Hi Chris!! How are you? I hope you are very well, and that you enjoyed your time in the Phillippines!
I wanted to write to you to tell you how much i love your album!! Your album is truly beautiful. I wanted to write to you because I had to tell you how much I feel that you are really living your mission!! The first time I listened to your songs properly by myself, I experienced a vision of everyone smiling and happy; united - like a bigger version of all my happiest and most favourite memories from many music festivals that I've been to over the years!! YOU are manifesting that with your work!!
Because I experience all your energy, love and beautiful intentions pouring out of your songs when I listen to them, listening to your music is an inspiring and healing experience. Thank you.
Although all your songs are beautiful, I love “Gypsy Winds of Change”, there is so much movement and rhythm in it, I feel like I am riding a horse on a beach under the stars at night! It travels so much and it's wonderful. It captures some of the emotions I've experienced when my life has changed, uncontrollably and rapidly and led me away from the things that at the time I wanted with all of my heart. Because it's uplifting it makes it possible for me look at things from a more accepting and understanding point of view. I loved The “Healer” from the first time I heard you and Nikki sing it, and my very favourite is “Sky of Many Waters.” Initially it was the soothing sound of the flute and the chanting which grabbed me, but the main melody is actually very beautiful and I can't help but sing harmonies to it when I listen to it. The native feel together with your voice make the song rich and beautiful.
All your songs tell an important story and not all songwriters can do that: it is a gift.
So, in a nutshell, you are a true artist! Keep going!
-Monica White, Melbourne, Australia
song of the angels || manila destination photographer
August 25, 2011
its funny how sometimes in your life you meet people you never forget..and always stay connected to.
That is pretty much the deal with me and Christopher RamBarran.
i met christopher here, in manila, in the late 90s. our meeting was an interesting one with a story of its own to stay the least. :) christopher had been traveling the world, literally, with his guitar, singing songs for so many people, primarily children, about love and unity and the world.
his heart is huge. and as he first sung to the little ones at GENTLE HANDS way back, you could see them connect immediately with him. it was truly a sight to see.
and i love that EVERY SINGLE TIME he comes to the philippines he makes a point of seeing “our kids” at GH. it’s truly a blessing to us.
and since that day he has come several more visits and serenades the little ones and they join him in song and it is quite a beautiful thing.
when i heard christopher (who was based in los angeles for many years and now makes calgary, canada his home) was going to be in the philippines this summer, i was delighted. we set up a lifestyle session 3 times i think. he had been sick for many weeks while here, and i was so glad to know he was feeling better and making the trek to my village in pasig.
it was quite a thing to see really - me, with my gear in tow, peddling our pedicab, with christopher and his guitar in the side cab. i tell you - the STARES & GIGGLES i got were PRICELESS! we even got stranded at the sari sari (corner store) because of a downpour. that’s ok - who doesn’t like an iced cold coke on a hot day? :) but we had a great time no less! christopher thank you for spending the day with us here in our village. it was so great to connect with you again. and i look forward to hearing more about your grand adventures.
check out christopher’s WEBSITE to see what in the world he is up to! :)
-xoTracey
Let The Angels Take You On A Journey
“If you come across a CD with the title Song of the Angels, what do you expect to hear? Beautiful sounds, melodic voices, verses and music that take you on a journey of emotions? Well this release by Christopher has that and more.
The songs touched me in a way that music hasn’t been able to do in awhile. So much of what we seem to hear lacks the emotion and feeling that Christopher has managed to portray with his unique vocals and relatable words. My favorite, for now, is Learn To Love Somebody. The chorus: “If you want to learn to love somebody, you gotta learn to love yourself” spoke to me as it will to so many others. That’s the beauty behind Christopher’s music.
If someone were to ask me what genre this CD is, I couldn’t tell you. During the song The Healer, there were parts where I felt like I was at an old time Spanish cantina. Yet, other songs brought back the joys of being that rocker chick I was in the eighties. Like I said, this CD takes you on a journey of emotions.
The most important emotion this CD brings though is happiness. The songs brought a smile to my face and gave me a warm , joyful feeling. Well done Christopher.”
-Karen Magill, Rock Raff Magazine
Song of the Angels - Mission Beautifully Accomplished
"Song of the Angels is as noteworthy as the music itself. Accurately described as World Inspired Music, Christopher has graced his voice in all corners of the globe, from Kenya to California, India to Peru, Nepal to Australia, the Philippines to Costa Rica... The time spent performing around the world shows richly in his music, not only from the Latin, folk, and native sounds, but from the depth and richness of his lyrics that remind us of our global humanity. The journey through this album is both heartbreaking and full of hope. After a brief but beautiful prelude with angels, one glides into the album on the silky, smooth ride into 'Learn to Love Somebody'. The straightforward, yet deeply inspiring lyrics carry arguably the most important message any of us can ever learn, and it captures you fully for the ride ahead. 'Roses Love the Rain' shares a love story that is pure and absolute. 'Gypsy Winds of Change' reflects on the helplessness of a relationship drifting apart, while 'Magic Hour' poetically describes a chasm separating lovers as a soul searches for his inner light. The sheer excellence of the musicians gets fully celebrated with the beefy Latin guitar and drum sounds in 'The Healer'. Its contagious energy compels you to jump up and dance the flamenco. 'Sky of Many Waters’' native flute and chanting further shines a light on Christopher’s international influences. The poetic storytelling and eclectic sounds leave one feeling as if they’ve traveled this personal and geographic journey with him. In his final song, Christopher sings 'I want to sing the song of the angels, paint on our hearts their message of love.' He can rest in the assurance that his mission was beautifully accomplished."
-Catherine Yerly, Los Angeles, CA
"My twenty-five years in the music industry working on Broadway musicals and at Paramount Pictures and Twentieth Century-Fox have provided me the experience necessary to evaluate young singers, musicians and songwriters. I am happy to recommend Christopher RamBarran as one of the most gifted and promising performers and songwriters that I have ever worked with. I have known Christopher for five years, having worked with him on several theatrical projects and musical shows. He has outstanding talent, great skill as a performer, and creates music with powerful and poignant messages that deserve to be heard. He has a terrific personality and is an amazing audience relater who gets the crowd into his music. His music connects with a broad range of people in a way that touches the soul to its deepest depth. Christopher truly has the power to enthrall an entire room of people. His spirit alone is the epitome of a rising star. My credentials include two Emmy Awards, two Ovation Awards, a Mania Science Fiction Award, and First Prize in six international film festivals. If I can give you any further information about this remarkable young man, please do not hesitate to call me. Yours truly, Cornell Christianson cornellchristianson@gmail.com .
-Cornell Christianson (two Emmy Awards, two Ovation Awards, a Mania Science Fiction Award, and First Prize in six international film festivals)
"I wholeheartedly put my support behind Christopher RamBarran and the music he is putting forth to the world. It is refreshing to listen to songs with meaning and passion behind then rather than ‘what’s in for the moment’ music that’s being mass promoted today. He is a thought provoking, heartfelt singer/songwriter. Through his radiant passion of song, Christopher touched my soul at a very deep level this past year. I consider the day he took the time to sing “Malaika” (Swahili-meaning Angel) to me as a turning point in my life. Since my husband died nine years ago my heart had been set; afraid to feel any more pain, I had also blocked deep feelings of love. Through this beautiful song that he sang to me with ardent spirit expressly to me, I was touched on a deep spiritual level. Since that day I have been granted strength to re-open my heart, allowing the tears of memory to flow as well as express high spirited passion. As a professional visual artist I attempt to capture passion, love and spiritual peacefulness with paint on canvas. Christopher’s music is the type of worldly music that I desire to hear while I create. His songs and voice lift me beyond myself and my immediate landscape. I dearly thank Christopher for the gift he has given me through his music; a gift that definitely needs to be shared on a world wide level. I pray that others like myself will not be deprived of the opportunity to hear Christopher’s message that comes through his music and presence. I thank you for your time spent reading this letter, may your life be blessed with loving abundance."
- Teresa Steiben-painter/visual artist
"Christopher & Natasha are regular guest musicians at Golden Circle Church of Religious Science in Santa Ana, CA where I am the Music Director. They are popular with the congregation for several reasons: the spiritual content & musicality of Christopher's original music, the loveliness of Natasha's vocal harmonies, their heartfelt delivery of the songs, and their bright and delightful presence. In addition - as if more were needed! - I find them easy to work with, willing to engage in the creative process of music in service, and altogether fine musicians."
-Debra Baker Cullen, Music Director Golden Circle Church, CA
"For five years, Christopher RamBarran has been a Co-Director and Performer for my church’s community outreach program which provides musical entertainment for patients at hospitals and nursing homes in Los Angeles, California. Christopher volunteers for no pay working many hours as a Co-Director of the Road Show. This ministry reaches out to the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals. Musical shows are performed that bring human contact, love, companionship, and caring to a huge market of shut-in people who often get no other visitors all week. Every month, Christopher runs the shows at Oceanview Hospital in Santa Monica, CA, Fireside Hospital in Santa Monica, CA, Marina Care Convalescent Home in Culver City, CA and Brentwood Nursing Home in Brentwood, CA. He manages the other performers and artists, runs the ninety-minute shows in the activity room or dining room, and then goes room to room to perform for the bedridden patients for another hour. Christopher fulfills not only the patients’ need for entertainment but also for spirituality, enlightenment, and uplifting consciousness. For the work Christopher Barran has done, this ministry was recently awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Fireside Hospital for outstanding service to their patients. Christopher’s work is invaluable to the Los Angeles community. These shows affect hundreds of elderly hospital and nursing home patients who look forward to them every month. His sister, Nikki Barran, also performs in these shows."
- Tina Marie Daly, Co-Director, Road Show
FLOWER DEDICATION AND TRIBUTE TO BE READ AT THIS SUNDAY'S AGAPE SERVICES:
"To Christopher RamBarran. Thank you for your 5 years of loving service in CommonUnity Ministries’ Road Show. Your sharing of your music, your smile and your open heart has uplifted not only the residents of the convalescent homes The Road Show has served but all those who have worked with you as well. As you return to Canada please know you will be deeply missed by all."
In Gratitude,
-Justine Linforth, CommonUnity Ministries Director
TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER RAMBARRAN – by Cornell Christianson ALSP
"Christopher, I want to thank you for the 5 years of service you gave to the Road Show. Sunday after Sunday, you selflessly volunteered your time and talent to uplift patients at nursing homes, children's hospitals and prisons throughout Los Angeles. And you didn’t just do the shows, you afterwards went room to room to sing to the bedridden patients like Delores Montgomery who so appreciated the love you gave them.
For years, you were the sole performer at Fireside Hospital. When Brentwood Nursing wanted us, and we had no one who could do it, you stepped up and took on even more responsibility. You have done over 100 shows just at Oceanview Hospital and touched many people there like Harold. You were an important part of the Road Show expanding from one show a month to now 8 shows a month.
On Barak Obama’s Call to Service Day, you led 155 singers at Marina Care Nursing Home in a powerful performance of hope for a new America.
When your time comes to go to the afterlife, you will be greeted by thousands of people who appreciated the joy you gave them while in a nursing home.
You will always be a part of the Road Show and we will forever love you."
WEST COAST ROAD SHOW – by Tina Daly
"The show at Oceanview Convalescent Hospital was a magical last show for Christopher RamBarran, our Co-Leader who served this ministry for 5 years. His Artist Visa wasn’t renewed and he’s returning to Canada this week to do great things and continue to spread love through his music. Over 15 performers turned out to pay tribute to Christopher and perform with him all his old favorites like “Blue Skies”, “Twist and Shout”, and “La Bamba”. CJ played guitar, JV on upright bass, Ron sang as did Christiana and our two new Prac Interns Susan and Connie.
I presented Christopher with a Certificate Of Appreciation from the Agape Road Show and read Cornell’s tribute letter to him (see below). Tears were shed. I almost couldn't get through the letter... Christopher will really be missed. I got very emotional and spoke my own words of thanks too. Even the patients told him how much they were going to miss him. It was very bittersweet.
Christopher ended the show with his song "Roses Love the Rain" since that was the first song him and I did together back at my first show. Then Christopher went to two other nursing homes (Fireside and Brentwood) to say goodbye in song to more angel patients, writing 'I by far am the one most blessed.'
CHATTING WITH CHRISTOPHER
I was able to speak with Christopher Barran while he was at his mother's home in Calgary, Alberta. The previous evening he had performed for the hometown crowd. Unfortunately, the inclement weather there had prevented many from attending yet he had still been pleased with the evening. "People were mouthing the words to the songs, even those that weren't as popular." It was great experience for Barran and a natural high that he was still on. I have known Barran for about fifteen years. I used to be Administrative Assistant for a mall in Calgary where Christopher's father owned the pharmacy. I walked in one day and saw a young man behind the counter wearing a POISON t-shirt. I reminded him of that and he says it was a good thing he had gone to the concert. I also reminded him of his music then; how I enjoyed the excitement I felt listening to him rock and then the difference I feel listening to his debut CD 'Song of The Angels'. So I asked him how he felt the music has changed. Barran feels that he is now more mature. Whereas before his music was all about chasing women and getting Ferraris (he and a partner actually had a clause in a contract that they would get a Ferrari if they sold so many albums) now he is more spiritual. When you visit www.christopherbarran.com - and I urge you to do so - you will see that The Agape International Spiritual Centre is something that means a lot to Christopher. So I asked him how he came to be associated with them. "When I arrived in Los Angeles people kept telling me I had to go to the Agape Church, about how much they loved my music there. So I went and saw this amazing minister, Dr. Michael Beckwith." Barran goes on to speak of Beckwith in glowing terms and with reverence. He describes the man as a spiritual force to be reckoned with and it sounds as if Dr. Beckwith could convert anyone. You can find a link to The Agape International Spiritual Centre through the links page on Christopher's site. Christopher comes across more settled, more spiritual than when I knew him previously. I asked him if this change was an epiphany or a more gradual one. At first he said gradual but later in the interview he amended that with a heart-wrenching story. While visiting a hospital for children with polio in Pune, India, Christopher looked into a room and saw several children in various degrees of pain. He asked one of the workers what had happened and it was explained that these children had had surgery that day. The hospital was too poor to supply anesthesia or pain killers. One of the nurses suggested that Barran sing so he did. It was like magic as the children lost themselves to the music, forgetting their pain for the moment. Christopher realized that day how powerful his gift was and just how much good he could do with it. As he rode back to the hotel in the van, he cried. The trappings of music stardom aren't worth a lot unless he can do something meaningful with it. And that is now his goal. To attain a level of stardom and to use the power associated with that level to help those in need. Christopher has traveled to many countries, spreading hope through his music. Philippines, Nepal, India, Costa Rica, Kenya and Peru are just a few of the place that have been blessed by the sounds of Christopher Barran. Although I have never been honored to hear Christopher perform live (the one opportunity I did have we had car trouble and arrived just as the show had ended) Christopher says it is an experience that surpasses the CD. So if you have the chance, take it. But we almost didn't get to hear Christopher's gift. He was determined to be an athlete, to compete in the Olympics in downhill ski racing when a near fatal accident ended that dream. After he healed, a friend talked the young Barran into singing with his band and the friend's mother, an opera trained singer, overheard Christopher. She trained Christopher for a while then turned his training over to her vocal coach. The rest, as they say, is history and the Olympics loss was music's very worthy gain. But our conversation wasn't all serious and spiritual in nature. If you go to his website and look at the photos, there is one with Christopher and a llama. Christopher is just beaming and it says 'The love of my life, Peru.' I thought he meant that Peru was the love of his life so I asked him why. "No, the llama," he says. "That's my girlfriend. She's got great legs." Kind of hairy though, don't you think? And then I asked him about the fact that he was born in South America, I met in Calgary and he now lives in Los Angeles. Where would he consider himself to be a citizen of? "An earthling." Was his immediate answer. I chuckled. "I was betting you were going to say a citizen of the world." I remarked. This time it was Christopher's turn to laugh. "I was thinking that." It was great having the chance to speak with Christopher Barran again and catch up on what's been happening. He's grown and matured but I expected that after all this time. Yet he is still charming and amusing. I look forward to keeping in touch with him, watching his career take off. I look forward to one day being able to say - I knew him when! Visit his site at www.christopherbarran.com and take a look around. Listen to samples of his debut CD, 'Song of The Angels', learn how to order it, learn more about Christopher. You won't be sorry you did.
-Karen Magill, author/freelance writer