The first time I saw Ceschi perform live was at my friend's art show in 2014. I'll never forget watching this guy sit in - and then stand on - a wooden chair, rocking the fuck out of an acoustic guitar while lacing the music with his thought provoking lyrics.
I've been fortunate enough to catch the New Haven, CT native perform a number of times since then and each experience leaves my jaw on the floor. Man, as my mind takes a stroll down memory lane, I wish everyone could have seen the rockstar performance in his hometown when Broken Bone Ballads was released in March of 2015.
When you remove the intense, high energy performances - which seem to always include ample crowd participation and involvement - and the beautiful music, you're left with Ceschi, the human being. Without question, this is one of the most humble artists I have ever had the pleasure of crossing paths with. And Ceschi also has an incredible story, one that includes a B.S. arrest, prison sentence (F.T.P), and a four year gap in musical releases (side note: there is a lot more to his backstory).
And still, despite the trials (pun intended?) and tribulations, Ceschi Ramos stands tall and uses his music to tell captivating stories full of picturesque lyricism, backed by the sonic landscape of his guitar (and sometimes other production/instrumentation).
While the actual level of his "success" may very well depend on who you ask, Ceschi and his friends/family have made a name for themselves touring all over America and beyond. Back in January, before embarking on a nationwide tour with Factor Chandelier, Sammus and hERON, Ceschi decided to record an entire acoustic album in New Haven. While fans who were able to catch some of the tour dates had the opportunity to purchase a physical copy, many of Ceschi's fans are still waiting to experience the last minute masterpiece.
Fortunately, the Fake Four founder recently blessed the Internet with "Serenading A Brick Wall", one of the 12 tracks that found life on the resulting CD, appropriately titled Elm St. Sessions.
"Serenading A Brick Wall" is a perfect example of the artistry that exists within the physical vessel that is Ceschi. In less than two minutes, Ceschi covers more ground and drops more gems of wisdom than many artists could do with a complete project.
When I was young I used to scream
And hope the world would hear me
I'm growing quieter every year
Writing for those who listen
It's not the volume of your message that truly attracts the "right" attention - it's the message. You can yell and scream, with or without a passion, until your voice is gone. But when your words and actions, although "quiet", are aligned with your highest good and with loving intentions, they will draw the attention of those who are supposed to hear what you're saying. A loud voice may have a lot of people looking, but the right message will have the right people actively listening and responding in kind.
Forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves - seldom is it about the other party, the one "being forgiven". Although Ceschi does not outright say he has forgiven those cops who pulled guns on him and called him a "fucking faggot", he holds no grudge or hatred towards them. In feeling sorry for the cops who are blindly doing their job, Ceschi recognizes their dis-ease and, therefore, recognizes what they need more than anything else - love. In this life, it's impossible to "like" every individual we encounter. And this is why we must love everyone. Ceschi lifts the burden from his shoulders and takes control of his own destiny, recognizing it is not to the benefit of his highest good to carry the intense weight of hatred around with him as his life continues.
When I was young I used to dream of utopias and heavens
I'll probably never see those things
But live as if they'll exist
There's something to be said about the power of positive thinking, especially if you are able to simultaneously stay grounded in the "real world". Just because you're aware of a lot of the darkness that pervades our society today, does not mean one can't believe in and live for a brighter future - in fact, that might be the best way to create a brighter today. If one stays trapped in the illusion of universal darkness, the light will not enter their life. But, upon escaping the cave, if an individual is able to remember the darkness while still keeping their eyes locked on the light, then it becomes easier to focus on the good, the blessings and the natural flow of life.
At the end of the day, no matter what your story is and no matter what you've survived thrived through, the best way to live a happy life is to do what makes you happy. If you love making music, even if nobody is listening, sing to that brick wall like it's your biggest fucking fan.
This alternate version of "Serenading A Brick Wall" was mastered by Filthybroke MJC.
Do yourself a favor and catch Ceschi live the first opportunity you get.
Experience the music below.
great article on a dope artist !
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