MAMA ROSA

The lyrical themes of home, memories and loved ones and how they shape us are reflected in Brian naming the album after his grandmother, who's the subject of the album's opening song "After the Revival." Sung from the perspective of his mother, Dorothy Blade, expecting the birth of her first son, Brian's older brother, Brady, Jr. 
“After the Revival" also alludes to Blade's early years at the Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana where his father is pastor and where Brian first started singing and playing the drums.

Brian has been writing and recording material with words for as long as he's been making music. In fact, Mama Rosa grew naturally from the four-track home demos that he's recorded over the years and several of the original performances from those tapes can be heard on this album. Initially, Blade felt that these songs would never be heard by anyone else, but after encouragement from long time friend, Daniel Lanois, these home recordings became the cornerstones for the album.  There is an initial spark close to the moment of inspiration and that intimate vibe is felt throughout Mama Rosa .

Album Available Now

LP

Image by Megan Holmes

Artist Biography

"I remember when I first read the words hanging in a frame on my grandma Rosa's wall. The serenity prayer was something I couldn't understand until almost thirty years later, but now after experiencing some peaks and valleys of life, those words ring in my ears with clarity." 

 Brian Blade has set those words to music for his first recording as a singer, guitarist and songwriter entitled, Mama Rosa. A revealing journey through thirteen songs about family, loved ones, travels and a sense that these things that shape and inspire us have to be shared with others to complete a circle.

 He has been writing and recording material with words for as long as he's been making music. In fact, Mama Rosa grew naturally from the four-track home demos that he's recorded over the years and several of the original performances from those tapes can be heard on this album. Initially, Blade felt that these songs would never be heard by anyone else, but after encouragement from long time friend, Daniel Lanois, these home recordings became the cornerstones for the album. There is an initial spark close to the moment of inspiration and that intimate vibe is felt throughout Mama Rosa. 

TRACK LIST

01  After The Revival (3:17)

02  Mercy Angel (4:20)

03  At The Centerline (4:27)

04  Faithful Brother (3:25)

05  Get There (3:23)

06  Second Home (3:18)

07  You’ll Always Be My Baby (5:37)

08  Nature’s Law (2:46)

09 Struggling With That (3:00) instrumental

10 All That Was Yesterday (5:58)

11 Her Song (5:13)

12  All Gospel Radio (4:31) instrumental

13  Psalm 100 (2:48) instrumental

14 Fire and Brimstone (3:08) vinyl only home demo