Album Notes

Robert Jarosinski, 28, and his newly wedded wife Carrie, 27, are a common fixture at clubs, bars and cafés throughout Chicagoland, but they were a couple before they were a band. “When we met, neither of us knew the other played music,” says Carrie, a classically trained cellist who provides string accompaniment and back-up vocals. “I’m actually surprised he didn’t use it as a pick-up line.”

Rob, an acoustic singer/songwriter, had been performing under the name Convergence since 2008. He’d released a few solo EPs, but felt that something was…missing. “The stage is a big place, and I’ve always preferred to share it with someone willing to get up there with me and create something unique in that moment,” says Rob.

In Carrie he found a soulmate and a bandmate, and now the two are preparing for the release of their first full-length album “Umbrella Spokes” in the spring of 2011. The album explores various genres and musical styles, but retains the singer/songwriter feel that Convergence has always been known for. Rob and Carrie cite artists like the Cary Brothers, The Damnwells, Matt Nathanson, NeedtoBreathe, Swell Season, and The Weepies as major influences on their sound and their humorous onstage personas. “We’re both influenced by some many different artists, and we wanted that to be reflected in the upcoming record,” explains Rob.

“Umbrella Spokes” is being produced/mixed by friend and co-writer Mike Garrigan of Athenaeum and Collapsis at Two Egrets studios www.twoegrets.com and Fidelitorium www.fidelitorium.com in North Carolina. The album features performances by Mike on guitar, bass, keys, and background vocals www.mikegarrigan.com, Dale Baker on drums (Sixpence None the Richer) www.dalebakerdrummer.com, Wade Baynham on strings, Morgan McPherson on vocals www.morganmcphersonmusic.com, Holly Garrigan on backing vocals, and will be mastered by Dave McNair (The Damnwells, O.A.R., Sara Bareilles) www.sterling-sound.com. “It’s definitely a professional album, but we wanted the essence of our more intimate live shows to be present in every track,” says Carrie.

Since joining forces on stage and in life, the newlyweds have been playing shows around the country to rave reviews. Their songs deal with universal themes, employing elegant vocal harmonies and a melodic synthesis of cello and acoustic guitar to create a unique musical experience. Be sure to look for these two in a city near you and “Umbrella Spokes” in stores and on iTunes in 2011!