Brian Roessler is a bassist and composer. Whether he's quietly working out the details of a new composition, shaking the ground in a rock club, or executing delicately textured new double bass music, Brian's rhythmic precision and wide-ranging musical fluency has allowed him to thrive in a variety of settings.As a teenager Brian dedicated himself to prog rock odysseys, but by the time he finished college he had composed an hour long film score incorporating string quartets, pieces for small jazz combos, and sequenced MIDI. His 1995 piece Returning to Silence was chosen by the Macphail Center for Music as the subject of a master class with composer Henry Threadgill. Improvisational structures and works for solo instruments and small ensembles continue to be Brian's compositional focus.On electric bass Brian has been featured live and on recordings by acclaimed artists such as Storyhill, Alva Star, Brenda Weiler, and most notably Spymob - his longtime band that signed with Epic records in 1998.Brian's exploration of the double bass has been inspired and guided by two crucial mentors. James Clute of the Minnesota Orchestra taught him the intricacies of orchestral repertoire and shared decades of experience at the forefront of the American symphonic scene. Brian's study intensified in 2002 with his move to Paris to work with François Rabbath, one of the instrument's great virtuosos and pedagogues. Back at home in St. Paul his apprenticeship with Rabbath continues today, bringing deep inspiration to all aspects of Brian's musical life.Bassist Brian Roessler has performed and recorded with artists as diverse as folk renegade Stuart Davis and jazz visionary Carei Thomas. He is currently a member of Fantastic Merlins, The Neighborhood Trio, Kid Dakota, NBA, and DJ Charlie Devanna.
