Album Notes

The Ancient Myth of Men and Women is a collaboration between writer/performer Ralph Cissne and jazz veteran Mike Wimberly who encouraged Cissne to put this spoken word collection to music. The program runs 45:19 with seventeen tracks, from The Kiss to Her Love is a Meat Grinder, including "Who Have I Betrayed" sung by Windy Wagner.

A writer and lifelong fan of Joni Mitchell, award winning poet Ralph Cissne has published numerous short stories including publications in Playboy and American Way. A member of PEN West, Cissne has written a body of poetry, a novel and a collection of short fiction. He also edited and published Relationships for Life by Frank Natale, his mentor and friend.

Reviews:

"Cissne reveals his raw recollections of being within and without relationships, sharing with anyone who listens what only a therapist might hear. Everyone, male and female, will resonate with some aspect of 'The Ancient Myth'."

-- Stacy Meyn, Whole Life Times


"Listening to The Ancient Myth is like watching a friend perform open-heart surgery--on himself. You can't believe the risk, the vulnerability, the sheer courage, that open pulsing organ right in front of you. The faith involved, the rapture."

-- Janet Fitch, author of White Oleander


"Each of these short pieces is part of a story, some tender, some humorous, some sadly longing. It's a confession of a man in love (in all its agonies and blessings) that strikes the ringing chord of honesty."

-- NAPRA Review


"Ralph Cissne is the last great romantic in America. The Ancient Myth is an inspiration, a joyful passage through an impassioned life. The music is simply beautiful."

-- Diana Wagman, author of Skin Deep


"The Ancient Myth sets a mood, offers wisdom and, all the while, enters the listener's heart and deposits memories of beauty and passion. Thank you for these incredibly beautiful songs."

-- Richard Fuller, Metaphysical Reviews