamey Keys" Ranka, (He is here beside me with a double barrelled "Uncle Jesse" styled shot gun tellin me to say that!! LOL ), Allan Murray - Mr. and Mrs Davies (they are still cheering me on and encouraging me.. even though their perspective is now from God's holy presence... - Saj McKenley, my bruthha for LIFE - John McArthur - Chuck Swindoll - TD Jakes - Reverend Brian Robson, though we have not "rapped" in a while - I still love you dearly man... - Reverend Keith Smith, my Senior Pastor - thanks for taking the time out for me.. willingly... - Mr and Mrs Swaby - You may never really fully know - the IMPACT you guys have on my life... Your marriage is a testimony to the world - that fails to exemplify what a marriage stands for. - Michele Swaby you are my friend friend friend friend friend for life... even if I be at a distance... I still lift you up in prayer in ALL that you do... God has favor on you like you cannot believe... - Ryanx! - dude High esteem for you man... - Stanley Munro - We are so different - yet we are even more so, so similar - you have been a genuine friend since we was teens, and still to this day.. love you nuff man... - Roger Flock for teaching me that "less often times is more..."

There are so many for me to even place on this site - I would have to create my own site just for them - so for those of you whom didn't get on this list - "Blame my mind - not my heart.." (Brain is a little weary....) - and for the sake of being "concise..."

Respect and agape love for you all..

MUSIC BACKGROUND? It comes to mind of me being some where around the age of 4 or 5 - and I was going underneath the sink of our kitchen - and strategically taking out my moms new "pots and pans" and laying them down on the floor - arranging them from small to large - and beating the smack outta them with her wooden spoons.. (I don't think she liked when I did that - and then left them them there for her to meet when she came back into the kitchen....) Me on the other hand - I loved doing that.

Time goes on - I get a little older - the interest in music faded... a little.. but I still had this thing about doing some kinda rhythm.

I then developed my passion for "music" around 9 or 10 years old - Got into the school band playing the recorder... that is - if we wanted to get to Clarinet - and then those nice shiny golden Saxophones that I loved to death...

Never did really get to the sax - but I made a left turn at Albuquerque (is that how you spell it?) and went to "Bass Clarinet" after I got the hang of the Clarinet....

..got pretty good at it too!

But them drums kept calling me...

High School now..
12 year going on 13 years old.. (I think)-

Made that switch back to the land of the rhythm... and did I ever..

Got introduced to names like Bob James, Herbie Hancock (I never knew he did jazz before - I though it was just all about the song "ROCKIT" - UZEB got to me - Yellowjackets - Dave Weckl - Dennis Chambers - Chet Baker - Weather Report - P Funk All Stars - EWF.. and the list goes on and on and on....

Gospel music soon became quite an additive...

Names like James Hall - Hezikiyah Walker, Toronto Mass Choir, Faith Chorale, Sound of Praise Chorale - Rev James Cleveland - John P Kee - The Winans - Commissioned - Fred Hammond - Marvin Sapp - and the list goes on and on..

I developed a like for various styles of music like Latin, Jazz, and African music. - all this while trying to keep my own signature- and not be anyone else (although I was influenced by many...)

Skipping forward many years - going to school for music - playing with and/or opening with/for some of North Americas greatest gospel musicians like CeCe Wianans, Fred Hammond, Alvin Slaughter Babbie Mason - to name a few...

I got to a point in the corporate world of "Canada" - that maybe I should just settle down... find a nice comfy desk job - make some big bucks - and live the stereotypical big city life...

Tried it -

Hated it..

...and music kept calling...

I like what Kirk Whalum said:

- "You do not choose music - music chooses you..."

Met up with my boy Saj McKenley - and we got workin on his CD with another co-worker... The album started to make some waves - and my re- realization of who I was came back to me again.

From there I have played and toured with different groups and bands - and now I have co started another band while I am blessed to be a part of the James Ranka and Friends regime.

The real me came forth...

I am to be what I am to be..

And here I am today... just tryna be me....

How is that for a super super super summary eh? (Yeah I said "eh" - I am CanEHdian!)

"A fish is designed to be in water -

That is where it is most optimized -

It is where it can be fruitful and multiply -

It is there where it can grow to it's fullest potential...

..granted..

There are sharks in the water...

Electric Eels...

Octopuses...

and other assortments of villains...

but...

That fish stands a better chance surviving amongst those things in the water...

..then a human does...

I am a fish... -

...lemme swim...

..ramblings out of the cranium of One certain MaynStreet....

Be Blessed...

Be a Blessing...

- and be who you are in Christ!!!!

Nigel "MaynStreet" Maynard