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Chris Van Cleave My visit to the 1996 Folk Alliance Regional Conference at Split Rock Resorts, PA proved to me a most enlightening experience, both as a singer-songwriter and as a columnist. Since that time, Art in Society took a bit of a hiatus, since it takes an overwhelming amount of time to BE a singer-songwriter and columnist. In the process I have had the opportunity to reach many more people by moving the column to the World Wide Web. With Art in Society's new home, I wanted to go back through my pile of submissions and catch up. Though long overdue, I have finally been able to sit down with some of this material and do it justice. I had the privilege to listen to many musicians at the conference, and was able to bring pieces of their work home with me. I'd like to take the next few editions of Art in Society to look at their work and thank all of them for their inspiration. If inspiration is the topic, then I suppose the best place to start would be with singer- songwriter Chris Van Cleave. Chris, born in Texas, has had an active career performing as the lead in such shows as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables and Chess. His other theatre experiences are too numerous to list here. His recording work includes experience with Laura Branigan in a group called Meadow which recorded on Paramount records. Chris has released several recordings in the US and performed throughout Britain and Holland. It appears that all of this activity and travel has equipped Chris with a valuable palette of experiences and insights. Such experience allows him to construct and perform great inspirational music. His songs display a true to nature attitude and are never superficial. I met Chris briefly during one of the exhibit hall sessions at the Folk Conference. While waiting to speak with someone else, I struck up a conversion with his publicist Caroline Evans and started discussing the ironic similarities between my own approach to writing and that of Chris. It was as if I was meant to speak with them. Chris is tuned into the connection between spirit and music, and he's following one of the many beams toward the light. |
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Later, in some of his publicity materials, I came across this quote: There seems to be a lot of razzmatazz around these days with mystical hocus pocus and attention drawn to this 'channel', that 'Guru', or 'TV-evangelist', or any spiritual walk claiming to have the one and only way. I guess in the greater scheme of things it all serves some purpose, but I feel the truth of the matter is so much simpler and closer to home than imagined. These sentiments are echoed well in his music. What struck me most about Chris' music was his honest vocal delivery that makes you feel like you're listening to a close friend. Chris dubs himself an "inspirational troubadour for an awakening world". But unlike so many "inspirational artists" he conveys his awakening words without talking down to the listener and without proselytizing. It's 100% inner reflection, yet presented in a way that all can see. I listed to a six song demo which includes a selection of acoustic guitar based folk/country tunes performed mostly by Chris in a contemporary style, with vocal and flute accompaniment by other players. "See Beyond", a great opening song to the world of Chris Van Cleave, asks us to look beyond the everyday world, and within ourselves to see the "divine purpose" that works throughout all our lives. "Just Between Me and You" was definitely my favorite. This song features a sparse production of voice and guitar in a country folk style that showcases a polished performer that I would definitely catch if I had the opportunity. "Lavender White" is another well written tune with a trickling melody. Before this column went up, I caught Chris after his long day of landscaping work. From what I gathered, Chris was tired, but we had a pleasant, if brief, phone interview. His honest singing voice is reflected in his speaking demeanor. At the time Chris was preparing for a the role of Jesus for eight runs of a production of Godspell in Virginia Beach. He had recently completed a production of Let All Heaven Rejoice. This summer Chris says he's off to the Southwest and Pasadena where he will stopping in at a Whole Life gathering May 17, 18. While there he will perform and lecture. Chris is currently making time for some recording in his digital studio, constantly writing. He's looking into attending the Northeast Regional Folk Conference at Split Rock, PA. I look forward to seeing him there again, and hope our readers will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of his creative light. To learn more about Chris Van Cleave, or to get on his
mailing list: Phone: (757) 437-9166 Fax: (757) 422-2388 Booking: (757) 486-2795 - Ask for Caroline Email: seebeyond@mindspring.com |