For the greater part of his life, Park City, Utah native Bryon Friedman’s success as a member of the champion US Ski Team depended on how fast he could race down powdered mountains across the globe. Fame, rewards, recognition was achieved only when his body was pushed to extremes, at speeds that would make most pray for a rescue. That is the life of a professional athlete and the life of one at the top; the life that Friedman chose.
But what happens when an athlete’s body breaks? What do you do when the only life you have known is put on the shelf? Only the strongest willed individuals can answer that, and find peace in their decision. So at a time where most athletes would sit hollow, and worried about what to do with the rest of their lives, Friedman’s internal back up plan inched its way to the surface; a new direction that he’s always felt was his passion – music. And when his artistic vision was allowed to take priority, he found himself no longer chasing gold, but taking confidence in a casual sense of self resulting in Friedman’s December 2006 release, “Road Sodas.”
What “Road Sodas” helped build, the latest record, “Matchstick Memories,” has expanded and evolved, taking Friedman’s vision to new heights. The collection is a result of polished poise and melodic storytelling in its most organic form. Friedman’s natural approach to songwriting has layered “Matchstick Memories” with folk and pop honesty, brimming with everyman tales of life, love and optimism. Friedman is winter’s lyrical response to the summer born soul of Jack Johnson, a modern day narrator of not only his life, but also your life and your story, told through his eyes.
Those same eyes watched, perched on top of an alpine ski lift with skiers racing below, watching and wondering if their story would relate to his. “Matchstick Memories” is just that – Friedman’s life or in this case memories (so far), set to songs for everyone to relate to and connect with. As Friedman sings on Remedy “The voices in my brain telling me it will be ok/ Then it all just melts away when we sing/ Let us sing.” A perfect description of how Friedman’s philosophy on life; when in times of doubt, sadness and happiness; Let us sing.
For more information on Bryon Friedman, check out: http://www.BryonFriedmanMusic.com and always, stay up to date on the latest music and art with http://www.PensEyeView.com and http://www.RichieFrieman.com
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/19/08 at 07:47 AM | Comments (4)Comments
Great article about a inspiring artist. Keep them coming!
Posted by Mark on 11/25/08 at 11:33 AMGreat story!
Posted by Walt on 11/24/08 at 10:23 AMInspiring story of when life seems to begin in one directions and then life allows you to take another path. Love his work and thanks for allowing others to get to know Bryon’s work. Truely enjoy your articles.
Posted by Helene Parsons on 11/23/08 at 08:19 PMA truely remarkable individual who has come from heartache to courage. A story told with respect and warmth.
Posted by Matthew Richards on 11/23/08 at 04:00 PM
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