Ron Renninger

Artist Information

Biography

Audiences find much to relate to in Ron's heartfelt song writing; words and music that draw on a wealth of experience from a fascinating and well-traveled life.
Wheather it's channeling his inner old blues master in songs like "I Got the River (in my Backyard)", to addressing existential issues in "No Matter How Big You Are", or to trying to outrun heartache in "If Time were a Highway", one is left with some moving and unforgettable stories and images.
Aided by outstanding dexterity on an old Martin, and a slightly raspy baritone, Ron's music touches on universal themes that can at once entertain, inspire and often move some feet....

Bio:

Self taught at age 15, Ron soon formed the first band to be signed to the newly formed SIRE records, such early success was very encouraging to a starry eyed teenager who moved to NY's Greenwich Village to pursue his music career.
Dividing his time between Woodstock NY, Manhattan and Northern California, Ron added to his musical experiences by rubbing elbows and jamming with such greats as David Bromberg, Jorma Kaukonen, Doc Watson, Buzz Feiten, Tim Hardin, and Taj Mahal. (during a particularly exciting six month stretch, Ron played back up for Chuck Berry, jammed with Santana and had a one-on-one with Jimi Hendrix. ..one of his heroes at the time)
Moving on to recording, he became a sought-after session guitarist on New York's highly competitive recording circuit. Ron's quest for a more acoustic sound led him to the Green Mountains of Vermont. It was while performing with folk-rock groups such as the popular Willow that he began honing his distinctive singing and song writing skills.

In his career so far, he has shared the stage with such greats as Richie Havens, Lucinda Williams, Jesse Colin Young, John Hammond Jr., Lucy Kaplansky, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, and Christine Lavin. (He was also one of the artists on Christine Lavin's very popular compilation CD and tour, "THE STEALTH PROJECT, musicundertheradar")

He's performed in countless venues and festivals from Tampa to Tokyo; from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (where he was a finalist in the troubador competition) to NYC's Bottom Line to London's Albert Hall.

Ron's five CDs, have been well received. His most current "SOULMATES & SENTENCES" will be joined by his soon to be released 6th CD, "LATE BLOOMER". His discography also includes "ANOTHER KITE TO FLY", "THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF LOVE", "VANISHING BREED" and "ELDERSONGS".

Instrumentation

Ron Renninger; Guitar & Vocals


CHRISTINE LAVIN says....
"I'm on a mission to get Ron's music exposed to as many people as possible.
He truly is a great Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist.
Hearing him I'm reminded of why I decided to get involved in music in the first place. He's that good.

Discography

"Another Kite to Fly"
"There but for the Grace of Love"
"Vanishing Breed"
"Eldersongs"
"Soulmates & Sentences"
"Late Bloomer" (due out summer 08)

Audio

• I Got The River (in my backyard).MP3
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• I Always Come Back.MP3
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• No Matter How Big You Are.MP3
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• If Time Were Hiway #6.MP3
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• Kilkenny Mist (Inst.).MP3
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Lyrics

• No Matter How Big You Are
• I've Got the River (in my backyard)
• It Aint No Use
• "If Time Were a Highway"
• Keep The Species Going
• No Matter How Big You Are
• Memories of You

Video

Keep the Species Going

Photo Gallery

Press

• CHRISTINE LAVIN says.... [+ Show ]
  

  "I'm on a mission to get Ron's music exposed to as many people as possible. Hearing him, I'm reminde..."I'm on a mission to get Ron's music exposed to as many people as possible. Hearing him, I'm reminded of why I decided to get involved in music in the first place. I first heard of Ron through his first CD, "ANOTHER KITE TO FLY". I'll usually hear a CD for the first time and perhaps like one or two tracks. Nearly every cut on "ANOTHER KITE TO FLY" blew me away.
  He truly is a great Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist. Ron's music seems somehow to tap into the subconscience; he's able to put into words those thoughts and feelings that usually lie just below the surface.
  I think his song "Twilight" is going to turn out to be a modern day standard. Along with "Another Kite to Fly" I highly recommend "Ther but for the Grace of Love".
  

• The New York Times says... [+ Show ]
  

  "Ron Renninger more than held his own with well crafted, well sung and superbly played original comp..."Ron Renninger more than held his own with well crafted, well sung and superbly played original compositions.
  An unexpected treat"

• Alan Pepper of the Bottom Line
  

  "Quite a gifted performer. A natural and easy going stage presence"

• SING OUT Magazine says.... [+ Show ]
  

  "Another Kite to Fly" CD review: There are some great songs here. "The Corner of Gunhill and Hell"..."Another Kite to Fly" CD review:
  There are some great songs here.
  "The Corner of Gunhill and Hell" is about growing up where a "kiss is a means of persuasion and a lie is a tool you can learn to use well". "Flowers in the Sidewalk" is about being in the wrong place in a wrong relationship. " Twilight" chronicles a dying love that is not quite light, not quite dark,and not quite over although it's not like it was."Even the Strongest of Trees" is a well-crafted with imaginitive images. The instrumental cuts provide good interludes, almost intermissions of well played guitar music. Renninger has a clear voice and proves to be an excellent writer. On the whole this one is highly recommended-VH

• PERFORMING SONGWRITER.... [+ Show ]
  

  CD Review: "There But for the Grace of Love" "All around are the lonely souls with sadness in their...CD Review: "There But for the Grace of Love"
  "All around are the lonely souls with sadness in their eyes/And I think there but for the grace of love go I" In his title track, Ron Renninger has written a song of heartbreak and celebration. It's kind of a "God Bless The Child That's Got His Own" folk song.
  Throughout the 15 tracks here Renninger displays a knack for summing up the good and the bad when it comes to affairs of the heart. "Sweet Old Time" is an ode to the good. "Highway of Love" with its car and roadmetaphors, examines the bittersweet side.
  Renninger is based in New York City and boasts a pretty colorful musical history. At sixteen, his band, Basement Concession, was the first act signed to the newly formed Sire Records. He's shared stages with folks like Lucinda Williams, Sonny Terry and more. "Grace" is his second solo album.
  When he's not addressing the many facets of love, Renninger takes on more topical subjects: the death of Carl Sagan in "Sometimes Stars Fall Too Soon", dysfunctional families in "They Die But They Don't", and the mayhem brought on by guns in "Piece". Simple instrumentation keeps his voice and nimble finger picking in the forefront. Renninger seems to be an artist whose fuse and muse still burn bright.
  
  
  

• DIRTY LINEN says...... [+ Show ]
  

  CD Reviews "Another Kite to Fly" and "There But for the Grace of Love" "Another Kite to Fly", th...CD Reviews "Another Kite to Fly" and
  "There But for the Grace of Love"
  
  "Another Kite to Fly", the first solo recording by Ron Renninger, is a self confessional, autobiographical collection of well written acoustic based songs. Renninger's years as a studio musician shows in the simple but effective use of backing musicians. A couple of intrumentals round out what is an enjoyable set of music. His second recording has many of the charms of the first. Renninger's still writing songs drawn from personal experience, still using a very simple backing and still retaining a warmth that draws you into the stories he's telling (JLe)

• Jonathon Schwartz says.... [+ Show ]
  

  "Renninger sings from the heart" "Twilight" is an excellent song and "Another Kite to Fly" is a ver..."Renninger sings from the heart"
  "Twilight" is an excellent song and "Another Kite to Fly" is a very good album.
  
  

• VARIOUS BLURBS..... [+ Show ]
  

  Neil Best of New York Newsday says... "Ron's an original stylist and captivating performer" Defini...Neil Best of New York Newsday says...
  "Ron's an original stylist and captivating performer"
  Definitely on the cutting edge of Neo-Folk"
  
  John Hammond , Sr. of Columbia Records said...
  "An excellent and spirited musical interpreter"
  
  

Setlist

I draw from a repertoire of over 150 original songs...including:
I Got the River (in my backyard)
Scouting Missions
If Time were A Highway
No Matter How Big You Are
I Wanna be Everything (to you)
Mother Earth
Even the Strongest of Trees
Keep the Species Going
Another Kite To Fly
Shadow of Doubt
The Forecast is Good
Love Had to Follow
Full Moon Rising
Living Proof
Veteran
Heart of the City
Nightingale
It Aint no Use
Sweet Old Time
I Wish I Had A Clone
A Little bit of Peace (on Earth)
Thee but for the Grace of Love
Twilight
Copernicus
Dark Side of Love
Love is a Short Word
Memories of You
Only the Rivers Run Free
My Heart s in Your Hands
Sweetest Love Ever Made
Halftime Band
Classical Song
On the Corner of Gunhill and Hell
The Same Boat Brother

Basic Requirements

Calendar