Matthew Bachrach(1977-2008)
- Cinematographer
Born in Oceanside, California (1977), Matt Bachrach's love for music
began at an early age. Without any formal training, Bachrach found
himself drawn to his grandfather's piano stored in the downstairs
garage. By age four he could pick out simple melodies on the keyboard
and over the next few years found that playing the piano was becoming
second nature. Although no one else in the family displayed any
connection with music, Bachrach continued to pursue his interest. By
age fifteen he had not only become competent on the piano but had also
found a talent for the drums and bass guitar.
Bachrach continued to display tremendous talent and excel in music, but his academic achievements up until high school were far below average. By seventeen he had completely given up on the public school system and dropped out of high school for the second time. During that year he worked hard as a bassist and singer for a local rock band by the name of Legend. Although he was dedicated to the band's success, it seemed there were other plans in his future.
One day while on a bus ride through Phoenix, a young woman wearing a shirt with the letters "NSA" printed on the front sat by Bachrach and a conversation begun. She was a student of a new local charter school called the New School for the Arts. Bachrach learned that the school was a high school that offered the regular curriculum along with an emphasis on the performing arts. This was just what Bachrach needed to get his first big break. Within two weeks Bachrach was a student of the school majoring in the music theory program and immersing himself deeply into his passion for music.
Half way through his senior year, Bachrach met guitarist Mike Liebbe and violinist Teresa Paul. Both Liebbe and Paul were accomplished musicians with multiple accolades and extensive performance experience, both of which Bachrach lacked. Within weeks Bachrach's first ensemble, which performed his own original works, was born. Called Paradise Café, after the inspiration of long time friend and mentor Marlene McGoffin, the group took off like a rocket launching from Cape Canaveral. Overnight, Paradise Café, now including drummer Steve Hoffberger, filled every available night of the week with performances ranging from hotels and beautiful resorts to private parties for local artists and celebrities to prestigious events such as the featured entertainment for the National Arts Awards, all this while trying to make the grade and get through high school. However, grades didn't seem to be a problem anymore. After Bachrach found his niche in music, he found himself at the top of his class.
Because of Bachrach's genuine love for people and membership in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, he found himself donating his time in South Africa just following his graduation from NSA. This was a mission trip associated with his Mormon faith. While overseas he continued to write music as well as give service. He began to study the classical guitar and also delve into African and other ethnic percussion. Africa became the roots of Bachrach's love for world music and influences.
Upon returning to the states, Bachrach sank himself deeply into his music again, writing more than ever before and taking every opportunity to perform as a soloist and with other groups. Bachrach's music seemed to find deeper meaning after seeing the world from a different perspective. As Bachrach's music matured so did the recognition of his dream to share his talents and passion with the world.
After swearing off women to focus on his ever-demanding music career, Bachrach met and fell in love with Brenda Blamires from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. They married not long after, and a year and a half later welcomed into the world their son, Brigham Matthew Bachrach.
Bachrach's career has taken him from coast to coast performing both solo piano and with his band of special guest artists. Between 2002 and 2006, his touring schedule included over 150 live performances annually and a host of special engagements and events. Despite being on a self-owned independent recording label, he was able to sell over 100,000 copies of his CDs at many mall appearances across America. From 2006 and until his untimely death, Matt took a much needed break from touring and recording to relax and focus on his family. During this time, he started a business called the "Meal Factory" (where meals are prepared in advance and you just go home and heat them, thereby saving a lot of time and work) and also started to get involved in film making. In fact, at the time of Matt's tragic accident, he was returning home from a Los Angeles film shoot. At only 31 years old, there was much more that he wanted to accomplish. But his legacy of music, devotion to God and love for his family will certainly inspire others for many years to come.
Bachrach continued to display tremendous talent and excel in music, but his academic achievements up until high school were far below average. By seventeen he had completely given up on the public school system and dropped out of high school for the second time. During that year he worked hard as a bassist and singer for a local rock band by the name of Legend. Although he was dedicated to the band's success, it seemed there were other plans in his future.
One day while on a bus ride through Phoenix, a young woman wearing a shirt with the letters "NSA" printed on the front sat by Bachrach and a conversation begun. She was a student of a new local charter school called the New School for the Arts. Bachrach learned that the school was a high school that offered the regular curriculum along with an emphasis on the performing arts. This was just what Bachrach needed to get his first big break. Within two weeks Bachrach was a student of the school majoring in the music theory program and immersing himself deeply into his passion for music.
Half way through his senior year, Bachrach met guitarist Mike Liebbe and violinist Teresa Paul. Both Liebbe and Paul were accomplished musicians with multiple accolades and extensive performance experience, both of which Bachrach lacked. Within weeks Bachrach's first ensemble, which performed his own original works, was born. Called Paradise Café, after the inspiration of long time friend and mentor Marlene McGoffin, the group took off like a rocket launching from Cape Canaveral. Overnight, Paradise Café, now including drummer Steve Hoffberger, filled every available night of the week with performances ranging from hotels and beautiful resorts to private parties for local artists and celebrities to prestigious events such as the featured entertainment for the National Arts Awards, all this while trying to make the grade and get through high school. However, grades didn't seem to be a problem anymore. After Bachrach found his niche in music, he found himself at the top of his class.
Because of Bachrach's genuine love for people and membership in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, he found himself donating his time in South Africa just following his graduation from NSA. This was a mission trip associated with his Mormon faith. While overseas he continued to write music as well as give service. He began to study the classical guitar and also delve into African and other ethnic percussion. Africa became the roots of Bachrach's love for world music and influences.
Upon returning to the states, Bachrach sank himself deeply into his music again, writing more than ever before and taking every opportunity to perform as a soloist and with other groups. Bachrach's music seemed to find deeper meaning after seeing the world from a different perspective. As Bachrach's music matured so did the recognition of his dream to share his talents and passion with the world.
After swearing off women to focus on his ever-demanding music career, Bachrach met and fell in love with Brenda Blamires from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. They married not long after, and a year and a half later welcomed into the world their son, Brigham Matthew Bachrach.
Bachrach's career has taken him from coast to coast performing both solo piano and with his band of special guest artists. Between 2002 and 2006, his touring schedule included over 150 live performances annually and a host of special engagements and events. Despite being on a self-owned independent recording label, he was able to sell over 100,000 copies of his CDs at many mall appearances across America. From 2006 and until his untimely death, Matt took a much needed break from touring and recording to relax and focus on his family. During this time, he started a business called the "Meal Factory" (where meals are prepared in advance and you just go home and heat them, thereby saving a lot of time and work) and also started to get involved in film making. In fact, at the time of Matt's tragic accident, he was returning home from a Los Angeles film shoot. At only 31 years old, there was much more that he wanted to accomplish. But his legacy of music, devotion to God and love for his family will certainly inspire others for many years to come.