Let’s Call it “Charm”

contributor: Ed Thanhouser, Feb. 7th, 2010

Brian Rozendal is one of those singer-songwriters I’ve had the pleasure of watching grow, expand and flourish during his time on the Portland folk scene. A regular at local open-mics, I remember clearly my first impression of the slightly bookish, amicable guy who would take the stage and start howling over his guitar about pain, loss and epiphany. Since that time, he’s recorded an impressively lush full-length record, and now fronts a large band of musicians, including pedal steel, upright bass and more. That many great musicians are so willing to lend a hand to Brian’s songs speaks plainly to their merit. They are catchy, well composed, and have plenty of emotional depth. Appropriately, the group produces a sonic size proportionate to its physical one: big, full arrangements, dripping with honeyed slide notes, full of crescendo and bombast.

It was almost comical, then, when the group crammed themselves into the tiny rear-corner of the Roadside Attraction that serves as a “stage.” Huge PA speakers nearly hid the performers from view, as each member tried to etch out whatever elbow room might be available without compromising bar traffic too much. Anyone who has seen a show at the Roadside will know that there’s a certain charm to it’s cramped, casual take on live music. Those who have played the venue with a band, such as myself, will remember learning to skillfully dodge incoming bartenders hauling kegs right through the middle of your stage plot just when you’re really “getting into it.” We’ll chalk it up to “charm.” On this particular night, however, the crowd happened to be mostly comprised of a birthday party, which stumbled into the bar collectively wearing shiny hats and other festive attire during the middle of a fairly somber, emotional number. The band took it fairly well and in stride. Everyone had a good laugh, but after much deliberation (aka beer), I concluded, ultimately, that it was not necessarily the best venue, timing, or audience for Rozendal’s music. Thankfully, that wasn”t enough to stop his songs from shining anyhow.

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