Brian Rise’s debut album, Resonant Frequencies, blends swing, country, Cuban son, Hawaiian meles, and more, showcasing his decades of experience in Austin’s music scene.
At a Glance
- Brian Rise drops an 11-track, genre-mixing LP that draws on swing, banjo, fiddle, Cuban son, Hawaiian steel guitar, and historic Edison wax.
- The record was recorded with local legends and released in May 2024.
- Rise will perform the songs live for the first time on January 31, 2025 at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches.
- Why it matters: The album highlights Austin’s diverse musical heritage and Rise’s role as a bridge between past and present styles.
Album Overview
Resonant Frequencies is a 11-track journey that reflects Rise’s long-standing involvement in Austin’s hands-for-hire circuit. He has played with swing outfit the Hollywood Revue, Hawaiian project Combo Mahalo, and Cuban groups, experiences that seep into the record’s eclectic sound.
Rise explains his creative process: “I believe in letting the song write itself rather than forcing it into a mold,” he said. He adds, “That’s how I wind up with Cajun waltzes sung in French and big band swing numbers.”
The album’s opening track, “Love Conquers All,” launches with a swinging, horn-accented jukebox jive. Following that, “A Blur of Hazy Days” takes listeners to a Western front with banjo and fiddle. The oldest song, “Nous Avons Dansé,” draws lyrical inspiration from Rise’s 1990s years in Baltimore touring with Monkeyspank.
The newest composition, “Pandemica,” anchors a Cuban son groove with drums from Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes of Grupo Fanstama. Later tracks revisit Hawaiian influences, most notably the fluid steel guitar in “Waimanolo.” The album closes with a one-minute piano piece, “Ahania’s Joy,” recorded on a 1903 Edison wax cylinder by Grammy-winning archivist Colin Hancock.
Track Highlights
| Track | Style | Notable Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Love Conquers All | Swing | Horn-accented, jukebox vibe |
| A Blur of Hazy Days | Western | Banjo, fiddle |
| Nous Avons Dansé | Folk | 1990s Baltimore influence |
| Pandemica | Cuban Son | Drums by Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes |
| Waimanolo | Hawaiian | Steel guitar, 1970s feel |
| Ahania’s Joy | Classical | 1903 Edison wax cylinder |
Rise’s liner notes credit a host of local musicians, many of whom have shared stages with him over the years. Bassist Kevin Smith, formerly with Willie Nelson and Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, anchors the rhythm section. Drummers Bobby Trimble and Lisa Pankratz alternate on the kit, while Katie Shore of Asleep at the Wheel adds fiddling. Dave Biller plays pedal steel, and Lyon Graulty contributes horns.
“I owe everyone involved a huge debt of gratitude,” he wrote to the News Of Austin. “Without these great musicians, the LP might never have been made.”
Upcoming Performance
At Saturday’s Batch performance, Rise will perform live renditions of Resonant Frequencies songs for the first time since the album’s release. He will be joined by Graulty and other friends in the Austin scene, such as guitarist Mike Molnar and vibraphonist Mike McGurk.
The show feels like a long time coming for the experienced musician. When asked about the upcoming gig, Rise said, “It’s just gonna be fun.”
RISE performs songs from Resonant Frequencies at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches on Saturday, January 31, 2025.
About the Release
The album’s release in May 2024 marks a culmination of Rise’s long-term ambition to produce a record that showcases the breadth of Austin’s musical tapestry. His future plans include a second record that will feature an a-capella choir, a string quartet with oboe, more Hapa Haole Hawaiian meles, Mexican huapango, additional Cuban son, blues, country, and R&B.
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