Our thoughts.... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:30:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Exciting times in Kol Echad land! http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=790667  Hi everyone! I know, it's been a long time since I've posted a blog update on here. So, here goes nothing! First, on a personal note, if you haven't heard already, I'm engaged to be married to my beautiful fiancee, Melyssa! She is a truly amazing person and is so passionate about what she does in life (professionally, she is a behavior therapist for kids on the Autism spectrum). For that work, she has to have a ton of patience (she also needs it to put up with me!). I hope that when we visit your community, you'll have the chance to get to know her and love her like I do! Here is the most up-to-date family picture: Those are our two dogs, Lailah (the gray and white Australian Shepherd) and Darryl (The Shiba Inu), both ready to bolt the posed picture as fast as possible! On to exciting Kol Echad events: As most of you know, we released our second album "Follow in My Footsteps" to rave reviews! People have been listening to and buying the album, and we couldn't be any more proud. Our producer, Scott Leader, did a tremendous job on it and we hope it continues to inspire and influence the Jews of North America! We had a great CD Release concert in December 2010 in Denver. It was an unforgettable night full of music, spirit and energy! We were fortunate enough to play an almost 2 hour set (both plugged in and acoustic) with special guests Scott Leader and Steve Brodsky of Sababa, as well as Rabbi Joe Black. They are amazing musical talents and we were so blessed to jam with them. We showed the audience of 400+  the incredible talent that we have in Colorado, as well as the power of Jewish music.....a TOTAL SUCCESS! As of late, Jason, Josh and I have played a few shows, led a few services and have been preparing hard for our new type of concert: an acoustic show! If any of you have seen or heard of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, this is the vibe these new sets give off. With 2 acoustic guitars (one lead, one ryhtym) and an acoustic bass guitar, our music is brought to life in a relaxing, mindblowing fashion. If you haven't heard any of Dave and Tim's music....that is what it's like. I know you'll love it. We have already received numerous requests to come play that new type of show. We can't wait! We are getting ready to send out lots of information regarding our 2012-2013 shows....if you're interested, let me know!  Attached below is a live recording of "Answer Me" from our CD release concert, with Rabbi Joe Black playing a lead guitar solo. Keep in mind....this song was COMPLETELY UN-REHEARSED! I thought it came out pretty well!  Enjoy! Until later, folks, enjoy all the music....enjoy life...and we'll catch y'all later! Love, Bryan (Jason and Josh, too!)
I know, it's been a long time since I've posted a blog update on here. So, here goes nothing!

First, on a personal note, if you haven't heard already, I'm engaged to be married to my beautiful fiancee, Melyssa! She is a truly amazing person and is so passionate about what she does in life (professionally, she is a behavior therapist for kids on the Autism spectrum). For that work, she has to have a ton of patience (she also needs it to put up with me!). I hope that when we visit your community, you'll have the chance to get to know her and love her like I do!

Here is the most up-to-date family picture:



Those are our two dogs, Lailah (the gray and white Australian Shepherd) and Darryl (The Shiba Inu), both ready to bolt the posed picture as fast as possible!


On to exciting Kol Echad events:

As most of you know, we released our second album "Follow in My Footsteps" to rave reviews! People have been listening to and buying the album, and we couldn't be any more proud. Our producer, Scott Leader, did a tremendous job on it and we hope it continues to inspire and influence the Jews of North America! We had a great CD Release concert in December 2010 in Denver. It was an unforgettable night full of music, spirit and energy! We were fortunate enough to play an almost 2 hour set (both plugged in and acoustic) with special guests Scott Leader and Steve Brodsky of Sababa, as well as Rabbi Joe Black. They are amazing musical talents and we were so blessed to jam with them. We showed the audience of 400+  the incredible talent that we have in Colorado, as well as the power of Jewish music.....a TOTAL SUCCESS!

As of late, Jason, Josh and I have played a few shows, led a few services and have been preparing hard for our new type of concert: an acoustic show!

If any of you have seen or heard of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, this is the vibe these new sets give off. With 2 acoustic guitars (one lead, one ryhtym) and an acoustic bass guitar, our music is brought to life in a relaxing, mindblowing fashion. If you haven't heard any of Dave and Tim's music....that is what it's like. I know you'll love it. We have already received numerous requests to come play that new type of show. We can't wait!

We are getting ready to send out lots of information regarding our 2012-2013 shows....if you're interested, let me know! 

Attached below is a live recording of "Answer Me" from our CD release concert, with Rabbi Joe Black playing a lead guitar solo. Keep in mind....this song was COMPLETELY UN-REHEARSED! I thought it came out pretty well!  Enjoy!

Until later, folks, enjoy all the music....enjoy life...and we'll catch y'all later!

Love,
Bryan (Jason and Josh, too!)




]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:30:00 GMT F36FD8830CA2B98EA9059FD9D5513AF9 L'shana Tovah! http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=465430 Happy 5771 to all! The High Holy Days are behind us....at least for another year....and we are ready to push forward. I had a wonderful experience this year, beginning my second Holy Days season in Denver. Our choir, the music, the spirituality of the services, the mix between classical and contemporary was just incredible. Our congregation is buzzing and I couldn't be more proud. It's taken a lot of hard work, and to see it all come together is truly something special. I've also been working incredibly hard getting our new album, &quot;Follow in My Footsteps&quot; ready for press and to be distributed to all of you! I am so proud of this disc, and I know you'll enjoy it. It's different than our first album....we've used more instrumentation and used music based from Torah rather than only liturgy. My hope is that more and more clergy, educators and song leaders will be able to use this music as a strong educational tool, rather than just for prayer based moments. When people write Jewish music, I always wonder what the motivation is? Is it because they love the way the Hebrew sounds? Do they love the translation? Does it speak to them? And most importantly....do they have a true understandaing of the prayer when they are writing their melody? That really is the kicker..... My favorite is when someone writes a slow, &quot;durgy&quot; Mi Chamocha. What is the point? The translation is &quot;Who is Like You, Adonai&quot;, and speaks of the miracles of God. Furthermore, it represents the joyous energy and experiences of the Israelites as they cross from slavery into freedom. Does that sound like a slow, solomn melody? I think not! Composer John Williams was absolutely incredible at this....taking actions, words, meanings and feeling, and translating it into music. After all, music is the translation of our lives....a language we can all understand. His setting to Indiana Jones is what we think of when we think &quot;adventure&quot;. His theme to SuperMan represents power! That is what I try to do when I compose music. It isn't just a melody, and it's not just text. I really go deep into it and figure out what the prayers mean...what the text is saying and it is my translation of it. I hope that when &quot;Follow in My Footsteps&quot; comes out officially October 20, my music will act as a translation for the text that I have chosen to interpret....and that you'll understand, communicate and be affected spiritually by it. Attached is a song from the new album called &quot;Return&quot;. I hope you like it, and if you do, please spread the word. You can always hear more of our music on facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bryanzive" target="_new">www.facebook.com/bryanzive. And if you would, click &quot;like&quot; to us....suggest us to your friends. Help spread the word so this album can make the most difference and act as that translation to a world that greatly needs it. L'shanah Tovah u'Metukah....a happy, sweet new year to all! Bryan, Jason, Josh and Mike Happy 5771 to all!

The High Holy Days are behind us....at least for another year....and we are ready to push forward. I had a wonderful experience this year, beginning my second Holy Days season in Denver. Our choir, the music, the spirituality of the services, the mix between classical and contemporary was just incredible. Our congregation is buzzing and I couldn't be more proud. It's taken a lot of hard work, and to see it all come together is truly something special.

I've also been working incredibly hard getting our new album, "Follow in My Footsteps" ready for press and to be distributed to all of you! I am so proud of this disc, and I know you'll enjoy it. It's different than our first album....we've used more instrumentation and used music based from Torah rather than only liturgy. My hope is that more and more clergy, educators and song leaders will be able to use this music as a strong educational tool, rather than just for prayer based moments.

When people write Jewish music, I always wonder what the motivation is? Is it because they love the way the Hebrew sounds? Do they love the translation? Does it speak to them? And most importantly....do they have a true understandaing of the prayer when they are writing their melody? That really is the kicker.....

My favorite is when someone writes a slow, "durgy" Mi Chamocha. What is the point? The translation is "Who is Like You, Adonai", and speaks of the miracles of God. Furthermore, it represents the joyous energy and experiences of the Israelites as they cross from slavery into freedom. Does that sound like a slow, solomn melody? I think not!

Composer John Williams was absolutely incredible at this....taking actions, words, meanings and feeling, and translating it into music. After all, music is the translation of our lives....a language we can all understand. His setting to Indiana Jones is what we think of when we think "adventure". His theme to SuperMan represents power!
That is what I try to do when I compose music. It isn't just a melody, and it's not just text. I really go deep into it and figure out what the prayers mean...what the text is saying and it is my translation of it.

I hope that when "Follow in My Footsteps" comes out officially October 20, my music will act as a translation for the text that I have chosen to interpret....and that you'll understand, communicate and be affected spiritually by it. Attached is a song from the new album called "Return". I hope you like it, and if you do, please spread the word.

You can always hear more of our music on facebook at www.facebook.com/bryanzive. And if you would, click "like" to us....suggest us to your friends. Help spread the word so this album can make the most difference and act as that translation to a world that greatly needs it.

L'shanah Tovah u'Metukah....a happy, sweet new year to all!

Bryan, Jason, Josh and Mike


]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:13:21 GMT 739101011EFB3665E8DD7A8C599C7DB0 The new AND the exciting.... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=367534 How's it going, everyone? Yeah, it's been a while, and we hope you're having as great a summer as we are! It's been a busy time for myself and Kol Echad. First and foremost, we recorded our new album, &quot;Follow in My Footsteps&quot;. Scott Leader produced it down at Southwest Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. It was an amazing experience to develop music with such talent musicians and artists, albeit an exhausting week! I hope you'll find the album tasteful, exciting, spiritual and entertaining! It's going to be released this fall, so get as excited as are for you to hear it! We've been all over the place this summer....a few congregations, a few summer camps and having an absolute blast! I couldn't have hoped for a better summer. About a month ago, I had the honor of sharing the Bimah with a teenage songleader from Phoenix named Michael Sarna. His grandparents are members of the congregation I serve in Denver and he gave me a call and asked &quot;Bryan, do you mind if I lead a song with you for Friday Night Kaballat Shabbat&quot;? I said, &quot;Absolutely! Bring your guitar&quot;. Michael, who is an extremely talented songleader in NFTY, was just about to head to Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. His appreciation and passion for Judaism blew me away because he got it at such a young age. He understood the power of Jewish music, and the value of learning from others. Temple Solel, his home congregation, and NFTY is truly lucky to have such an enthusiastic young man with the potential to do even more incredible things then he's already done.&nbsp; I just hope there are more and more young guys and gals out there who's got it too. I also had the opportunity to see Guster (on of my favorite bands) in Boulder in a few weeks. Unfortunately, they sold out quickly. Bummer, dude. My humble words of advice: If you really want something, don't procrastinate&quot;. Also, we want to hook y'all up with some free stuff....free music, merchadise and let you know about where we'll be. Thankfully, we are getting much bigger in the Reform Jewish world and I want you to be there with me! So, please sign up for our mailing list on the home page. We won't bombard you with stuff....just every now and again to keep you up to date. Thanks everyone. Happy Summer! Send an email and say hi anytime! Bryan, Jason, Josh and Mike
How's it going, everyone? Yeah, it's been a while, and we hope you're having as great a summer as we are!

It's been a busy time for myself and Kol Echad. First and foremost, we recorded our new album, "Follow in My Footsteps". Scott Leader produced it down at Southwest Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. It was an amazing experience to develop music with such talent musicians and artists, albeit an exhausting week! I hope you'll find the album tasteful, exciting, spiritual and entertaining! It's going to be released this fall, so get as excited as are for you to hear it!

We've been all over the place this summer....a few congregations, a few summer camps and having an absolute blast! I couldn't have hoped for a better summer.

About a month ago, I had the honor of sharing the Bimah with a teenage songleader from Phoenix named Michael Sarna. His grandparents are members of the congregation I serve in Denver and he gave me a call and asked "Bryan, do you mind if I lead a song with you for Friday Night Kaballat Shabbat"? I said, "Absolutely! Bring your guitar". Michael, who is an extremely talented songleader in NFTY, was just about to head to Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. His appreciation and passion for Judaism blew me away because he got it at such a young age. He understood the power of Jewish music, and the value of learning from others. Temple Solel, his home congregation, and NFTY is truly lucky to have such an enthusiastic young man with the potential to do even more incredible things then he's already done.  I just hope there are more and more young guys and gals out there who's got it too.

I also had the opportunity to see Guster (on of my favorite bands) in Boulder in a few weeks. Unfortunately, they sold out quickly. Bummer, dude. My humble words of advice: If you really want something, don't procrastinate".

Also, we want to hook y'all up with some free stuff....free music, merchadise and let you know about where we'll be. Thankfully, we are getting much bigger in the Reform Jewish world and I want you to be there with me! So, please sign up for our mailing list on the home page. We won't bombard you with stuff....just every now and again to keep you up to date.

Thanks everyone. Happy Summer! Send an email and say hi anytime!

Bryan, Jason, Josh and Mike
]]> Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:11:07 GMT A69929D10ABC529251EAB8F9FB5342EA Out of the ordinary....and creating honor. http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=306779 This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to attend Limmud Colorado, a conference full of Jewish spirituality, education, prayer and song from all denominations. From orthodox to reform, contemporary to classical, sephardic to ashkenazic, clergy, educators and members of the Jewish community in North America and the world got together to teach one another and bring their knowledge, skills and experience to each other. In actuality, nobody, including performers get paid anything to attend this conference. Most entertainers would be completely turned off by this idea. After all, this is our career. Yet, this weekend, 6 different Jewish musical acts/bands donated their time to spread their music, love and belief in the power of Jewish music. (You really should check our David Ross and Julie Geller if you get the chance....trust me!). Neshama Carlebach donated her time to perform, as well. Myself and Kol Echad had the honor of sharing the stage with the other Jewish talent in the Rocky Mountain region. It, indeed, was a honor. If you were there, you'd know why. Sure, I am an entertainer. Myself and the guys love the entertain and fill your ears with what we like to think is great and powerful music. But, I write our music to be used as identity builders and educational tools. After all, even though I entertain, my main job is to be a Jewish educator. It's not just a job, it's a responsibilty.&nbsp;&nbsp; We get to not just fill the ears with music, but the soul as well. Again, what an honor. As you may have heard, I'm so excited to announce that myself and Kol Echad is recording our new album titled &quot;Follow in My Footsteps&quot; next week, which is scheduled to be released in autumn 2010. We have all kinds of new music that I promise won't disappoint. And best of all, you'll enjoy listening and you'll have the ability to use the music in prayer and in educational programs. AGAIN, it's an honor to be able to contribute to the Jewish community in a positive, entertaining and educational fashion. Limmud was a great experience and I'm excited to be a part of it, and hopefully, other Limmud events around North American in the future. Our community allows us to follow in each other's footsteps, and I hope you'll use our new album (and our old music/material) to do the same. Looking forward to seeing you at our future concerts, services, classes and gigs this summer and fall! Bryan This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to attend Limmud Colorado, a conference full of Jewish spirituality, education, prayer and song from all denominations. From orthodox to reform, contemporary to classical, sephardic to ashkenazic, clergy, educators and members of the Jewish community in North America and the world got together to teach one another and bring their knowledge, skills and experience to each other. In actuality, nobody, including performers get paid anything to attend this conference.

Most entertainers would be completely turned off by this idea. After all, this is our career. Yet, this weekend, 6 different Jewish musical acts/bands donated their time to spread their music, love and belief in the power of Jewish music. (You really should check our David Ross and Julie Geller if you get the chance....trust me!). Neshama Carlebach donated her time to perform, as well. Myself and Kol Echad had the honor of sharing the stage with the other Jewish talent in the Rocky Mountain region. It, indeed, was a honor. If you were there, you'd know why.

Sure, I am an entertainer. Myself and the guys love the entertain and fill your ears with what we like to think is great and powerful music. But, I write our music to be used as identity builders and educational tools. After all, even though I entertain, my main job is to be a Jewish educator. It's not just a job, it's a responsibilty.   We get to not just fill the ears with music, but the soul as well. Again, what an honor.

As you may have heard, I'm so excited to announce that myself and Kol Echad is recording our new album titled "Follow in My Footsteps" next week, which is scheduled to be released in autumn 2010. We have all kinds of new music that I promise won't disappoint. And best of all, you'll enjoy listening and you'll have the ability to use the music in prayer and in educational programs. AGAIN, it's an honor to be able to contribute to the Jewish community in a positive, entertaining and educational fashion.

Limmud was a great experience and I'm excited to be a part of it, and hopefully, other Limmud events around North American in the future. Our community allows us to follow in each other's footsteps, and I hope you'll use our new album (and our old music/material) to do the same.

Looking forward to seeing you at our future concerts, services, classes and gigs this summer and fall!

Bryan
]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:07:26 GMT 0C5C8BBD0550B5B48093A68CD4A40051 Is this heaven? Nope....it's Arizona! http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=202830 I know, I know....It's been a while since I've posted anything. Better late than never, I always say. Actually, I don't say that at all. Enough rambling...on to the good stuff. I spent this past week down in the Phoenix, Arizona area, got away from reality for a few days, and acted like a child at Major League Baseball Spring Training. In a world where there are so many problems and concerns, people wondering if they are going to be able to eat tonight, etc., this was a little dose of heaven. People came from all corners of the United States (and world for that matter) to see grown men playing a game for money. And we ate it all up. The uniforms...the sun...the crack of the bat....the calls out of &quot;atta boy!&quot;...and most importantly, the smell of the grass. This was spring....baseball is back. I love what I do in life....I get to work in a Temple, helping people of all ages find their Jewish identities through music and teachings of Torah. I get to travel around to different congregations and bring music to them. I get to help take people out of their reality for a few minutes and create peace in their minds. I'm a spiritual guide...someone people look to for leadership. However, during these past couple of days, instead of wearing a suit and a Kipah, I traded them in for a Dodger Jersey and cap. I smelled the grass, watched hours of drills and batting practice, saw people swarm to their favorite players for autographs and pictures (I even did that!) I even met a Hall of Fame Dodger Manager, Tommy Lasorda, Chicago White Sox Outfielder and former LA Dodger Juan Pierre, and had a picture taken with my dad and Heath Bell, All Star Relief Pitcher for the San Diego Padres. (See pictures below for proof!!) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bryan Zive and Juan Pierre&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bryan Zive and Tommy Lasorda&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Heath Bell, Bryan Zive and his Dad My dad and I ran like little kids up to the cages for batting practice, stood and watched for hours, even chatted with some of the players. These guys are untouchable and unrealistic for 9 months out of the year. But in March, us, the normal folk, can talk to them and interact. It doesn't get much better.&nbsp; In fact, we acted like little kids in a candy store and experienced a little bit of heaven. I said &quot;Good Job, Bills&quot;, to Dodger All Star Chad Billingsley. We spoke with Padres 2B David Eckstein, and to San Diego Manager Bud Black. Heath Bell, the pitcher I mentioned before, gave me an evil look for wearing a Dodger hat. He wouldn't take a picture with me until I changed the hat...then he was happy go lucky! Tommy Lasorda says he bleeds Dodger blue. Just being there and experiencing it helped me achieve the same thing.....and I'd never trade it. The moral of the story....we all need to be kids....go out...have fun....experience our dreams. My dad and I did it this week.&nbsp; And if you're worried about leaving reality for a split second.....take the risk. I highly suggest it. I know, I know....It's been a while since I've posted anything. Better late than never, I always say.

Actually, I don't say that at all. Enough rambling...on to the good stuff.


I spent this past week down in the Phoenix, Arizona area, got away from reality for a few days, and acted like a child at Major League Baseball Spring Training. In a world where there are so many problems and concerns, people wondering if they are going to be able to eat tonight, etc., this was a little dose of heaven. People came from all corners of the United States (and world for that matter) to see grown men playing a game for money.

And we ate it all up. The uniforms...the sun...the crack of the bat....the calls out of "atta boy!"...and most importantly, the smell of the grass. This was spring....baseball is back.

I love what I do in life....I get to work in a Temple, helping people of all ages find their Jewish identities through music and teachings of Torah. I get to travel around to different congregations and bring music to them. I get to help take people out of their reality for a few minutes and create peace in their minds. I'm a spiritual guide...someone people look to for leadership.

However, during these past couple of days, instead of wearing a suit and a Kipah, I traded them in for a Dodger Jersey and cap. I smelled the grass, watched hours of drills and batting practice, saw people swarm to their favorite players for autographs and pictures (I even did that!) I even met a Hall of Fame Dodger Manager, Tommy Lasorda, Chicago White Sox Outfielder and former LA Dodger Juan Pierre, and had a picture taken with my dad and Heath Bell, All Star Relief Pitcher for the San Diego Padres. (See pictures below for proof!!)



Bryan Zive and Juan Pierre                                            
 
           Bryan Zive and Juan Pierre                                                Bryan Zive and Tommy Lasorda                              Heath Bell, Bryan Zive and his Dad


My dad and I ran like little kids up to the cages for batting practice, stood and watched for hours, even chatted with some of the players. These guys are untouchable and unrealistic for 9 months out of the year. But in March, us, the normal folk, can talk to them and interact. It doesn't get much better.  In fact, we acted like little kids in a candy store and experienced a little bit of heaven.

I said "Good Job, Bills", to Dodger All Star Chad Billingsley. We spoke with Padres 2B David Eckstein, and to San Diego Manager Bud Black. Heath Bell, the pitcher I mentioned before, gave me an evil look for wearing a Dodger hat. He wouldn't take a picture with me until I changed the hat...then he was happy go lucky!

Tommy Lasorda says he bleeds Dodger blue. Just being there and experiencing it helped me achieve the same thing.....and I'd never trade it.

The moral of the story....we all need to be kids....go out...have fun....experience our dreams. My dad and I did it this week.  And if you're worried about leaving reality for a split second.....take the risk. I highly suggest it.
]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:10:00 GMT 554874DEF8BF42AFFDD197F45C3ECBCF The Festival of Lights is coming! http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=129685 I want to share with all of you my article in Temple Sinai's monthly newsletter....it'll give you some insight to me, my family and you might learn a little something! If you don't, please don't blame me :) A funny thing happens to me each year around this time without fail. Call it sentiment, or plain force of habit. How do I know Chanukah season is just around the corner? No, it's not because my tall, skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks came in a red and green cup. And it's most certainly not the beautiful holiday display that takes up half of the Target store on Arapahoe. It's because I can close my eyes, inhale our fresh Colorado air, and still smell the potatoes, onions and oil all the way from my parent's home in Los Angeles. It only means one thing...latkes. And THAT only means one thing....Chanukah has arrived. Okay, I'll confess that I really can't actually smell the one food that my parents, standing side by side for hours, cook in unpredictable shapes, but they come out in a way that has me closely resembling the result of Pavlov's bell and a dog. The latkes represent more than a delicious treat that I eat once a year. They represent our culture, family unity and love.&nbsp; Just as the different foods come together to make the perfect Chanukah treat, even in different geographical locations, when the Latkes are made, the smell and the nostalgia create a connection that nobody can take away from us. A few weeks ago, while teaching our 9th and 10th graders, I posed this question: &quot;How do you connect to Judaism&quot;? A simple question on the outside, but one many people have extreme difficulty answering. our students contemplated their answers. Some of the answers were &quot;camp, food, prayer and music&quot;. Honestly, I was pleased someone said &quot;music&quot;. It made me feel that I was actually doing something right over the years. A few minutes later, out of the blue, a student raised his hand (mind you, we had already begun to move on in our discussion). He asked, &quot;Bryan, why music? Why music and Judaism? Why do you do what you do&quot;? Shellshocked by the maturity of the question and his sheer curiosity, I had to stop and think. I proceeded to answer, &quot;Music brings me closer to God. It's my way to interact and receive guidance from God. I do what I do because being here each day with all of you and our community gives me hope that I can bring music to you, teach you, inspire you and, possibly, have that music create a connection and relationship between you and God.&nbsp; Maybe you'll enjoy being Jewish just a little more each day&quot;. Ever since that moment, I have thought about that question and my answer each day. I couldn't thank that student more for asking me that question. Albeit not the holiest of holidays in the Jewish religion (Chanukah isn't mentioned in the Torah), it is a holiday that connects us to our family and to our culture, to some, more so than any other holiday we celebrate. On Chanukah, we sing &quot;Maoz Tzur&quot;, rock of strength. Rocks are solid, lasting forever. Maoz Tzur is written to a very familiar melody that stands out over the rest of this holiday's music . It's melody is considered by many to be the nusach of Chanukah, the tune that is representative of that particular holiday. It's purpose is to make you aware that the holiday or festival has arrived when you hear it's uniqueness. In essence, it's melody is tradition that will last forever and is recognizable throughout the world. Judaism has a subtle, yet, continuous connection with the idea of a &quot;rock&quot;. Not only is our tradition, community and culture compared to the strength and longevity of a rock, but also is our connection with God. This idea can be a communal vision, or one of a personal nature. Maoz Tzur's first stanza states 'God is the rock that will bring the Jewish people back to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship and sacrifice' (This is more of a traditional perspective, not adopted by the Reform movement).&nbsp; Liturgy from the end of our Amidah also compares God to a rock, but in a more personal way: &quot;May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, O God, my rock and my redeemer&quot;.&nbsp; For me, the connection with God is strongest through Jewish music. It is my rock and longevity,&nbsp; allowing my words and meditations to be acceptable to God, our rock. This month, we'll have the chance to gather as a community, sing, and make new memories together, while continuing old traditions. We'll use our music and spirit to help create a stronger connection with God, our culture and our community. Who knows, we might enjoy being Jewish just a little more! During the eight nights of Chanukah, sit as a family and a community, singing the dozens of songs we've learned over the years. Continue your relationship with our culture and God by creating a new, long-lasting memory....a strong, beautiful rock, whether communal or personal.&nbsp; I, for one, cannot wait to sing, and smell the latkes that, in a short time, my parents will be begin to prepare. May you have a happy, music-filled festival of lights! B'shalom v'shirah, Bryan

I want to share with all of you my article in Temple Sinai's monthly newsletter....it'll give you some insight to me, my family and you might learn a little something! If you don't, please don't blame me :)


A funny thing happens to me each year around this time without fail. Call it sentiment, or plain force of habit. How do I know Chanukah season is just around the corner? No, it's not because my tall, skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks came in a red and green cup. And it's most certainly not the beautiful holiday display that takes up half of the Target store on Arapahoe. It's because I can close my eyes, inhale our fresh Colorado air, and still smell the potatoes, onions and oil all the way from my parent's home in Los Angeles. It only means one thing...latkes. And THAT only means one thing....Chanukah has arrived.

Okay, I'll confess that I really can't actually smell the one food that my parents, standing side by side for hours, cook in unpredictable shapes, but they come out in a way that has me closely resembling the result of Pavlov's bell and a dog. The latkes represent more than a delicious treat that I eat once a year. They represent our culture, family unity and love.  Just as the different foods come together to make the perfect Chanukah treat, even in different geographical locations, when the Latkes are made, the smell and the nostalgia create a connection that nobody can take away from us.

A few weeks ago, while teaching our 9th and 10th graders, I posed this question: "How do you connect to Judaism"? A simple question on the outside, but one many people have extreme difficulty answering. our students contemplated their answers. Some of the answers were "camp, food, prayer and music". Honestly, I was pleased someone said "music". It made me feel that I was actually doing something right over the years. A few minutes later, out of the blue, a student raised his hand (mind you, we had already begun to move on in our discussion). He asked, "Bryan, why music? Why music and Judaism? Why do you do what you do"? Shellshocked by the maturity of the question and his sheer curiosity, I had to stop and think. I proceeded to answer, "Music brings me closer to God. It's my way to interact and receive guidance from God. I do what I do because being here each day with all of you and our community gives me hope that I can bring music to you, teach you, inspire you and, possibly, have that music create a connection and relationship between you and God.  Maybe you'll enjoy being Jewish just a little more each day". Ever since that moment, I have thought about that question and my answer each day. I couldn't thank that student more for asking me that question.

Albeit not the holiest of holidays in the Jewish religion (Chanukah isn't mentioned in the Torah), it is a holiday that connects us to our family and to our culture, to some, more so than any other holiday we celebrate. On Chanukah, we sing "Maoz Tzur", rock of strength. Rocks are solid, lasting forever. Maoz Tzur is written to a very familiar melody that stands out over the rest of this holiday's music . It's melody is considered by many to be the nusach of Chanukah, the tune that is representative of that particular holiday. It's purpose is to make you aware that the holiday or festival has arrived when you hear it's uniqueness. In essence, it's melody is tradition that will last forever and is recognizable throughout the world. Judaism has a subtle, yet, continuous connection with the idea of a "rock". Not only is our tradition, community and culture compared to the strength and longevity of a rock, but also is our connection with God. This idea can be a communal vision, or one of a personal nature. Maoz Tzur's first stanza states 'God is the rock that will bring the Jewish people back to the Temple in Jerusalem for worship and sacrifice' (This is more of a traditional perspective, not adopted by the Reform movement).  Liturgy from the end of our Amidah also compares God to a rock, but in a more personal way: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, O God, my rock and my redeemer".  For me, the connection with God is strongest through Jewish music. It is my rock and longevity,  allowing my words and meditations to be acceptable to God, our rock.

This month, we'll have the chance to gather as a community, sing, and make new memories together, while continuing old traditions. We'll use our music and spirit to help create a stronger connection with God, our culture and our community. Who knows, we might enjoy being Jewish just a little more! During the eight nights of Chanukah, sit as a family and a community, singing the dozens of songs we've learned over the years. Continue your relationship with our culture and God by creating a new, long-lasting memory....a strong, beautiful rock, whether communal or personal.  I, for one, cannot wait to sing, and smell the latkes that, in a short time, my parents will be begin to prepare.

May you have a happy, music-filled festival of lights!

B'shalom v'shirah,
Bryan


]]> Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:18 GMT 0761185B07D0CB8741D8C6290C9D383C Chocolate? GOOD! Baseball? GOOD! Hawaii? GOOD! Change? Hmmmmm.... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=98931 In my years as a Jewish professional, I have learned one VERY important thing: Change can be good! But, boy oh boy, PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF IT! In the words of Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister, &quot;There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction&quot;. So, why are people so afraid of change? Is it because it differs from what they know and are used to? Is it fear of the unknown? The simple answer is YES. My life has gone through a 100% change in the past 3 months. After being very comfortable for many years in Columbus, Ohio, I moved to Denver, Colorado, one of the most beautiful cities in America. The weather is perfect. The mountains are stunning. And the restaurant scene is to die for! And, there are even 4 professional sports teams! I began my position as full-time music director at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sinaidenver.org">Temple Sinai, a reform congregation almost 1200 families strong. In fact, my position was created from scratch....from nothing...zilch...zippo. In addition, I had to get used to the elevation (over a Mile high!), a new time zone (shows are on at weird times!) and develop a whole new social scene for myself. Needless to say, this isn't easy. There is reason people call our work, &quot;serving a congregation&quot;. We are serving...we are dedicating our lives, our souls and our hearts to our congregants and community. A job is working 40 hours per week....9 am to 5 pm....going home, and forgetting about it. Then, you wake up and do it ALL OVER AGAIN....day after day. Jewish professional work is full of surprises, inspiration, dedication and emotion. In one day, a Rabbi/Cantor/Music Director can lead a baby naming, funeral and teach a confirmation class all in one day. Then, three days later, lead 5,000 people in prayer during the High Holy Days. If you're asking yourself, &quot;how do you stay sane? How do you find time for yourself&quot;? The answer is simple: We try. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don't. But, we embrace the change and commitment to our lifestyle for the better good. And self-less is the way to go. The first three months at Temple Sinai have been wonderful during most parts, frustrating at others. But, most importantly, the level of satisfaction of our congregants is through the roof positive. After the High Holy Days concluded,&nbsp; our congregants, some of them from the older generation, said, &quot;These were the best High Holy Days services we've ever had! The music was beautiful and inspiring&quot;. After all, this congregation had to go through major change....a new person on the bimah, a new personality and a new position. Getting rid of that muscle memory is quite difficult. So, to hear feedback like this is not just a compliment for me, but a true benefit to our congregation. My congregants here in Denver have embraced me, what I can bring to our congregation and have come a long way, even in 3 months. And that inspires me to do more....to help make us better. Quite frankly, we should all be that way. From pre-school age to 100 years old, we should all embrace change and go with the flow, especially if it's in the right direction. We're absolutely moving in the right direction....I am in my life. Temple Sinai is. As a Jewish people, we are. &quot;Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted&quot;. Everyone....raise your glasses to change. It is for the better good.
In my years as a Jewish professional, I have learned one VERY important thing:

Change can be good! But, boy oh boy, PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF IT!


In the words of Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister, "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction".


So, why are people so afraid of change? Is it because it differs from what they know and are used to? Is it fear of the unknown? The simple answer is YES.

My life has gone through a 100% change in the past 3 months. After being very comfortable for many years in Columbus, Ohio, I moved to Denver, Colorado, one of the most beautiful cities in America. The weather is perfect. The mountains are stunning. And the restaurant scene is to die for! And, there are even 4 professional sports teams! I began my position as full-time music director at Temple Sinai, a reform congregation almost 1200 families strong. In fact, my position was created from scratch....from nothing...zilch...zippo. In addition, I had to get used to the elevation (over a Mile high!), a new time zone (shows are on at weird times!) and develop a whole new social scene for myself. Needless to say, this isn't easy.

There is reason people call our work, "serving a congregation". We are serving...we are dedicating our lives, our souls and our hearts to our congregants and community. A job is working 40 hours per week....9 am to 5 pm....going home, and forgetting about it. Then, you wake up and do it ALL OVER AGAIN....day after day. Jewish professional work is full of surprises, inspiration, dedication and emotion. In one day, a Rabbi/Cantor/Music Director can lead a baby naming, funeral and teach a confirmation class all in one day. Then, three days later, lead 5,000 people in prayer during the High Holy Days. If you're asking yourself, "how do you stay sane? How do you find time for yourself"?

The answer is simple: We try. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don't. But, we embrace the change and commitment to our lifestyle for the better good. And self-less is the way to go.

The first three months at Temple Sinai have been wonderful during most parts, frustrating at others. But, most importantly, the level of satisfaction of our congregants is through the roof positive. After the High Holy Days concluded,  our congregants, some of them from the older generation, said, "These were the best High Holy Days services we've ever had! The music was beautiful and inspiring". After all, this congregation had to go through major change....a new person on the bimah, a new personality and a new position. Getting rid of that muscle memory is quite difficult. So, to hear feedback like this is not just a compliment for me, but a true benefit to our congregation.

My congregants here in Denver have embraced me, what I can bring to our congregation and have come a long way, even in 3 months. And that inspires me to do more....to help make us better. Quite frankly, we should all be that way. From pre-school age to 100 years old, we should all embrace change and go with the flow, especially if it's in the right direction.

We're absolutely moving in the right direction....I am in my life. Temple Sinai is. As a Jewish people, we are.

"Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted".

Everyone....raise your glasses to change. It is for the better good.





]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMT 2D916FD692E4C293CF3E810A1C8376AD Music is harmony.....no pun intended. http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=43159 I would consider myself to be an emotional guy. Sometimes, I let things get to me a little too much. But all in all, those reactions help me in life. They make me care about everything, from the most important, to what seems to be the most insignificant detail. In following Pope Benedict's first papal visit to the Holy Land, I had many mixed emotions. Of course, it makes me uncomfortable that he was a member of Hitler's Youth party, etc etc etc. And, although I'm not a believer in the Catholic faith, I still do have a certain respect for &quot;figure heads&quot; of religious sects, just as I would expect other cultures to respect the Torah. So, yes, I thought it was pretty cool that the Pope visited Israel, held mass in Jerusalem, visited Yad VaShem and even listened to a concert of beautiful music by talented Israeli artists. Honestly, the pieces of music they sang, &quot;Bring him Home&quot; from the musical Les Miserables (in both English and Hebrew), as well as Lu Y'hi (a beautiful song translated to &quot;Let it Be&quot; by Naomi Shemer) absolutely brought tears to my eyes. The YouTube video of it has been circulating around the internet, and Jewish Music listserves. Here is the link, so you can watch it: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7euIUUAtk" target="_new">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7euIUUAtk If you haven't visited Israel, please go. It is such a beautiful place. The people....the food....the language....the flag....the air you breathe....it's a little different then anything you've felt before. Yet, such a beautiful place has never really seen absolute peace. If moments like these don't bring emotion, I don't know what will.&nbsp; I hope and pray that a moment like this...music like this....can bring some harmony...some peace...and some love. Love has never felt so real.

I would consider myself to be an emotional guy. Sometimes, I let things get to me a little too much. But all in all, those reactions help me in life. They make me care about everything, from the most important, to what seems to be the most insignificant detail.

In following Pope Benedict's first papal visit to the Holy Land, I had many mixed emotions. Of course, it makes me uncomfortable that he was a member of Hitler's Youth party, etc etc etc. And, although I'm not a believer in the Catholic faith, I still do have a certain respect for "figure heads" of religious sects, just as I would expect other cultures to respect the Torah. So, yes, I thought it was pretty cool that the Pope visited Israel, held mass in Jerusalem, visited Yad VaShem and even listened to a concert of beautiful music by talented Israeli artists.

Honestly, the pieces of music they sang, "Bring him Home" from the musical Les Miserables (in both English and Hebrew), as well as Lu Y'hi (a beautiful song translated to "Let it Be" by Naomi Shemer) absolutely brought tears to my eyes. The YouTube video of it has been circulating around the internet, and Jewish Music listserves.

Here is the link, so you can watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7euIUUAtk

If you haven't visited Israel, please go. It is such a beautiful place. The people....the food....the language....the flag....the air you breathe....it's a little different then anything you've felt before. Yet, such a beautiful place has never really seen absolute peace. If moments like these don't bring emotion, I don't know what will.  I hope and pray that a moment like this...music like this....can bring some harmony...some peace...and some love.

Love has never felt so real.





]]> Fri, 22 May 2009 21:37:20 GMT 829B2BA64A17A176748D43BF5230A3F2 The NFL Draft, NBA Playoffs, Major League Baseball, the NHL Playoffs and my "pick" for another Jewish artist to check out... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=40620 &quot;One of these things is not like the other.....&quot; &nbsp; - Can you figure out which one isn't in that title? Yes, it's the new Jewish musician to check out....but, that's okay. I feel the need to vent a little bit about sports (my other passion). The NFL Draft:&nbsp; My Miami Dolphins made a couple of good picks. I like Pat White being worked in to the famed Wildcat offense. His speed will be a great thing. And, being a Buckeye myself, I love the Brian Hartline pick. That guy is tough, and is a gamer. Even if the ESPN commentators don't like the Dolphins' picks, Bill Parcells always seems to know just a little more than all of us. I'll trust him. After all, the team did win the division last year after going 1-15 the year before. And to all of you Jets fans, enjoy Mark Sanchez. To all of you Raiders fans, I am sorry. So sorry. NBA Playoffs: My Lakers are amazing. They should have swept Utah. But we'll give them one. The Cavs look unstoppable in the East. But, I know my Lakers will prevail this year. I believe. MLB: The Dodgers offense is amazing. The starting pitching is wonderful. The bullpen stinks. And how about them Toronto Blue Jays? They just keep winning. It's fun to watch. And nothing makes me happier then to see the Yankees playing as poorly as they are, especially in their launching pad of a new ballpark. I guess $1.5 billion can't buy outs. NHL Playoffs: My Columbus Blue Jackets were in the playoffs. 6 days later and 4 games against the Red Wings: It's been fun and golf tee-times are being scheduled. And finally....my pick for a Jewish musician to check out: Take a few and check out Scott Leader....he writes his own music, and is in the group &quot;Sababa&quot;. I really like his music and vocals. You should also check out his production style. It's stellar. I am really impressed by him and his passion for Jewish music. You can visit his site at <a href="http://www.scottleader.com">www.scottleader.com. He and his studio are in the Phoenix area, and I suggest working with him. He's a good guy, and only benefits this Jewish community. I'm heading to Denver this weekend to hang out with folks at Temple Sinai....totally excited. It's going to be great! Also, be sure to check out our new &quot;FanZone!&quot; section of the site, which has some new exclusive video and some of our new concert dates coming up soon. Be well everyone! Bryan
"One of these things is not like the other....."   - Can you figure out which one isn't in that title?

Yes, it's the new Jewish musician to check out....but, that's okay. I feel the need to vent a little bit about sports (my other passion).

The NFL Draft:  My Miami Dolphins made a couple of good picks. I like Pat White being worked in to the famed Wildcat offense. His speed will be a great thing. And, being a Buckeye myself, I love the Brian Hartline pick. That guy is tough, and is a gamer. Even if the ESPN commentators don't like the Dolphins' picks, Bill Parcells always seems to know just a little more than all of us. I'll trust him. After all, the team did win the division last year after going 1-15 the year before. And to all of you Jets fans, enjoy Mark Sanchez. To all of you Raiders fans, I am sorry. So sorry.

NBA Playoffs: My Lakers are amazing. They should have swept Utah. But we'll give them one. The Cavs look unstoppable in the East. But, I know my Lakers will prevail this year. I believe.

MLB: The Dodgers offense is amazing. The starting pitching is wonderful. The bullpen stinks. And how about them Toronto Blue Jays? They just keep winning. It's fun to watch. And nothing makes me happier then to see the Yankees playing as poorly as they are, especially in their launching pad of a new ballpark. I guess $1.5 billion can't buy outs.

NHL Playoffs: My Columbus Blue Jackets were in the playoffs. 6 days later and 4 games against the Red Wings: It's been fun and golf tee-times are being scheduled.

And finally....my pick for a Jewish musician to check out:

Take a few and check out Scott Leader....he writes his own music, and is in the group "Sababa". I really like his music and vocals. You should also check out his production style. It's stellar. I am really impressed by him and his passion for Jewish music. You can visit his site at www.scottleader.com. He and his studio are in the Phoenix area, and I suggest working with him. He's a good guy, and only benefits this Jewish community.

I'm heading to Denver this weekend to hang out with folks at Temple Sinai....totally excited. It's going to be great! Also, be sure to check out our new "FanZone!" section of the site, which has some new exclusive video and some of our new concert dates coming up soon.

Be well everyone!
Bryan


]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:20:07 GMT 6D5CC562F382231F0C76D0460943D1DF No Day But Today..... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=37668 Yes, I quoted lyrics from the broadway musical, &quot;Rent&quot;. &quot;There's only now, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, no day but today&quot;. Or shall I quote Matthew Brodrick from the classic movie &quot;Ferris Bueller's Day off&quot;: &quot;Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it&quot;. You may ask yourself, &quot;Why is he talking about all of these nostalgic, yet inspiring quotes&quot;? Well, the brilliant writers of both &quot;Rent&quot; and &quot;Ferris Bueller's Day off&quot; got it right. Life really does move pretty fast, and if you waste your time worrying about small, petty things, it'll pass you buy and you'll lose the chance to create amazing memories and moments. Luckily, in my life, I have been privileged with the chance to work with incredible people, and actually help create these types of awesome moments. I want to share one of them with you. About a month or so ago, I did a solo, completely informal, unplugged concert for the 5th-12th graders at Temple Sinai in Denver, Colorado in their Youth Lounge. Now, to give you an idea, this isn't your normal youth lounge. This thing is huge (2 stories) with arcade games, computers, flat screen tvs, etc. These kids are so lucky to have a place to chill like that! Anyways, since this was following the congregational Shabbat service on Friday evening, congregants of all ages began to stroll on in, participate and sing along. Even after a 90 minute service, congregants of this wonderful synagogue wanted more. They wanted to be inspired by contemproary Jewish music, and eachother's voices. One of these congregants was a 6th grade young man named Ethan. Ethan came up to me and said, &quot;Bryan, would you mind if I played along with you?&quot; I, of course, said, &quot;Ethan, please! I'd be honored!&quot; Ethan knew some of the music. But, he had his guitar, sat right next to me, followed along, played and sang throughout the entire show. Looking to my left and seeing Ethan sit there, totally psyched about not just playing with me, but Jewish music in general, gave me one of those &quot;Aha!&quot; moments, where you just feel an incredible sense of well being and accomplishment. Ethan was jazzed....I was inspired....the group was singing together on Shabbat. There really was no day like that day. The next day, I was walking around to some of the Religious School classrooms and hanging out with the students, and even playing a few songs for some. In the hallways, I see 7th and 8th graders with their chordsters and guitars out, jammin' out to Jewish music and singing words of Torah. To see young adults taking this pride in their faith, culture and identity is a blessing. Friends, it's these moments that create ourselves. Be like Ethan. Be like those 7th and 8th graders. Create the moments that inspire you. If we don't slow down and take it all in, we really might miss them. And we wouldn't want that. &nbsp;

"There's only now, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, no day but today".


Or shall I quote Matthew Brodrick from the classic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day off":

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".



You may ask yourself, "Why is he talking about all of these nostalgic, yet inspiring quotes"? Well, the brilliant writers of both "Rent" and "Ferris Bueller's Day off" got it right. Life really does move pretty fast, and if you waste your time worrying about small, petty things, it'll pass you buy and you'll lose the chance to create amazing memories and moments.

Luckily, in my life, I have been privileged with the chance to work with incredible people, and actually help create these types of awesome moments. I want to share one of them with you.

About a month or so ago, I did a solo, completely informal, unplugged concert for the 5th-12th graders at Temple Sinai in Denver, Colorado in their Youth Lounge. Now, to give you an idea, this isn't your normal youth lounge. This thing is huge (2 stories) with arcade games, computers, flat screen tvs, etc. These kids are so lucky to have a place to chill like that! Anyways, since this was following the congregational Shabbat service on Friday evening, congregants of all ages began to stroll on in, participate and sing along. Even after a 90 minute service, congregants of this wonderful synagogue wanted more. They wanted to be inspired by contemproary Jewish music, and eachother's voices.

One of these congregants was a 6th grade young man named Ethan. Ethan came up to me and said, "Bryan, would you mind if I played along with you?" I, of course, said, "Ethan, please! I'd be honored!"

Ethan knew some of the music. But, he had his guitar, sat right next to me, followed along, played and sang throughout the entire show. Looking to my left and seeing Ethan sit there, totally psyched about not just playing with me, but Jewish music in general, gave me one of those "Aha!" moments, where you just feel an incredible sense of well being and accomplishment. Ethan was jazzed....I was inspired....the group was singing together on Shabbat. There really was no day like that day.

The next day, I was walking around to some of the Religious School classrooms and hanging out with the students, and even playing a few songs for some. In the hallways, I see 7th and 8th graders with their chordsters and guitars out, jammin' out to Jewish music and singing words of Torah. To see young adults taking this pride in their faith, culture and identity is a blessing.

Friends, it's these moments that create ourselves. Be like Ethan. Be like those 7th and 8th graders. Create the moments that inspire you. If we don't slow down and take it all in, we really might miss them.

And we wouldn't want that.
 
]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:51:10 GMT D0EB824C31E851F1D74A0AD2521DF69A New names...New times....New music. http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=34982 A month or so ago, I learned that one of my songs, &quot;Rock and Redeemer&quot;, was chosen to appear of Transcontinental Music's NFTY Ruach 5769 compilation album. I always bought the previous discs, and used the music on it while songleading and teaching, and made it apart of any curriculum I created. Ruach helped me learn what popular, useable, strong Jewish music was, and just how powerful of a tool it can be. It made me more familiar with names like Dan Nichols, Rick Recht, Beth Shaffer and Mah Tovu. It introduced me to names like Josh Nelson, Ross M. Levy and Sheldon Low. And now, I am apart of this prestigious and exclusive group. A song that came from my imagination and heart...is going to inspire music educators, young songleaders to add it to their music curricula. WOW is all I can say. Wow. It's something I'm truly proud of, and greatly humbled by my company of fellow composers, past and present. What is incredible about Ruach 5769 is the array of new artists being introduced to the North American Reform Jewish community. The names like Craig Taubman, Debbie Friedman, and Jeff Klepper, albeit incredible and movement-changing composers, did not have compositions on this album. New names...new inspirations....new artists....and new leaders such as Todd Herzog, Chana Rothman, Billy Tiep, Michelle Citrin, and a few more have been introduced to our community. New talent is being born, and new times are emerging. I encourage you to write...spread this music...not just my own, but the music of others. It'll only make our movement stronger, and our Jewish identities will flourish. I applaud the artist like Debbie, Craig and Jeff....who have made Jewish music as strong as it is, and have inspired artists like me to want to be influential. I also applaud everyone who has been affected by the music composed by Dan Nichols and Rick Recht, who have given kids and young families yet another reason to relate to, and combine rock music and Jewish culture. And lastly, I applaud all of the aspiring composers, and the ones that are breaking through into mainstream Jewish music. We are keeping it going. We are inspiring others to do the same thing. We are making Jewish music stronger...... I......we......you......should feel proud. NFTY Ruach 5769 compilation album. I always bought the previous discs, and used the music on it while songleading and teaching, and made it apart of any curriculum I created. Ruach helped me learn what popular, useable, strong Jewish music was, and just how powerful of a tool it can be. It made me more familiar with names like Dan Nichols, Rick Recht, Beth Shaffer and Mah Tovu. It introduced me to names like Josh Nelson, Ross M. Levy and Sheldon Low.

And now, I am apart of this prestigious and exclusive group. A song that came from my imagination and heart...is going to inspire music educators, young songleaders to add it to their music curricula. WOW is all I can say. Wow. It's something I'm truly proud of, and greatly humbled by my company of fellow composers, past and present.

What is incredible about Ruach 5769 is the array of new artists being introduced to the North American Reform Jewish community. The names like Craig Taubman, Debbie Friedman, and Jeff Klepper, albeit incredible and movement-changing composers, did not have compositions on this album. New names...new inspirations....new artists....and new leaders such as Todd Herzog, Chana Rothman, Billy Tiep, Michelle Citrin, and a few more have been introduced to our community. New talent is being born, and new times are emerging.

I encourage you to write...spread this music...not just my own, but the music of others. It'll only make our movement stronger, and our Jewish identities will flourish. I applaud the artist like Debbie, Craig and Jeff....who have made Jewish music as strong as it is, and have inspired artists like me to want to be influential. I also applaud everyone who has been affected by the music composed by Dan Nichols and Rick Recht, who have given kids and young families yet another reason to relate to, and combine rock music and Jewish culture. And lastly, I applaud all of the aspiring composers, and the ones that are breaking through into mainstream Jewish music. We are keeping it going. We are inspiring others to do the same thing.

We are making Jewish music stronger......

I......we......you......should feel proud.


]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:25:00 GMT 760C9A98E06A61282F215D9C8C15571A Change is here..... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=33528 Yes, yes it is.... Whether or not you are a Democrat or Republican, black, white, purple, polka dotted, from the West Coast or the East Coast, you know that it is time for a change. The struggling economy has drastically changed the lives of many...caused people to lose their homes and/or their jobs and might have even forced relocation. Some people have lost close friends and family in the War on Terror. Gas prices went way up, and then way down again. We should be fortunate that things can't get too much worse, and that only use can make change and make our country and world a happier, better and stronger place. Beginning on Tuesday, the Obama administration will take over, and will, hopefully, inspire many to improve our way of living and lead us down the path of changing the world. This isn't about who we support politically. I know many wonderful Democrats and many wonderful Republicans. But, we all need to rally together behind our new President despite your beliefs. Let's make the world a better place together. Yes, there is excitement in the air (albeit freezing air in the midwest and east coast!) Speaking of change, and inspiring people to make lives a little better, I've noticed that due to the struggling economy, many Jewish organizations are struggling financially as well. Even the people fortunate enough to donate their hard earned money have cut back, thus severly diminishing non-profit organization's ability to bring in talented Jewish artists. I'm not talking about me necesarily. But, others as well. I, for one, refuse to let our economy have that happen. So I am going to continue to inspire and do everything I possibly can....including spreading the music of up-and-coming Jewish composers. Whether you're in NFTY or older, I want to help you spread your music on our website and our communications to our fans. So, if you are an new Jewish songwriter, or just want help spreading the word, please send me a bio and an MP3 of your song. We will spread it for you. It is our responsibility as Jewish professionals to keep the circle going....L'dor V'dor, from generation to generation. Change is here....and we're going to help make the world better. Follow us, because you can too.
Whether or not you are a Democrat or Republican, black, white, purple, polka dotted, from the West Coast or the East Coast, you know that it is time for a change. The struggling economy has drastically changed the lives of many...caused people to lose their homes and/or their jobs and might have even forced relocation. Some people have lost close friends and family in the War on Terror. Gas prices went way up, and then way down again. We should be fortunate that things can't get too much worse, and that only use can make change and make our country and world a happier, better and stronger place. Beginning on Tuesday, the Obama administration will take over, and will, hopefully, inspire many to improve our way of living and lead us down the path of changing the world. This isn't about who we support politically. I know many wonderful Democrats and many wonderful Republicans. But, we all need to rally together behind our new President despite your beliefs. Let's make the world a better place together.

Yes, there is excitement in the air (albeit freezing air in the midwest and east coast!)

Speaking of change, and inspiring people to make lives a little better, I've noticed that due to the struggling economy, many Jewish organizations are struggling financially as well. Even the people fortunate enough to donate their hard earned money have cut back, thus severly diminishing non-profit organization's ability to bring in talented Jewish artists. I'm not talking about me necesarily. But, others as well.

I, for one, refuse to let our economy have that happen. So I am going to continue to inspire and do everything I possibly can....including spreading the music of up-and-coming Jewish composers. Whether you're in NFTY or older, I want to help you spread your music on our website and our communications to our fans. So, if you are an new Jewish songwriter, or just want help spreading the word, please send me a bio and an MP3 of your song. We will spread it for you.

It is our responsibility as Jewish professionals to keep the circle going....L'dor V'dor, from generation to generation.

Change is here....and we're going to help make the world better. Follow us, because you can too.


]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:16:00 GMT 662AC0E5B83D9E8DE1E5B09635ACC8E3 Just your everyday thoughts.... http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=29202 This has been one unbelievable month. Why you may ask? I have felt one of the most incredible senses of accompliment I've ever felt. Leading services, whether at Temple, Hillel, Camp, etc., is a blessing. I love the connection you can make with the people you are praying and singing with. Now that I have completed leading Temple Israel in Columbus in High Holy Days prayer along with our two Rabbis, I am able to sit back, reflect and see/hear/witness/experience the effect. And, it may not be more important. But I felt those effects even more during the past week. I have had so many people approach me here in Columbus telling me &quot;You did such a great job!&quot;. &quot;Bryan, you've matured SO much&quot;, etc. etc. etc. These congregants all had the nicest words for me, and I appreciate each and every one greatly. However, instead of growing a big head about it, and being proud of myself for learning an incredible amount of music.... I felt the extreme satisfaction of helping a congregation to feel inspired about their prayer experience. I heard that word at least 50 times.... inspired. Truthfully, I couldn't be more proud of our congregation....and more humble from this experience. Amazing, to say the least. In other news.... I'm really excited about this new songleaders section on our website, and what we are now beginning to attempt. I am completely dedicated to getting Jewish music out there....not just ours...but everyone's....even the guy/girl who doesn't have the means to promote yet. It's just something I feel we need more of. We need to work together and make this thing huge. That's just how I feel, anyways. I hope you all agree. Now that the Holidays are just about over, I can't wait to contact synagogues, Hillels and Camps for the upcoming year. Given the economic situation, it worries me that non-profit communities won't be able to raise the money to bring us in (or anyone for that matter). So, after thinking long and hard, I don't want to deprive congregations of Jewish Music Education, entertainment and so on. So, throughout these hard times, I, along with Kol Echad, am going to lower our rates and do what's affordable....so we can still give people what they deserve....the chance to develop their Jewish identities through music. I feel like I'm rambling now! So, I think that's it.... One last thing, in watching the Red Sox/Rays game tonight, here in Ohio, there have been 42 political ads on TV. Something else, isn't it? Have a great 5769 everyone. -BZ
Why you may ask? I have felt one of the most incredible senses of accompliment I've ever felt. Leading services, whether at Temple, Hillel, Camp, etc., is a blessing. I love the connection you can make with the people you are praying and singing with. Now that I have completed leading Temple Israel in Columbus in High Holy Days prayer along with our two Rabbis, I am able to sit back, reflect and see/hear/witness/experience the effect. And, it may not be more important. But I felt those effects even more during the past week.

I have had so many people approach me here in Columbus telling me "You did such a great job!". "Bryan, you've matured SO much", etc. etc. etc. These congregants all had the nicest words for me, and I appreciate each and every one greatly. However, instead of growing a big head about it, and being proud of myself for learning an incredible amount of music.... I felt the extreme satisfaction of helping a congregation to feel inspired about their prayer experience. I heard that word at least 50 times.... inspired.

Truthfully, I couldn't be more proud of our congregation....and more humble from this experience. Amazing, to say the least.

In other news....

I'm really excited about this new songleaders section on our website, and what we are now beginning to attempt. I am completely dedicated to getting Jewish music out there....not just ours...but everyone's....even the guy/girl who doesn't have the means to promote yet. It's just something I feel we need more of. We need to work together and make this thing huge. That's just how I feel, anyways. I hope you all agree.

Now that the Holidays are just about over, I can't wait to contact synagogues, Hillels and Camps for the upcoming year. Given the economic situation, it worries me that non-profit communities won't be able to raise the money to bring us in (or anyone for that matter). So, after thinking long and hard, I don't want to deprive congregations of Jewish Music Education, entertainment and so on. So, throughout these hard times, I, along with Kol Echad, am going to lower our rates and do what's affordable....so we can still give people what they deserve....the chance to develop their Jewish identities through music.

I feel like I'm rambling now! So, I think that's it....

One last thing, in watching the Red Sox/Rays game tonight, here in Ohio, there have been 42 political ads on TV. Something else, isn't it?

Have a great 5769 everyone.

-BZ



]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:55:00 GMT 3153CBD1C2A96B43BF1DD5CFBF68FA70 Is Jewish music on your iPod? Well, it's on mine now! http://bryanzive.com/blog.cfm?feature=417858&postid=27886 The summer of 2007 was an amazing challenge for me. I entered a new camp community in Goldman Union Camp Institute; one that is very set in their ways and doesn't have a lot of &quot;newcomers&quot; over the years. Most of the campers have been in the same cabins from First Year Shoresh (5th grade) until Second Year Anaf (10th grade). So, coming into this place....not really knowing many people except for Danny Nichols and Rabbi Ron Klotz, I knew what was in store for me as head songleader, perhaps one of the most recognizable, in your face positions at Camp. Then again, I've done this for years. My main love in life is singing with kids, being an educator and songleading. I grew up at Camp Swig....songled at Camp Newman and have been to many other camps in-between. However, the togetherness...the community at GUCI is something like I've never seen. Sure, Camp Newman was a beautiful community. It's incredibly big, and very different than GUCI. So there is really no comparison other than each camp does an amazing job of teaching their campers and staff living Judaism. My point is this.....at both of these places, I've realized that music is what makes the community so special. Hundreds of kids, staff and faculty jumping around, singing songs from Torah, liturgy....about who we are. So, at GUCI in 2007, I wanted to help develop their contemporary program....and we (as a group) succeeded together. From Dan Nichols to Josh Nelson...to favorites from Debbie Friedman and Julie Silver, GUCI was slowly becoming contemporary and these hundreds of people were coming home at the end of the summer singing Jewish Music! Go to iTunes! Go to the websites! Let's help make Jewish music mainstream. Let's get it on our iPods and mp3 players....and playing in our cars. These words that we sing don't just have to be on the &quot;doorposts of our house&quot; anymore!
The summer of 2007 was an amazing challenge for me. I entered a new camp community in Goldman Union Camp Institute; one that is very set in their ways and doesn't have a lot of "newcomers" over the years. Most of the campers have been in the same cabins from First Year Shoresh (5th grade) until Second Year Anaf (10th grade). So, coming into this place....not really knowing many people except for Danny Nichols and Rabbi Ron Klotz, I knew what was in store for me as head songleader, perhaps one of the most recognizable, in your face positions at Camp.

Then again, I've done this for years. My main love in life is singing with kids, being an educator and songleading. I grew up at Camp Swig....songled at Camp Newman and have been to many other camps in-between. However, the togetherness...the community at GUCI is something like I've never seen. Sure, Camp Newman was a beautiful community. It's incredibly big, and very different than GUCI. So there is really no comparison other than each camp does an amazing job of teaching their campers and staff living Judaism.

My point is this.....at both of these places, I've realized that music is what makes the community so special. Hundreds of kids, staff and faculty jumping around, singing songs from Torah, liturgy....about who we are. So, at GUCI in 2007, I wanted to help develop their contemporary program....and we (as a group) succeeded together. From Dan Nichols to Josh Nelson...to favorites from Debbie Friedman and Julie Silver, GUCI was slowly becoming contemporary and these hundreds of people were coming home at the end of the summer singing Jewish Music!

Go to iTunes! Go to the websites! Let's help make Jewish music mainstream. Let's get it on our iPods and mp3 players....and playing in our cars.

These words that we sing don't just have to be on the "doorposts of our house" anymore!
]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:33:45 GMT E940974DEE9499ED328EBFBF0B0B0517