Short
BioShort
Bio
Roger Brainard: Guitarist, Singer, Writer (and darn good cook) has deep roots in Rock, Blues, R&B, Reggae and World music.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater, Center Stage and major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only claims credit on 12 albums he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on literally thousands of projects including over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP). Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
Press Release
For immediate release: 04-06-2012
rrrrrrecords of Kennesaw
Ga announces 'STiLL' by Roger Brainard
contact
A hard look back, a long look forward, living the moment....STiLL
STiLL did not start with an
idea. While traveling unexplored creative paths I received inspiration for
what became a rhythmic reading called 'WATERING EYE'. I tried to purposefully
pursue 'the direction' only to discover that I did not know the direction.
Since then random related works have 'gathered', much like the army gathering
around King David in the Negev.
This gathering connects the dots between the quietness
of Psalm 131 and the steadfastness of Psalm 108, between the past and future,
the bitter and the sweet.
I have enjoyed listening in quiet times of searching and in solitary times
of work. It is time to share…….STiLL
Roger Brainard:
Guitarist, Singer, Writer and darn good cook. With roots in R&B, Reggae, Rock, Gospel, and the kitchen you could say Rog has 'been there and done that'. Honed by performance, studio work and short order cookin' his sound has been well seasoned with cross cultural influences.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands performing at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater and at major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only 'claims' credit for 12 albums, including 4 solo releases, he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, contributed to several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP).
Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: 02-01-2012
rrrrrrecords Kennesaw Ga. releases RED GREEN BLUE by Roger Brainard
contact
I SAW THE BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT
RED GREEN BLUE: With a little help from his friends Roger outlines a land
of Hope and Beauty. Elements of Jam Rock, Afro/Cuban, Ambient, and Classical
combine with deep grooves, organic melodies and bare knuckle themes to create
an atmosphere pulsing with Motion and Light.
The four opening songs chart a journey through layers of Rhythm, Texture
and Melody.
"HAPPY" Kicks off with deep Afro/Latin grooves amid soaring
guitars. Images of free flight and calm waters materialize as Roger's guitar
outlines a land of peace and beauty.
"Livin' the dream" follows with poly-rhythmic guitar
harmonies floating effortlessly over Shin Mace's foundational drumming and
Bionica Lee's throbbing bass lines. Flocks of 'guitar-birds' appear and
converge as energy gathers.
''Migration'' lifts off in waves of motion and commotion and settles
into rarified free flight. Guest musician (and friend) Jeremy Vickery on
keyboard weaves countermelodies with Roger's guitar as multiplied rhythms
energize the mood.
''Fly my love", a poignant conversation performed by Roger
on acoustic Guitar and Deborah Bennett on Violin. A beautiful finale to
the suite.
"Here's to the Dreamers": Bare Knuckle attitude and a message
of hope bubble to the surface though scorching guitar riffs and a deep Swing/shuffle
groove. 'DREAMERS' is a 'Toast' or 'Talking Blues', tipping it's hat to
the roots of Rap, Blues, Gospel and Jazz using a spoken word over rhythm
style that was often heard in Clubs and Churches 'back in the day'. You
will find yourself and be encouraged, Check out the Video on youtube.
"Vasoline": Written in the 'stream of catharsis' style this
heavy rock indictment muscles through complications, joy, hope and fear
with Punk Power Trio intensity as Glico Pools and Bionica Lee pound out
rhythm under Roger's vocal and guitar. Hang on!!
"Crashed Logic" is a soul-groove gone stark raving wild.
Originally inspired by a Motown classic (I wasn't told which one). During
the recording process the song quickly evolved into a three part power struggle
between guitar, bass and drums. Rogers guitar weeps not so gently over Shin's
drums and Bionica's Bass…. and the beat goes on.
"D.I.G .": Many thanks to the Avante' Lutheran Choir of
Peoria !!! D.I.G. was recorded somewhere in the space time continuum between
Peoria and the Padded Room. There will always be walls to dig through and
doors to open, God never changes.
Roger Brainard:
Guitarist, Singer, Writer and darn good cook. With roots in R&B, Reggae, Rock, Gospel, and the kitchen you could say Rog has 'been there and done that'. Honed by performance, studio work and short order cookin' his sound has been well seasoned with cross cultural influences.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands performing at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater and at major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only 'claims' credit for 12 albums, including 4 solo releases, he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, contributed to several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP).
Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
Press Release
For immediate release: 10-01-2009
Rrrrrrecords Kennesaw Ga. releases FEW WORDS by Roger Brainard
contact
FEW WORDS - More Music - No Fear
Few Words is a guitar driven six song set by Worship Leader/Guitarist Roger
Brainard that breaks the boundaries of genre and fashion to create a spiritually
pure and spontaneous work. 'I never try to predict how music will be perceived
or how I will be evaluated as a player, singer or writer. My job is to hear
with my heart and express with my guitar and voice. My goal is to touch
people. I have been very encouraged by my friends and band mates to pull
out all the stops and just play from my heart'.
There is a lot of Guitar in Christian music, but not much guitar-centric music. FEW WORDS departs from the mainstream by incorporating melody and lyric in an open improvisational format. There is no doubt that Roger's main vehicle of expression is the guitar. His approach, honed by years of gigging and studio work is mature, assuring and powerful. He is often compared to Santana, Clapton, Albert King, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and other melodic players. 'I have a melodic style… people grab that aspect as a reference point'
FEW WORDS starts with 'Give Him the Praise', a call and response between voice and guitar that achieves the momentum of a cross-country Gospel Train. The album ends the journey with "Love Never Fails" a guitar powered Euro-beat with lyrics lifted almost verbatim from II Corinthians 13:6-10.
In between are four instrumentals that weave and wind from the windswept mountains of 'And the Wind', to the rarified atmosphere of praise in 'the Bells of Heaven', to the Afro/Cuban 'Here I am' and the majestic 'Pillar of Fire'
FEW WORDS' is Roger's first recording since 'ELEPHANT's GERALD's 5th CD in 2002. Since then Roger's focus has been family and worship music (at Liberty Church in Marietta Ga. and the Cross Worship Ministry). 'For me this is the best gig in the world. I get to play seven services a week at Liberty, plus special events and extended worship times at the Cross. This allows me plenty of family time, a solid church home, lots of guitar time and the freedom to record'.
Roger Brainard:
Guitarist, Singer, Writer and darn good cook. With roots in R&B, Reggae, Rock, Gospel, and the kitchen you could say Rog has 'been there and done that'. Honed by performance, studio work and short order cookin' his sound has been well seasoned with cross cultural influences.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands performing at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater and at major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only 'claims' credit for 12 albums, including 4 solo releases, he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, contributed to several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP).
Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
Press Release
For immediate release: 08-01-2010
rrrrrrecords of Kennesaw Ga. anounces 'SERVANT of the Most High God' by Roger Brainard
POWER CHORDS Pour Down Like RAIN
'Servant of the Most High God' is a fresh set of inspired music by Worship Leader/Guitarist Roger Brainard continuing the journey started with the 2009 release "FEW WORDS".
'Servant' incorporates free flowing improvisation, scripture and proclamations of faith encouraging the worshipper and engaging the Spirit on a deep level. All the songs in 'Servant' were birthed during times of worship and fellowship and bring to the forefront the joy and awe of being in God's Presence.
'Servant' starts as "Power in the Blood" pulls out of the gate with the power and rhythm of a locomotive on the way to the Promised Land. The choir features Worship Warrior and friend Harriet Thomas.
"I will Dance" incorporates Deep Beats, Rhythms and Riffs energizing this traditional Israeli dance. Roger's voice and guitar weave a tapestry of praise with Christian Rapper John the Baptist's free-style praises.
In 'Dance with the Father / Visions of Heaven' 43 Drums count cadence as we march toward ZION to explore God's Eternal Beauty.
"Jesus Is", Jesus was and Jesus will be. He is the Alpha and Omega!! Zephaniah 3: 17 assures us of God's love as we walk out our faith!! Beautiful, Relaxed and Solid as a Rock!!
'Sometimes in the Dark' speaks deeply to times of personal evaluation, introspection, revelation and the affirming the power of the Risen Christ.
'Strong Tower' is layered with improvisational guitars proclaiming God's Majesty. The song is rooted in Proverbs 18:10 - 'The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe'.
'Jazz Haggus' muses through elements of jazz and experimental music as it floats gently along the fringes of creation bringing us to a soft landing in the presence of our Creator.
Roger Brainard:
Roger Brainard: Guitarist, Singer, Writer and darn good cook. With roots in R&B, Reggae, Rock, Gospel, and the kitchen you could say Rog has 'been there and done that'. Honed by performance, studio work and short order cookin' his sound has been well seasoned with cross cultural influences.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands performing at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater and at major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only 'claims' credit for 12 albums, including 4 solo releases, he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, contributed to several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP).
Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
Press Release
For immediate release: 09-01-2009
rrrrrrecords Kennesaw Ga. anounces 'HEALING' by ELEPHANT's
GERALD
contact
HEALING: The journey from there to here
HEALING reflects personal experience and the greater human condition as only the Elephant's Gerald could do. Michael's lyrics cut like a scalpel to the core of eternal questions while Roger's arrangements provide them a perfect juxtapositional backdrop for his experimental style on Guitar. The Elephants have been called 'music for the thinker'.
The songs on this collections range from Michael's haunting solo performance of "Lost on the way to the Ball' to the Electric Rocker "King on Every Corner" and all points in between. The result is an Enduring and listenable work that is rare in our cookie cutter world.
Healing is a 26 song retrospective of Michael Hughes and Roger Brainard's time spent as the ELEPHNAT's GERALD and is drawn from 5 CD's produced from 1995-2002 representing a sort of 'Best of the Elephant's Gerald' including a few songs not on previous works and two live versions.
'HEALING' was a long time in coming. Roger and Michael 'diversified' in 2002 and it has only been in 2009 when times and seasons seemed right to resume the journey started way last century. As achieved material was reviewed for this set many song ideas and non finished works were discovered. Who knows, maybe 2010 will see more new music from the Elephant's Gerald.
Roger Brainard:
Roger Brainard: Guitarist, Singer, Writer and darn good cook. With roots in R&B, Reggae, Rock, Gospel, and the kitchen you could say Rog has 'been there and done that'. Honed by performance, studio work and short order cookin' his sound has been well seasoned with cross cultural influences.
Roger approaches the guitar like a voice, literally singing and speaking through the instrument. He is often compared to great expressionists such as Santana, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler and Albert King.
Roger sez: "I always feel complimented by the comparisons and wonder if folks ever tell Carlos or Eric that they sound like me"
Based in Atlanta Roger has collaborated and performed with numerous artists including Angie Aparo (the Prince of Americana), MEDUSA (Liberia's favorite Reggae band), Caroline Aiken (the Queen of Indie Folkies), Alpha Blondy band (West Africa's Reggae Kings), the eclectic Elephant's Gerald and several iterations of his own bands performing at Eddie's Attic, the Freight Room, CJ's Landing, the Roxy Theater and at major events and festivals such as the Peachtree Road Race Main Stage, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Macon Ga's Cherry Blossom Festival, Ga Music Hall of Fame and all points in between.
Although Roger only 'claims' credit for 12 albums, including 4 solo releases, he contributed to 100's of projects during a 5 year tenure as guitarist/producer at Little River Studio where he co-produced and performed on over 150 tracks for Thunderbird Records, contributed to several projects for the famed SUN label and projects for Tom Long ( then President of ASCAP).
Roger currently records for indie label 'rrrrrrecords'.
Review:
by: Nathalie Baret music writer for Albuquerque Journal
I made my way to your musicplayer and guess what? It rocks! It's really
good, you were right, I like the vibe/sound
(you had mentioned I might like your stuff because of the myspace friends
I have up). Wasn't expecting your music to be so soulful and moving.
My favs (so far, have more tracks to listen to still) were "And the
Wind," "The Bells of Heaven," and dug the groove in "Pillar
of Fire," very good ole fashioned blues.
The 1st track on the player is really good, just soars from the get-go,
love it, no breaks, pauses of boredom from the listener. Feel like you're
on the 'ride.' Love the meandering riffs and reverb,
AND the emotion, kind of just pours out effortlessly. From the get-go of
the song, I thought it just took off. Don't know why but it felt smooth
like cascading water, to my ear,
really fresh vibe. Dug the wails; huge emotion; nice bass-lines at end (liked
the touch/punch of the bass).
On the 2nd track, I couldn't stop my feet from tapping to the beat, love
the soul and funky groove. Think if I saw this played live, I'd be into
it and groovin.'
The 3rd cut-- Very Santana--nice! Thought the guitar tone and playing is
masterful (very clean riffing)..
4th track...simply LOVE! conjured up Christopher Cross' "Sailing"
from the past (always had a special place in my heart for that song. ...Some
songs do that upon the first listen...).
This one spoke to me, really liked the deep-hearted rythm and blues chug,
flowed very nicely.
Well, hey, no wonder Adam liked what he heard Take care and wish you lots of good Zzzz's.
Till next time, Nathaluja
Early bands: