Sept. 16, 2009
High Bridge musician is in tune with charity
By Dominic Serrao
Music with cross-genre appeal was playing on the inside. There was no cover charge at the door. The entrance "fee" was just one unwrapped toy for the entire three-hour music show. The event last December, benefiting ‘Toys for Tots’, exceeded the wildest expectations of singer/songwriter Brian Colburn of High Bridge, raising more than two huge bags full of toys, all for a good cause. Colburn, who lives off of Route 31, has two released albums under his belt and uses his musical talent to make a difference in the community. Colburn organized the toy benefit at Cafe 222 in Livingston and invited fellow musicians Sean Faust and Mitch Savoie to perform at the charity event. He said that people were generous and brought more than one toy for the cause. “Anytime I can perform my songs, and at the same time help those that are less fortunate, it makes it that much more meaningful,” said Colburn. He delivered the toys to the Tewksbury Police Department, which was a ‘Toys for Tots’ drop-off point in the Hunterdon area. Colburn also performed at the fourth annual Walking with Friends cancer walk and craft fair held at Commons Park in High Bridge in April. The event was organized by ‘The Friends of Suzanne,” a non-profit organization which provides financial support, patient and family assistance and helps in increasing awareness in the community on the challenges, struggles and hardships that come with a cancer diagnosis. He vividly remembers the blustery cold Saturday afternoon. “The event drew a lot of support in spite of the weather. I am grateful to have been able to entertain the crowds for a wonderful cause, “ he said. After graduating from Montclair State University, Colburn performed as the lead singer and bassist with an alternative/grunge music band, ‘The 4th” from 1997 onwards. When the group disbanded in 2003, Colburn started playing with a few different bands. In 2007, he started feeling that he could be more creative as a solo musician and started writing and recording his own songs.
‘Literal Fiction’
His first disc, “Literal Fiction” was launched in 2008. “I was approaching my thirties as I was writing this. The album, in its entirety, is a look back at my twenties and some of my questions about the future,” he said. The tracks on Colburn’s debut CD such as “Summer Song,” “Rewind” and “Making Rounds” are all about specific times in his life. The title track, “Literal Fiction,” deals with his outlook on the future. Colburn said his second album, “Time Marches On,” is similar in theme, but provides a different perspective. “Tracks such as ‘Let’s Go’ and ‘It’s Alright’ are about letting go of our frustrations, and just having a good time. People seem to forget how to do that every now and then, “ he said. “Here We Are” and “Swept Away” were both written for his wife, Katie. “She’s one of my biggest inspirations, “ Colburn added. “Angel,” which is an instrumental lullaby, was created on the day the couple learned they were having their first child. Colburn’s albums have received some airplay on local radio stations. He has also performed on Fox News’ Strategy Room national broadcast and opened for he popular alternative rock band, “Blues Traveler” at the Bergen Performing Arts Center recently. “Through some amazing opportunities, I have been able to introduce my music to those who probably would have never heard me otherwise,” he said. His third album, which is yet to be titled, is scheduled to be released in December. It includes “Once Upon A Time,” a song written about the night his daughter was born. “From the moment I became a first time father, I saw life from an entirely different perspective, ” he said. Colburn says he enjoys creating music. “My goal is to keep spreading the word about what I do, and to enjoy every moment that I can share what I do with others.” His music is available through briancolburn.com or through iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon.
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