16433; Croden: RAM has new album

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: croden <croden@nyc.rr.com>

For Immediate Release:

HAITIAN SUPERGROUP RAM HAS NEW ALBUM, WILL VISIT USA FOR PRESS CONFERENCE
&
PERFORMANCE

Geronimo Records is proud to announce the release of Le Jardin, the fifth
and
latest CD by the Haitian supergroup, RAM. The album, which has a street
date of
________, continues Haitian-American bandleader RICHARD MORSEs exploration
of
his own cultural heritage and that of his Haitian-born wife, LUNISE, who
is
co-lead singer. The band will perform at the Brasserie Creole, 227-02
Linden
Boulevard, Cambria Heights, Queens, NYC on August 29, 2003 at 8 PM.
Richard and
Lunise Morse will be available at a press conference at the Ramada Plaza
Hotel,
JFK Airport, Ballroom C, on August 30, 2003 from 2-6 PM.

Ram was a natural outgrowth of a native sons love for his homeland.
Richard
Morse, the son of a Haitian mother and an American father, was reared in
the
United States and did not set foot on Haitian soil until after he had
graduated
from Princeton University. Knowing instantly that this was where he
belonged,
the former punk rocker set about exploring local music styles. He
eventually
took over running the legendary Oloffson Hotel which was the setting for
Grahame Greens novel The Comedians and remains a glamorous international
hotspot and media hangout.

Ram began as a series of after-hours jam sessions and gradually became the
hotels house band. They burst onto the American scene when Ibo Lele, a
track
from their debut release (Abobo (Margaritaville - 1998) was included on
the
soundtrack to Jonathan Demmes Oscar-winning film Philadelphia. Subsequent
albums (Puritan Voudou, Kite Yo Pale, and Madi Gra - Carnival
Compilation) have consolidated their reputation and made them firm
favorites
both at home and abroad.

Although Richard insists that Ram is not a political entity, their lyrics
have
been known to raise official hackles from time to time. Author Bob
Shacochis
wrote extensively about the Morses and Ram in his book "The Immaculate
Invasion" (Penguin - 2002), praising their courage and grace under
pressure. At
a reading of the work-in-progress at New York's 92nd Street Y, the writer
invited Richard and Lunise to join him on the dais. The couple received a
standing ovation from a packed house, led by Jonathan Demme, who was on
hand to
see them honored.

Recent tours have included a month at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland
and a
series of performances in Great Britain, during which Ram played live on
BBC
radio presenter Andy Kershaws show. But despite their increased presence
in
various world markets, the band can still be heard almost every thursday
night
at the Oloffson.

To be placed on the promo list for Le Jardin and for further information
please contact:

Christina Roden - croden@nyc.rr.com