Mystic Ya Ya is a Soulful Southern musical tradition composed of soul, pop, jazz, zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll. This entertaining musical group is an exciting modern blend of musical sounds and flavorful standards that give Mystic Ya Ya attitude, lifestyle and “Southern Charm”.
The sound of Mystic Ya Ya is inspired by some of the best and most prominent traditional New Orleans and Memphis music legends along with the rich and diversified musical heritage of American roots rock & roll.
So get up and dance, tap your feet and let the music move your spirit!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Music
Take Care Of The Heart — Cherry Ball Revival – Omega Recording Studios – 6-27-21
Barney’s Backyard Bash, Boyds, Maryland, Saturday July 30, 2022.
Mystic Ya Ya performing “Tipitina” – New Orleans song by Henry Roeland Byrd – “Fess” 1953.
Rita Clarke and the Krewe Of Renegades, Sept 6, 1997, 20th Annual Takoma Park Folk Festival, Takoma Park, MD.
Rita, Richard and the Mystic Ya Ya Band are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of longtime musican, friend and audio engineer Rick Arenz. Rick’s friendly demeanor, words of wisdom, and musical anecdotes will be dearly missed. We are all better for knowing him and are eternally grateful for his dedication to the …
Greetings music lovers and welcome to our latest installment of our musical journey. It has been 20 years since we completed and released “Under The Purple Moon”. In that time we have sold over 3500 hard copies of the album and have released another 4,000 digital copies via the internet through Itunes, CD Baby and Amazon. …
Post covid Mystic Ya Ya is in a tight funky groove and is totally enjoying making music for fans who are finally getting back out to see and hear live music. Parties, festivals and a few concerts are on the schedule and the band is glad to be back and performing for a live audience.
Bio
Mystic Ya Ya Band Members
Mystic Ya Ya is a true musical festival and revue of soul, pop, jazz, zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll all rounded into one live audio entertainment package. This musical performance group presents an exciting and modern blend of musical sounds, roots rock and current flavorful folk standards. Whether on the stage or in the recording studio their “Soulful Southern Charm” give Mystic Ya Ya their attitude and lifestyle.
Rita Clarke – Vocalist, Fender Stratocaster guitar, P bass, harmonies
Rita is lovingly referred to as “Rita The Heata” and has earned that nickname by spending over 40 years performing classic R&B, Blues, Folk, Rock standards and her own compositions to enthusiastic audiences. Rita started performing as a solo folk musician and transitioned to Roots Rock with her own group The Prowlers. Rita left The Prowlers to perform vocals and percussion with Little Red and the Renegades which opened up a whole new genre of musical styles best suited for her soulful vocal talents. Rita departed Red’s band to form Krewe Of Renegades with drummer and life partner Richard “RC” Clarke. Rita’s soulful vocal renditions always express enthusiasm and energy and together Rita and RC have continued on in that musical style of music to the present group Mystic Ya Ya. Rita’s beautiful voice and trademark natural soulful delivery are the Hallmarks of a entertaining professional.
Richard RC Clarke – drums, congas, cajon, rub board, harmonies
RC is a veteran drummer who has performed as a sideman with Junior Wells, Joey Dee, Dr. John, Chuck Berry, Wilson Pickett, Mitch Ryder, Bobby Comstock, Lightnin'” Hopkins, Earl Fatha Hines, and John Lee Hooker. RC led his own New York based bands Clarksdale Revival and Second Line and worked as a session drummer for the Sweethearts of Soul. RC also performed with Tom Corradino and Harold Rado in the bands Bad Medicine and Little Red and the Renegades. For the past 38 years Rita and RC have been performing as a working couple both in the studio and in live performances. Mystic Ya Ya is their current group doing both live and studio work keeping that Soulful tradition alive and well.
Rick Arenz (The Professor) – Hammond organ, piano, harmonies & recording engineer guru
Rick grew up with training in both classical music and Jazz. Rick spent much of the late 60’s and early 70’s working in Criteria Recording Studios in the Miami area and toured with several up and coming supergroups including Spats. His well rounded musical background on keyboards is what makes Mystic Ya Ya music distinctive and special. Rick is equally at home on Jazz, Funk, R&R or Soul and delivers that magic sound to every groove he touches. Rick is also the resident studio engineer at Mystic Ya Ya Recording Studio, Omega Recording Studios and has a PHD in mixology. Our latest album “Take Care Of The Heart” is a showcase of Rick’s many talents both as a musican and recording studio engineer.
Steve Shaw – Fender P bass, trombone, harmonies
Steve can always be counted on to supply that funky bass sound that keeps the band on solid footing. Steve is also a really fine trombone player who can add that Bourbon Street shine! Steve also performing with Rita and RC on a stand up bass!
Howie “Hurricane” Feinstein – accordion, piano
Howie’s time spent working with Rita & RC goes back almost 40 years. He was an original founding member of The Krewe Of Renegades and helped to create the sound that has become the trademark of the Mystic Ya Ya Band. Howie’s piano work is always a treat and one cannot help but think back to vintage times in New Orleans.
Additonal friends of the band and contributing working musicians – very special Mystic Ya Ya guests:
Leo Aspiras – bass guitar
Chris Watling – baritone and tenor saxophone, accordion
