ABOUT THE ARTIST

Biography
Chicago-area composer Bryan Grant is pleased to announce the release of his debut CD Think Of Me. Grant is a self-taught pianist, whose dreamy, upbeat brand of easy listening is sure to please fans of instrumental pop composers like Jim Brickman and Yanni. Grant composed, arranged, and performed all the music on this 12-track release, which was recorded at Liquide Sounds Studio in Chicago. Think of Me is available through CDBaby.com and JamIndiana.com.

Lush, swirling production and playful melodies are the earmark of Grant’s impressive collection Think of Me. The title track is a slow, thoughtful piano study accented by a chorus of soothing synths that captivate like waves crashing on the shore. The mid-tempo pick-me-up “Worth Taking” starts with catchy, upbeat piano and takes it soaring with airy cymbals and blasts of faint percussion sounding like the billowy steam of inspiration. Fans of the John Tesh brand of instrumental heroism will instantly recognize a kindred spirit in “Motion,” though it’s galloping beat and sea of atmospheric percussion never quite hit the sports theme master’s thundering crescendos. In all, the 12 fresh tracks showcase Grant’s considerable talent as a composer, but what makes this collection even more unique is the way that his optimistic, soothing nature shines through.

Think of Me is Bryan Grant’s first recording, but the talented composer’s thirst to play music goes back to his childhood when he would visit his aunt’s house and study his niece’s piano lessons secondhand. Playing has been his passion ever since and always a priority even as he traveled the world in the military, and returned home to pursue a medical career. While he was in med school, his brother recruited him to join his band and playing live with other musicians would prove to be a turning point for him as a musician. “I learned chording and arranging patterns, and from that experience, started coming up with my own songs.”

His collection of original songs grew from there, and now, after years of wanting to make a CD, he decided that there was no better time than the present. Whether his future includes a record deal, soundtrack scoring, getting to hear his music performed with full orchestration, or simply recording more self-released CDs for appreciative listeners, Grant will continue to create music from his heart, with hopes of sharing it with others. “I would like to offer inspiring music that doesn’t really tell you what to think — it let’s you go ahead and reflect on your own. I’d like to provide that conduit to help you relax; to touch your soul.”

Audio samples and contact information are available at www.bryangrant.net

Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
The inspiration comes when I sit and play the piano, as a means to relax. I usually don’t have anything specific in mind, I just sit there and let what happens happen. Sometimes through this process I pick up on a melody or chord pattern that strikes me, and I begin to focus on that and play with it. Usually I will lay that down as a track. The melody begins to play in mind and then I start to hear the arrangement and then I start laying down those tracks, eventually it becomes a composition. The complete songs have taken me anywhere from a day to several weeks until I finally get it the way I hear it.

Have you taken lessons for piano yourself?
No, I’ve never had piano lessons. I picked up on reading music in grade school, playing various band instruments. The piano was always an instrument I wanted to play, so whenever I could, I would practice at my aunt’s house, she had a piano, and took it from there.

What branch of the military did you serve in?
I served in the Army.

How long were you in the military?
I was on active duty for 5 years, and then 6 years in the reserves, so that’s a total of 11 years.

What in the medical field were you studying to become?
Anesthesiology.

How long were you studying for and are you currently involved in the medical community also?
Med school is four years post grad, and residency was another four years, so not counting undergrad, it was 8 years of studying. I am currently working in a hospital in Chicago.

How do you balance your love for music and your love for medicine?
Music is my passion, it relaxes me, and feeds my need for a creative outlet. Medicine has enabled me to take that to another level, and produce my CD in order to share with others.

Now that “Think of Me” is out, how do you feel about the album?
I’m very proud of the album. Making an album is something I have always wanted to do since, wow, probably since I could walk. It’s taken a year in the studio, but it was a great learning experience, and it has inspired me to keep on playing for me.

Your CD release party which was held at the Chicago Hilton was also to raise money for the AIDS foundation, how did that go?
The release party was filled with family, friends and friends of friends, and it was a superb evening. I think it’s important to give back to the universe, and the Aids Foundation of Chicago is an important cause.

Do you plan on introducing vocals on any future album?
Although I do sing, I will be the first to say I can’t write words to save my life! I hear the music, and I can tell you what I would like the music to say to you, but I would need to collaborate with a lyricist, which is something I would like to do on the next album, so I am looking into finding someone to write with.

Do you have any other shows planned in the near future?
Things are in the works, but as of this interview there are no definite dates.

Where would you like to see yourself a year from now?
A year from now, I want to still be creating music that comes from the heart and can touch the soul of those who listen. Being creative is very important to me, and I will continue to do that, of course if there happens to be sales of the CD and performing my music with a full blown orchestra….well that would a bonus too. ?

Thank you very much!

Website
http://www.bryangrant.net

Discography
"Think Of Me" by Bryan Grant, 2005
(stream tracks: Think Of Me, Motion, Missing You)