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ABOUT RAIF DENKTAS & MCM RECORDS MCM Records is defined as multi cultural music, a fusion of world music, jazz and rhythm and blues blended to evoke the exotic sounds from around the world. The company is independently owned and operated by producer, guitarist and singer/songwriter Raif Denktas. Born in Adapazari, Turkey, a small town close to Istanbul, Raif moved to southern California in 1963. By 1966 he had migrated to San Francisco. Throughout the late 60's and early 70's Raif had rare opportunities to perform with some of the legendary players of the time including John Lee Hooker, Harvey Mandell, Mike Henderson, and Carlos Santana. In 1972 he formed the Rose Lotus Band with long-time friend and percussionist John Romero, aka John Roman. By 1975 the team had co-written and produced their first album – Rose Lotus Band along with keyboard player David Bates and bassist Bill Girvan. Going solo in 1977, Raif ventured into new territory and made his way to the East Coast where he formed the Life Force Band in Woodstock, New York. The band was filling local nightclubs to capacity with crowds who could not get enough of the music. Riding the crest of the unique sound created by the Life Force Band, Raif was inspired to finish recording his next album – Gorilla Guru. Originally released on vinyl in 1979 on the MCM label, the album represents a compilation of the original works of the Rose Lotus Band and the Life Force Band. In addition to re-releasing Gorilla Guru on CD, Raif Denktas and Rob Turner have teamed up again to co-produce their latest CD, Searching for One World. Also included from the original Life Force Band members is veteran percussionist, Billy Curtis. New members on this latest recording are Aaron Hurwitz, keyboards, Ken Lovelet drums, Peter Beutler, saxaphone and flute, Chris Strone, bass and Liana Turner, backup vocals. MCM Records released both albums in October 2002. Track List: 1. It's All Right Now 2. Karashilama 3. Sound of Music 4. Gorilla Guru 5. Happiness of Yesterday 6. Rain Song 7. Celebration 8. Mediterranean Blue Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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