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FRAN McKENDREE - BIOGRAPHY Fran McKendree grew up in rural Connecticut where he played the clarinet [poorly] and later began to play guitar and reluctantly sing. A trio he'd joined won a local talent contest, first prize being a slot on a folk music radio show, and he was hooked. In 1969 at college in upstate NY he formed the group McKendree Spring. This was an eclectic four piece which the late Bill Graham [promoter/manager from San Francisco and creator of the Filmore Theatres] referred to as "one of the best unknown bands in the world." They recorded five albums for MCA and two for ATV/PYE [a British label], toured with industry biggies [Elton John, Fleetwood Mac], created some very innovative music, and eventually disbanded in 1976. Fran was signed the next year by Clive Davis to Arista Records and a series of singles, produced by Fred Mollin [Jimmy Webb, Dan Hill] were released to critical acclaim. Fran had moved to Toronto during the mid 70's and the records garnered considerable radio play in Canada. He was also active in the recording session world...as a back up vocalist and guitarist on numerous projects in Toronto and New York. Fran was finding this an increasingly frustrating time in the music business and decided to take some time for reflection...moving with his wife, Diana, to a small town on Cape Cod, MA in 1979. Emerging from this soul searching period in 1984 he was drawn to work under the aegis of the Episcopal church. Throughout this network he is much respected and kept busy as a musican,keynote speaker, retreat leader, and mentor. Fran has developed workshops [shareshops] for songwriting and singing, and has been much sought after for his community building skills. In this latter arena he has been active in the ongoing work of what began as the Foundation for Community Encouragement, a non profit organization started by author M. Scott Peck [The Road Less Traveled]. Fran and Diana now live in western North Carolina where he owns Teerivane Recording Studios, recording and producing his own projects as well as releases for other artists. His most recent releases are: Listening for the Heart [2000], Via Transforma [2001] and his latest [2003], Cairn, now available on CD Baby. He has recently produced Lessons in Life and Love for Ginny Wilder, a wonderful new singer/songwriter from Asheville, NC and is in the pre-production stages with the 'Honeys,' a new vocal group creating a huge buzz in the Asheville area. For Fran's touring schedule, booking contacts, press releases and reviews, information on Teerivane Studios, or to contact him regarding recording production, please visit his web site: www.franmckendree.com Check out the artist's website: http://www.franmckendree.com Track List: 1. Freedom Dancers 2. Circle of Love 3. Wade in the Water 4. Clouds Over the Moon 5. Be Good 6. Haul Away 7. Let's Get Real 8. Just Before the Dawn 9. Hand In Mine 10. Heart With No Companion 11. On Raglan Road 12. The Velvet and the Steel 13. People of the River 14. Let Your Light Shine Suggested CDs:
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