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Thanks for picking up my CD. It's been a long time. My last CD self titled, "Brian Bromberg" was recorded in 1991 and 1992, and released in 1993, so it has been a while. The reason I'm writing this letter is because a lot has happened in the past few years. Being a bass player, or any instrumentalist for that matter, it's very easy to get type cast or labeled a specific type of player. It is so important that we listen to the feelings and emotion that's deep within the music -- not just how fast or flashy someone can play. Anyone can lock themselves up in a room and practice all day and night long. They would end up with enough chops to start a fire on their instrument! But, is that what music is all about? What about melody? What about the vibe? What about how the music makes you feel? There are so many different aspects in music that you cannot put into words. You know how, when you listen to the radio, sometimes you hear a melody that makes you want to turn it up and jump right in and then, sometimes, you hear a song that makes you feel uncomfortable and makes you want to change the station. Isn't it amazing that you can't explain why some melodies get into your head and you can't stop singing them, or why you hear a melody and forget it right after you've heard it. That's the mystery of music!

As I've gotten older, I've grown and matured. Music and the playing of music means more to me than ever before. Melody, passion and expression of feelings in the music mean more to me than I ever realized they could. It's amazing how powerful melodies from the heart can be in our lives. Sadly, in September, 1996, my father, Howard, who was also a musician, passed away. Unfortunately, he passed on in the same month that we started production of this recording. My father and I were more like buddies than father and son. It was a very difficult time. I didn't think that I could go on and continue to record. In fact, I had no desire to even touch my instruments let alone produce this CD. But through lots of pain and tears, what happened was that this CD became my way of mourning and honoring my father and our relationship through the music. This was by far the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life. There were days that I would go into the studio for eight to ten hours and come out with nothing on tape. Other days, I would go in and play like I've never played before. It was as if I was channeling my father's spirit from my soul to my hands. My fingers just danced. Through this experience, I realized one very important thing, that is, music is a gift to everyone. It touches every part of our soul. It makes us happy or sad. It can scare us, it can make us smile, it can make us want to get up and dance. It can make us want to sit down and cry. But the most important thing is that music can touch all of us in a very personal way. Music can get into that place in our hearts that no one can reach. So, when you listen to music, any music, listen with your heart and soul, not just your ears. Open yourself up. Experience the feeling you get from the music -- you know.

You Know That Feeling...