Chorale
Choral music was a very influential element of my musical development. My family attended church regularly, and every year of junior and senior high school I took chorus. Because of this exposure I was given opportunities that allowed m to learn and grow as both a composer and pianist. "Chorale" is a tribute to the choral experiences and lessons I enjoyed throughout my life. This piece uses an original "cantus firmus" and evolves from three part- to four part-harmony.
Kevin & Alisha
I had this song in mind as a surprise wedding present for my brother Kevin and his (now wife) Alisha. Turns out the surprise was on me when they went off to Grand Cayman and eloped.
The Road Less Travelled
My life hasn't exactly taken the path I imagined when I was 20...idealistic and full of dreams. At this point as I look back (and ahead) I'm realizing that plans truly are meant to be broken, and sometimes taking the long route to reach a goal is the right choice.
Badlands
Driving across the country in the early 90s I was awestruck by the beauty of the northern plains and specifically the "badlands" of South Dakota. This piece is my attempt to describe the feelings evoked by this pristine wilderness, as words are (as usual) inadequate.
Morning In Mendocino
A few years ago we took a weekend getaway to the beautiful town of Mendocino, California - about 150 miles north up the coast from San Francisco. There we were lucky to discover the beautiful Stanford Inn where Roscoe and Bugsy were welcome. This song is a musical reflection of the tranquil, happy feeling of waking up Sunday morning in the beautiful oceanside setting with Ron and the pups.
Saturdays With Dad
For the better part of three years my father spent the entire day driving me across town to take a piano lesson, waiting an hour and a half (usually in the car) and then driving home...Saturday...his only real day off since Sunday was for church. He never complained or even acted like he minded doing it, and I never thought to ask if he would rather be doing something else. He and I haven't always been on the same page - in fact we are different in so many ways, but there was no limit to his support and encouragement when it came to music. Because of this I can enjoy being a musician every day of my life.
This song is an expression of thanks and overdue gratitude to my father, with everything I know now: every kid should be so lucky.
Renaissance
The Renaissance in Europe (and especially England) has fascinated me and captured my imagination since I was a kid. The last few years have witnessed a lot of new interest in this historical period: novels by the author Margaret George, as well as shows such as "The Tudors" on cable television. Besides really eating all this up, I've once again been drawn to the music of the period. In this piece I wanted to try to blend 16th century style with the things I love about contemporary music. I may not have done it yet, but it's an idea I want to keep playing with.
Ron's Song
I wrote this song about a month after I met Ron, over the course of an afternoon, after a ten year-long composing hiatus. It came out in one draft.
Vermont Serenade
In July 2000, Vermont became the first state in the country to pass a civil union bill, which granted same-gender couples the same legal status and recgnition granted to married couples in the state. That October we decided to go enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, take some rest, relax and "tie the knot" - at least in a symbolic way. (The liscense is only valid within the state.) The theme for Vermont Serenade came into being while vacationing in this gorgeous corner of the USA.
Recollections
As much as I wish otherwise, "nostalgic" is a descriptive word for me. In this piece I've tried to sort out what is, what was/never was; and try to reach a point of always living in the present moment.
Meant To Be
For John & Nikki.
Peace Is Always Beautiful
From Walt Whitman, Leaves Of Grass: The Sleepers
Album credits:
Recorded October 2008, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley California
Producer / Engineer: Adam Munoz
Album design: Matt Strieby - Newleaf Designs
Photography: Ron Decker
