ALIVE IN ME

From Rick . . . 

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        As a little boy, not much older than ten, I often wondered . . .

                   What could I be? Who should I be? Who Will I be?

 

         I think I was guided by dreams, a destiny, faith or something even much bigger. I often thought, as an alter boy in my church, I would grow up and become a priest, after all, so many members in my family were taught to serve the Lord.

 

         Many years have passed for me by now. I am no longer young, and those many dreams and visions I once had are still “Alive in Me”. These dreams inspired me to write short stories, and compose songs, still yet hopefully to be read and heard.

 

         But now what? Who would read short stories about my many adventures? Who will listen to my songs? How would I or could I even begin to fulfill one of those dreams of that small boy?

 

         Eventually, many years later after having made some attempts at getting my stories and songs published, I was scanning the internet looking at other artists. One artist and one CD in particular jumped out at me. The music described itself as “ for mature audiences of all ages”. The title of the CD was “New 2 the Brain”. From the opening lyrics of the first song, I knew I had to do a little more research into this artist named Wa.

Not only did I find a song writer, and incredible musician, but his full recording studio,

The Banquet Studios.  Upon further research I read about the history of Banquet, where it started, their music and collaborations with so many other artists, the Grammy nominations and the move to Oregon.

 

         Should I make the call? 

 

         Well, I did. That one phone call proved to be a life changer.  It confirmed to me

what I have learned along the way . . .

        "Take that next step" as you never know what awaits around that next connection. That “One Step Forward” can lead you towards your dream.    

 

         I still remember my first conversation on the phone with Warren. I introduced myself as a storyteller and songwriter who wanted to record an audio book and maybe a song or two. I think his first response was something like, "I am not taking on many new clients but I am willing to listen to what you have, but you will need to be willing to hear an honest evaluation”.

 

         So, a week later our first meeting was set.  I brought my books, my music and my enthusiasm to his fantastic modern studio high on a hill in a Madrone forest. We talked for an hour or so about each one of our life's accomplishments and challenges. There is no doubt that to work together on such an intimate project, some part of your spirit and soul must align.  As you eventually will hear, we did.

 

         At that point, I left my books and songs with Warren for his review.  A week later or so I called him back and set up the next meeting. Once again, he asked, "are you willing to hear an honest evaluation?" I kind of was, but maybe not. You have some good music, he said, however, your music needs to tell more of the story, more details about what is happening and who the characters are so the listener will care. The music could also use some more variation in the chords, and melody. Well, I was thinking, "back to the drawing board." But, then he said, “there is this one song” that has the lyric “Bless Me Guide Me” which got his attention. "How about we take that theme and compose a whole new song.  One that will tell the whole story."

 

         So began the relationship between Richard William Patsche, a songwriter, and Warren Dennis Kahn, a songwriter, musician, producer and now life long friend.

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From Warren . . . 

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        At the age of 75, I am still being well-used by Life / GOD. I am still producing and creating music that uplifts the spirit. I am still very active as a personal life coach and senior trainer for the More To Life Foundation where I lead courses that heal old wounds, teach people to love themselves, others and life, and encourage people to answer their callings from within to live a moral ethical life that includes serving others.

       

        I have been truly blessed and happily married to my beloved wife Lisa going on 35 years and still in love. I am a father, and now a grandfather. 

       

        Earlier this year when I got that call from Rick asking if I would evaluate his material, I found in one of his songs the lyric, “Bless Me, Guide Me” which caught my attention.

I said let’s write a new song from scratch that speaks to that request.

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        Our song “Alive in Me” is what came out of our creative collaboration. It tells the story of Rick as well as me as we grew from child to man to elder all the while learning at each phase of life more and more about who we truly are at our essence, and being moved to answer the call to serve the purpose of bringing more love and empathy to humankind in whatever ways we can.

 

        It is our hope this song we created together, “ALIVE IN ME”, will touch that part that lies within each of us and that many will be moved and inspired to serve God, Spirit,

 

Peace and Love.

In Gratitude for all that is . . .

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Warren & Rick