RENAISSANCE: Interview with Ryche Chlanda

Ryche Chlanda is an accomplished guitarist. He has been a musician, vocalist, songwriter, composer and producer for over thirty years. He was a founding member of America’s first progressive rock group, Fireballet, in the 1970’s. The band’s first album, Night on Bald Mountain, was produced by King Crimson founding member Ian McDonald who went on to additional fame with Foreigner. During that time Ryche worked on the Intergalactic Touring Band project. For a period during his solo career he played with the progressive band Nektar where he became a “bandmate” and friend with Larry Fast. Soon after, Ryche was signed as a recording artist managed by Hit & Run Music joining fellow performers there Genesis, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel. Ryche recorded his first solo album during this time.

His musical journey led him to writing and singing for films, including the title track for “Build for Speed”. A severely fractured arm altered his musical journey and he returned home to rehab his arm. During that time he built a studio and focused on writing and producing. In 1993, Ryche was asked to write and produce aerobic musical tracks for exercise gurus Denise Austin and Joanie Greggains which resulted in sales of over 2 million tapes. This led to working on productions for Motown and sessions with members of Todd Rundgren’s band, the OJ’s, Billy Joel and countless others.

After years of touring and studio work, he devoted the last several years to song writing and composing, but the thrill of performing has led him back to the stage and the upcoming release of his new album, Hidden Me. It also provided an opportunity to work with his old friend, Larry Fast.

David Cohen: Do you listen to classical music?
Ryche: I love classical music! My father was a Juilliard graduate and my mother was a singer and songwriter. The first music I learned on the guitar was Prelude for Lute #4. Even now I don't use a pick when I play the guitar.
David Cohen: Where you a Renaissance fan?
Ryche: I was. When I was in the band Fireballet, back in the 70’s (first record produced by Ian McDonald of King Crimson) it was basically America’s first progressive rock band. We supported Renaissance at Trenton State College I became a fan on the spot. We did our set then I went into the audience to watch them and I was blown away
David: What year was that?
Ryche: 1975.
David: You were young!
Ryche: I was a tadpole!!

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