September 2011 - As the Autumn starts to fall upon us, as expected, I had intended to write some more about our current music making projects. However, circumstances have arisen that would make that seem insensitive. I have, therefore, decided to talk about our sadness at the sudden, tragic news concerning Kenny Reese.

Kenny was without doubt one of the finest Callers and one of the nicest people; his tragic death will bring a "lump" to many a throat and a "tear" to many an eye, whilst the memory of all that he achieved, all that he did, and all those whose lives he made just a little bit brighter, will - undoubtedly - last for a long time to come.

It would not be appropriate for me to talk about Kenny's career, as a Caller or about his life, in general; I do not have enough specific information and would (most probably) get some of it wrong and (unforgivably) I would probably forget to mention everything that should be mentioned; he achieved so much. Kenny's biography will give you a little of his background and you can still read that on the Snow Records page.

However, I can talk about Kenny's significant contribution to Sting Productions as one of our most well known Staff Callers. Even prior to joining the company, Kenny was a great supporter of all that we were doing; he used our music and complimented us on our productions, whenever he could. I was very pleased indeed when, in 2002, Kenny agreed to be a part of the new Snow Records team. He chose excellent music, provided first-class vocals and did everything that he could to promote all aspects of Sting and Snow Records and the music that we produced, wherever he was Calling. On more than one occasion he helped me with certain aspects of managing the company - he was a great "problem solver" and a really "positive" thinker.

On a personal note, I can tell you about the first time I met Kenny, it was at the EAASDC Spring Jamboree, held in Canterbury, here in the UK - in 1986, Kenny came up to me - in his denim jeans, denim shirt, wearing a neckerchief (with a big smile on his face) - and said to me "so you're this Paul Bristow that I keep hearing so much about"! His smile and his handshake made us "instant friends". I enjoyed his company, both on stage and during the social times that we shared. I loved his calling and respected him for all that he achieved - he was a real "star" whose warmth and brilliance we shall all miss.

As far as Sting Productions is concerned, his legacy will live on for many years to come through his recordings; whenever any of us uses one of Kenny's tunes, we will be reminding everybody of the important part that he played in the success that we now enjoy. Thank you Kenny - we will miss you but we will never forget you.

Further details about Kenny - and concerning his farewell arrangements - can be found at:
Obituary - Kenny Reese.pdf - (text in English)
Nachruf - Kenny Reese.pdf - (text in German)

Go Squareful! - Paul Bristow (Owner and Producer Sting Productions)