Is it faith? Having faith that another day will come. The blessings that manifest from believing in the unseen. Knowing that faith in self, family and community inspires everyone.

Is it respect? The respect you have for self. The way you take time to learn, process and understand. The respect you share with the youth, your peers and elders. The respect you receive from friends and family because you give love.

Is it life? The art of living love. The art of celebrating the core of your spirit with those near and far. We have one life to live and love.

Give unconditionally…

Being excited about life ensures healthier living. The more excited you are about living the better your life will be.

Enjoy you. Enjoy your blessings. Enjoy breathing.

Meditate on good thoughts…

I wish you a happy, prosperous and exciting life.

The year was pivotal personally and professionally. Many life changes took place that would define the future that I’m living now.

One thing that happened was meeting a group of experimental musicians from the DC metro area. I spent many jam sessions at Twins Lounge on Colorado Ave and One Step Down on Pennsylvania Ave. These sessions led to my first gig in DC with Kenny Rittenhouse on a Thursday at One Step Down (I had no idea I would book my first band leader gig a few months later in March of 1998).

The musicians that I met were open to the limitless possibilities of music. At the time, there was a respect factor that was without question. Young cats (me included) had tremendous respect for our elders. When they got on the band stand we moved out the way and waited to be invited. When they spoke, we listened.

At the time, there was talk about putting together a band that would combine the young cats and the experienced musicians. Calls were made and I was surprised to be a part of the group considering I was new to the area.

If memory serves me right, the band had its first gig as the HR57 Big Band. The concept was to create a group that was different and fresh.

Later on Thad Wilson booked a gig for the group at One Step down on monday nights starting in January of 1998. The band was billed as the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra.

What happened next? Well, I personally got to play with DC’s creative minds. Amazing rhythm sections accompanying a big band that some compared to the Mingus Big Band in New York City.

Every monday night you never knew who would be in the audience. The music was fresh. As a young musician, I developed among the great musicians that surrounded me.

The band started out as a community ensemble that sought after what was missing in the DC music community.

On January 19, 2012 at HR57, we will return to that concept.

The band will feature some of the original members like Allyn Johnson, Michael Thomas, Doug Pierce, Antonio Parker and James King. There are also some new faces like Brian Settles, John Williams and Corey Wallace. We will have a great time.

Thank you to all the DC musicians who nurtured me. I will forever be grateful.

With love and respect,

Reginald Cyntje

One year ago, I had one wish. With prayer and faith, I began the journey in creating an album that would inspire a variety of people.

The response was amazing and Freedom’s Children: The Celebration was recorded on May 26, 2011. The musicians and the community made the album a huge success.

Since the release of the album, children, adults and activists have enjoyed the music. I’m still humbled by people sending me messages like “my child really loves Children’s Parade” or “Daybreak moves my spirit.”

On January 27, 2012, I will celebrate my 36th journey. My wish? Well, I would like you to share the music of “Freedom’s Children: The Celebration.”

The goal is 36 CDs/downloads by January 27th. Do you have a favorite track? Maybe you love the entire musical offering? Tell a friend what you like about the music.

Messages of love, peace, hope, determination, faith, respect, social justice and beauty are all shared on the album. When you share the music, you will help me spread these messages.

I appreciate you. Thank you for helping me achieve my birthday wish.

With love and respect,

Reginald Cyntje

Check out the reviews from listeners like you on Amazon

On January 27, I celebrate another trip around the sun. I will be 36 years old. My birthday wish this year is that more people get to experience the love and sincerity of Freedom’s Children: The Celebration.

I do appreciate you purchasing the album but more importantly, I love when the message of the music reaches your heart.

It is amazing to see a variety of age groups enjoy the music. Recently, I spoke to my son’s first grade class about the caribbean. After the presentation, I gave each student in his class a copy of the album. Shortly after, his class was celebrating Peace and Love.

I’m looking forward to all the opportunities to share music, life and love with you my community.

Thank you for reading and I pray this year brings you and your family many blessings.

With love,

Reginald Cyntje

P.S. Check out album reviews on Amazon and CD BABY

It has been an amazing year. I began this year with a mission to record my first album. The goal was to record an album that people could enjoy for the art, message, music and cultural relevance. Combining music from the caribbean with jazz and afro beat, children and adults began celebrating to the music on August 23, 2011. The greatest compliment was seeing my children dance and fall in love with the music. I also received stamps of approval from elders/mentors. It is humbling to know Freedom’s Children: The Celebration is in different households in various parts of the world.

The album was created with the help of private funds, community support, loved ones, gifted musicians, a thoughtful co-producer, and great engineers. The end result was magic.

I also spent the year studying subjects outside of music. I’ve never been in school from January to December (nonstop). Many of the subjects I studied prepared me for the social justice fights ahead.

In 2011 I’ve noticed a change in the rites of passage system. Each year it seems that this ancient tradition is depleting. I think in 2012 the elders will put these ‘out of line’ individuals in their place.

Also in 2011, Nicholas Payton received a lot of positive and negative attention for calling jazz BAM (black american music). Why? Well I think we all know the answer to that. I was happy to see that this very gifted musician was taking a stance.

In 2011, many of my friends and associates released albums. I enjoyed many of the artistic releases. I refuse to participate in the rating system and rank these albums. I will say that I heard the personality of the artist in their contribution.

This past year I was happy to see people wake up and stand up for their rights. Since I was a child I’ve fought for social justice and I’ve prayed that the masses do the same. My goal is to assist my USVI brothers and sisters in bringing social justice back to the shores. I’ve lost work due to the things I write and say about my homeland but I’m committed to creating positive change.

2011 was filled with challenges, rewards, discoveries, accomplishments and many lessons. I look forward to diminishing my ego more so 2012 can reveal its blessings.

Thank you for reading. Thank you God for all my blessings in 2011.

Love,

Reginald Cyntje

As time modulated, people taken from their homeland created music that relieved pain. This music, embedded with code, led them to freedom. Music is revolution.

Songs laced with weapons of mass education inspired people all over the world. These songs synchronized people in cadence for the truth to be received in melody, harmony and infectious rhythms. No great revolution existed without music. Music is community.

Conscious artists putting humanity before the insanity of a capitalistic society called people to their feet with messages of social justice, love and accountability. Music is love.

Today, many take for granted the power of music. You have “artists” releasing poison from their lips with melodies only meant for self indulging prophecies. The ancestors provide us with the tools we need to stand up and create positive change. The path laced with melodies inspiring the masses to be their best self.
Stand for community, life, love, revolution and the betterment of humanity. Why? Music is you…

Throughout time there has been a rise and fall in the consciousness of the people. The powerful stories of our past should never become unfamiliar. There are lessons to be learned and mistakes that should not be repeated. Unfortunately there are perpetrators who continue to find ways to destroy community in the name of profit.

Will we stand aside and allow these false leaders to deplete our will to believe? Sometimes our profits are taken from us and the fight is forgotten. How can we keep our movement alive? How can we keep moving forward toward a better tomorrow?

Tell the story of our ancestors. Tell the story to our children and have them pass it on to their children. We can’t wait until a martyr is created in our community then rise up only for a brief moment before we return to our regular routine. The freedom song is in each of us. None of us wants to be physical or mental slaves chained to false ideals.

Too many people have died for the benefit of the masses. Over & over again these martyrs lose their lives for the same cause, social justice. Lest we forget…

Today we see many rising for justice but there are still more who question the fight. What would you do if you knew your future or your child’s was in great danger? Would you fight for your rights or be docile?

The tides are changing and ripples of frustration are growing into waves. Cells of people all over the world are crying, screaming, yelling for their rights. Will you? The message will survive if clusters of people maintain multiple networks of freedom fighters preaching the message of one love. Social justice for all!

Peace and love, the great human desire, will expire without justice. We need more people willing to stand up and be heard. We need more people to uphold the benefits from our ancestors.

Our ancestors fought for us to be freedom’s children yet many of us take it for granted. Let us build on their legacy. Let us realize the dream they had for humanity. Let us embark on the journey that will ensure commUNITY!

Music: the music was created with community in mind. I also wanted to use styles of music that have been instrumental in social justice movements.

Musicians: the combination of steel pan, trombone, vibraphone, voice, marimba, acoustic bass, drums and percussion reflect instruments used throughout time to call people to action. Plus the unique arrangement of instruments provides a fresh perspective.

Concept: There are many visual and musical messages presented in “Freedom’s Children: The Celebration.” When you look at the album cover, each symbol holds deep meaning that uplifts the spirit. The music was selected to speak to the soul and inspire the individual to create positive change in self and community.

Diversity: before the album was released, the songs were played for a variety of audiences. First the songs were tested on my children. I wanted to make sure children could enjoy melodies like “Peace and Love.” The album then was tested on my nephew and other 10 year olds. After the album gained successful responses from children, I moved on to young adults, my peers and elders in the community. Everyone found their identity in the music. The album is meant for individuals, families and communities to enjoy.

You: when you listen, close your eyes and see what comes to mind when you hear songs like “Relaxing”, “Children’s Parade” or “Sweet and Sour.” After you create your own perception of the music, check out the liner notes for more insight.

Thank you for listening.

Freedom’s Children: The Celebration by Reginald Cyntje is available on:

CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ReginaldCyntje

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/freedoms-children-the-celebration/id459030030

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Children-Celebration-Herman-Provost/dp/B005IF5XRW/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316377929&sr=301-1

Also check out:

Children of the Sun
2810 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC
202.299.0279

Sankofa – Video, Books & Cafe
2714 Georgia Ave.
Washington, DC
www.sankofa.com
202.234.4755

Nisey’s Boutique
4007 34th Street
Mount Ranier, MD 20712
http://www.niseysboutique.com
301.277.7977

Natural Livity Kulcha Shop
9A Norre Gade (Main Street)
St. Thomas, VI
http://naturallivitykulchashop.com
340.715.1992

Music Shoppe II
Havensight Mall
St. Thomas, VI
340-774-1900 or 340-777-9434
fax 340-777-1753

Picture yourself as a child sitting by the parade route on a beautiful Caribbean Island.  You are excited to experience all the joys of a parade especially designed for you.  Your friends from school are in various troops and you wait eagerly for the parade to start.  After the officials complete their formalities, you begin to hear the music coming up the street.  First you hear the drums, then the bass, then…more until you find yourself dancing in place with a friend or family member to the groove.  Not knowing or caring about the words, you begin dancing wildly (as children do) to the sounds of the “Children’s Parade.” Soon after, the band pulls off and you are left overjoyed by the rhythm.

After the parade of innocence passes, the roller coaster of life begins. Close your eyes and imagine your sacred place. Do you remember when self-awareness took shape? The Caribbean has been the back drop for beautiful and painful stories. But to this day, even with the rise in violence and corruption, one can still enjoy the relaxed people, rich culture and the crystal clear blue waters, white sand beaches, huge clouds kissing the tip of the ocean, and blue skies overhead accented by a breeze just right for the spirit.  In these moments, the gentle waves serve as a metronome for the song “Relaxing.”

Do you remember growing a little older and asking “Why?” At this stage in life we become inquisitive.  “Sankofa” is an example of when we ask questions and go back to fetch the story of our ancestors from our elders.  Can you hear the story in the music?  The energy fused with polyrhythmic ideas from a rich past. Are you reclaiming what is rightfully yours?

As we travel back in time, imagine a group of women organizing a powerful labor movement for equal rights. Can you picture 1878 for a woman? Rape, racial caste system, social injustice… as the imagery comes to mind, you realize that we are still facing these issues in 2011. Women still have unequal pay. Women still experience mistreatment. “Queen Mary” represents the women who led an influential movement for equality and justice.  This traditional Virgin Islands song is revisited to explore the nuances of then and now. Can you see the women getting together to organize and create change, advocating and inspiring the strength of the womb?

With knowledge of where we come from the “Sweet and Sour” of life becomes aparent. As you listen, can you hear the ying and yang of human nature?

As the plot thickens, we grow and open our minds to a vast amount of cultures.  We realize that we are connected by the tree of life. If you cut one branch, the other branches feel it. The roots are our ancestors. This is the point in life when we become aware of the injustices around the world.  We see the pictures of various types of international genocide.  We reach a level of consciousness where the atrocities forced upon women, ethnic groups and social classes becomes even clearer.  We cry “Peace and Love,” but there can’t be peace without justice.  Some of us become activists, others practice sedative agitation in isolation.  Listen to the song and let the mantra conjure up images of social justice.  Live love because love is the most powerful force on earth…

Break time…Amin, Herman, Victor and Warren exited the studio while Lenny stayed behind to ensure things were straight with Jimmy, Christie and Tosin.  The musicians talked about how the session was going and took pictures while cracking jokes about life, love and each other. Our engineer, Cephas’, head was moving while we listened to “Peace and Love.” One would think that we would have lost the vibe while on break but spirit was everywhere. And spirit said…

We are all faced with choices when we reach crossroads in life. Imagine feeling lost then receiving a glimmer of hope.  After you take the steps needed, you finally reach your destination.  “Daybreak” paints a picture of the sun slowly setting on confusion and rising with newfound self-awareness, self-respect and self-love.  Sit back, relax and feel the time change as we experience a new day together.

On this day, we have arrived.  Emancipation! “Freedom’s Children: The Celebration.”  We played, reflected, loved and meditated.  Now we realize that unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith will lead us to a better community.

With increased understanding comes greater clarity.  As mature adults, we notice more corruption while “Strollin” down any Main Street.  Can you hear the characters interplay?  Listen, you will hear their deception.  But, they don’t last long…

Why?  Because we know what our “Ancestors” have done to ensure our freedom. We recognize that our purpose is to give unconditional love.  We know that like our elders, we can mentor a child today and save a life tomorrow.  We are all freedom’s children.  Let us ensure a brighter tomorrow for future children before we transition to ancestry…

The plan was to record over two days but we did everything in one night.  After we recorded the last tune, the energy lingered inside the room.  I stayed behind in that moment and thanked spirit for speaking through us.  I reflected on the rehearsals, the fundraising (online and offline), the musicians’ artistry, the planning, the community support, family, friends, elders and mentors.  I thought about all the souls that made this project possible and with a prayer I said “I appreciate you.  Thank you.  I love you.”

Peace, Paz, Paix, Paco, Santi, Selam, Shalom, Salama, Udo, Amani…Many languages, one people, one love…

Reginald Cyntje
June 2011
http://www.facebook.com/cyntjemusic
Click to Purchase the CD

Is it here among us or off in a distance where only the enlightened few can obtain knowledge of its existence? A place where lovers dance because they are free of chains that nurtured conditional loving. Unconditional seems to be the norm in this higher plain of awareness. The true lovers no longer see the basic two dimensional figures of traditional constraints. The vale of delusion lifted and for the first time they can see the plush colors of life, love and happiness.

The realm of romance…

Is it a state of mind? The wisdom of love finally setting in after trial attempts at understanding. Finally love, being the most powerful gift, divine in nature, leading those disciples on a path of truth beyond comprehension. As the clouds of uncertainty dissolve, the new horizon awakens a clear state of artistry. Can you see the dream becoming reality? The students of life finally unlearning the misconceptions and embracing fresh perceptions of how we are one (love).

Maybe this realm is energy? A force so pure that it can’t be called anything less than love. A taste of sweet nectar from this fresh sun kissed flower of love is enough to nurture a country for eternity. Can you imagine such a force between two people? Do you wonder how it feels to hold the hands of someone you are connected to on a level beyond comprehension? Can we honestly allow ourselves to evolve to a state where we can love on this echelon?

Are there multiple directions/dimensions? Will this realm be reached through introspection? Digging deep within the soul until we arrive at the core of our being. Is it hot and fiery like the center of the earth? Maybe this is where our passion is conceived? Birthed to aid us in reaching our full potential as lovers we only have to follow reason.

What reason? The reason to love. The reason to give. The reason to show compassion. Will we?

The realm of romance… filled with the excitement of love, the mystery of love, the creation of love, the principle of love, the pleasure of love, the evolution of love and the endless possibilities of love…

Is this our quest? If so, let us take the journey together