The Lush Musical Textures of BRYAN ROMBALSKI

by Robert E. Martin

Bryan Rombalski is an incredibly serene and mild-mannered musician & visual artist hailing from Midland, whose new CD release entitled Devotion, exemplifies the thoughtful and passionate approach he takes towards both his music and life.

Technically reminiscent of such guitar virtuosos as Pat Metheney and John MacLaughin, Bryan's musical explorations on Devotion fill the air with lush and fluid textures of sound, his fingers flying across the fretboard in seamless motion while building lyrical tapestries that while distinct, flow into rich thematic continuity.

A guitarist for twenty-seven years now, Bryan says his initial interest in music was sparked by his parent's record collection consisting of such greats as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. "I was also profoundly affected by the keyboard playing of Floyd Kramer. Later, The Beatles really affected me, along with the music of Jimi Hendrix."

As for his latest work, Bryan says the song cycles came about through late night musical explorations. "I find music to be a form of meditation," he explains. "After writing a song, I reflect on its content. The concept of love was there from the start, and when I say this, I mean love in its many aspects or forms."

Recorded at the home studio of former Saginawian Joe Ortega in Alburn, Indiana, Ortega's keyboard playing can be heard on the first two tracks of Devotion.

"The whole project was recorded in one day and mixed the next," explains Bryan. "Basically, it is a statement of one day in my life and can be purchased through the worldwide web at www.mp3.com/rombalski."

In terms of guitarists that have influenced his style, Bryan sites artists such as Metheney, Michael Hedges, Pierre Bensusan and Allan Holdsworth. "As of late, Devotional music hits me to the core," notes Bryan. "I am especially drawn to Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic chant. My fingerstyle technique is influenced by drumming patterns and rhythms. I love to listen to music played on framedrums or tabla," he continues.

"In terms of approach, I'm constantly hearing notes in clusters or groupings, similar to a piano. My style is not so much that of a single note linear style of playing."

When asked what he feels is the biggest challenge facing musical artists today, Bryan answers that the biggest test is "being yourself and finding some kind of voice in yourself that is distinct."

Currently busy arranging solo performances around the new album, people interested in catching Bryan live can find information on his web page. He has also played concerts for the Creative Spirit Center in Midland, and will be performing at many upcoming events. Additionally, Bryan plays with The Perpetrators, a four-piece jazz/pop/rock band that performs regularly at various venues throughout Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland.

With spiritualism forming such an integral part of his music, how does Bryan view the relationship between his spiritual and musical goals? "They are one and the same," he replies. "This intermediary between spirit and a form such as music can carry a message of great power and beauty."

"It is there for us all if we allow our hearts to open."