ROSS BERKAL MUSIC

 

   Biography

Ross Berkal

 Songwriter, bass guitarist, and keyboardist Ross Berkal was born and raised in Massachusetts. At an early age he demonstrated an interest in the arts, particularly music, and in his teens took up study of the bass guitar.  During this period he also began song writing efforts. He subsequently studied the piano and music composition with faculty members of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, and several years later he relocated to New York City.

While living in New York he founded the alternative rock project Dahlia, known for its inventive use of bass guitar as a principal voice.  The project performed regularly at many of Manhattan’s best known venues, including landmark rock club CBGB’s, and appeared in other cities of the Northeast U.S. as well.  The songs -- which frequently pitted angry bass guitar against lyrical soprano voice -- have been described by many as "haunting."  He composed the project's entire output.

Subsequent musical projects include a 15-song collection released as both an audio recording and printed scores. He is the author of a collection of poems, Youthful Places, as well as a remembrance of iconic silent film actress Louise Brooks, Benevolent Siren: Remembering Louise Brooks.