portlandbands.com

Brian Reiter; Lead Vocals, Lyricist, Composer, TJ Boshen; Lead Guitar, Lyricist, Composer, Bobby B; Drums, Ryan Bley; Bass, Joe Root; Keys

Originality and truly unique music are hot commodities in any music scene. However, most groups coming into the industry today are quickly classified into "this or that" genre, stifiling the ablility to maintain identity or ingenuity.... Chronicle transcends these obsolete and musically constrictive devices, breaking these "sound barriers" by melding together root-down reggae, intense soul and high energy funk in a seamless design. Consciousness and global ideals of wisdom gleaned through universal life experiences inspire truly moving, yet approachable lyrics; cemented and polished by our musical core, vocalist Brian Reiter. Our founders, Brian, and guitarist T.J. Boeschen, are originally from Portland, Oregon but have flourished musically abroad.

This story is not only original but also a fascinating example of a true alternative route to musical and spiritual self-discovery. Brian and T.J. began their musical roots and life long friendship with a fateful encounter in seventh grade jazz band. Playing the saxophone together they quickly learned that they not only shared a love for similar styles of music but also had a passion for international travel and exposure to other cultures. This naturally led them to their first professional gig in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica...

...The vibe of the Caribbean and the allure of an international crowd convinced us that we thirsted for a more musically fulfilling and socially challenging environment in which to perfect our craft. A lifestyle change was inevitable and needless to say we moved to Costa Rica to pursue our musical dreams. From humble beginnings our fan base quickly began to grow. We realized that we had not only local, but also international appeal which inspired us to work even harder over the next couple of years. This in turn led to a tour across Costa Rica with our local band, Root Down. The tour was a resounding success, which proved to us that WE HAD IT!!! After another year of performing on the Caribbean we finally caught our big break. A club owner in Puerto Viejo recognized our talent and gave us the musical opportunity of a lifetime. A few short weeks later we were on a plane to Kingston, Jamaica in search of the missing elements to create a dynamic band with whom we could finally record our unique blend of music.

Instantly, we felt at home in the studio and after several months in Ocho Rios, Jamaica were rewarded with an amazing first album. We feel very blessed to have been able to record with such a reputable name and quality individual as Peter Ruby, and to even be remotely involved with such a musical legacy and innovator as Jack Ruby. We have received overwhelmingly positive response from all different kinds of people and Peter Ruby and his crew have expressed sincere interest in pushing our music in the Jamaican music scene with an overall goal of going global.

Most recently, we have moved back to our roots in Portland to prepare to release our coming album in the US. To promote these ends, Brian and T.J. have teamed with talented locals Bobby B (Earthforce, Melodius Thump, and Nuborn) on the drum kit, Ryan Bley (Uprite dub Orchestra and Warsaw Poland Bros.) on bass and Joe Root on keys. Now we prepare to spread our gift of live music into the ears, hearts, and minds of those that need it most.

Our music comes straight from the heart and couples raw talent with innovative ideas that have clearly reached not only the common listener but ears in higher places as well. One thing is for sure... we believe in our music with every ounce of our souls and the only path for us is to higher heights. You can teach a person how to sing, you can teach a person how to play an instrument, but you can never teach someone how to "feel" the music.

...and the chronicle continues....