Soul Remember

Soul Remember- Album Review

After months of begging, pleading and getting the word out it is here, Soul Remember by the artist Rahjwanti. When listening to the carefully crafted music of this album you can't help but tap into the emotions of happiness, romance and consciousness. Each song evokes raw emotion and provokes deep introspection. As the melodic baritone wraps words around your mind you can't help but wonder if Rahjwanti has been peeking in the window of your soul. At 32 years young Rahjwanti has experienced things in life that many of us will never understand, mainly dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters to hit our country in decades. Through all of that tragedy however Rahjwanti rises out of the ashes like a phoenix of music and brings the soul of New Orleans back to the world. I had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions on how he feels about his album, art, life and of course love.After reading his responses I came away with the feeling that he is very God driven and that he watches people intently. Being a self proclaimed, "late bloomer," Rahjwanti did not begin to pursue his musical career until his late twenties. Giving him enough time to have lived life and really create music with which others can relate. Though Rahjwanti does not have a favorite song from his album, he likened my question to asking a parent to pick a favorite child, he does have a song with which he most relates. That song is I Hate To Tell Ya he feels that this song best represents his struggle with having to make a decision between a relationship and pursuing his music full time. His love of music prevailed happily enough for his fans. He is also a self proclaimed romantic and feels that romance is something that is individual and special for each person.Two of my favorite songs are So Soul Good and Stick Around, so I took this opportunity to ask Rahjwanti about his inspirations for these songs. So Soul Good my morning anthem was written as his love wishlist. Everything he put in that song is how he would like to feel in a real relationship. If you have not yet heard that song you are truly missing a treat. As for Stick Around, he states that it is not autobiographical, but rather a song that illustrates the life and struggles of a closefriend. Again showing Rahjwanti's compassion for others and how he translates that into his music. Both songs are excellent as are the other songs on the album.When I asked Rahjwanti about his many female admirers, he humbly stated that he has no problem with the attention as he is God driven and sees that his gifts are coming across and being received positively. He truly appreciates all of his fans and states that he speaks to the majority of the many people that send him messages daily. He feels that it is important that he stay grounded and he knows that his fans are a major part of his success, second only to God.I also had to question Rahjwanti on how growing up and living in New Orleans helped to mold him as an artist. Rahjwanti feels that there is so much talent and a great artistic soul in New Orleans that is yet to be recognized and he is making it his mission to get the word out. That being said, I felt it only fitting to discuss how the aftermath of Katrina effected him musically. Katrina left him numb because he was watching so much suffering. He was watching his people, a people so steeped in culture and spirit, struggle in a manner not seen in the United States for centuries. He said that his music halted, but because he feels that music is bigger than just Rahjwanti the individual he continued on his path. He wants the world, through his music, to see that New Orleans still has a lot to offer and that it is a place where talented people can be found. He also reiterated that they are still suffering in New Orleans. Which made me think that there has to be more that we can all be doing to alleviate the suffering of the people of New Orleans, as they are not refugees, but American citizens. They're not heavy, they're our brothers and we must help pick them up and get them back to the level of success they once enjoyed.Rahjwanti is a decent, humble guy that is able to tap into the soul of all people with passionate words and rhythms. After listening to his CD in constant rotation for some time now, I am unable to pinpoint my one favorite song, but the one that makes me happy (like cake), whenever is So Soul Good. The one that touches the romantic in me is Infectous. Finally the one that brings out my consciousness is Stick Around. Again each song on the album has endeared itself in my musical soul. The CD is well worth the listen and is priced well. If you would like to purchase a copy so that you can see exactly what I am talking about you can go to www.myspace.com/rahjwantimusic. It was well worth the wait Rahjwanti.Sister in light,Amara Michaelle