I grew up in Bronxville, NY - a suburb of New York City (Westchester county). I played trumpet, trombone and even attempted the violin (briefly) while attending grammar school, but every Thursday afternoon, instead of walking home, I was to walk directly to Mrs. Ruth's house for piano lessons. I hated every moment of it and each hour lesson felt like a lifetime of being forced to play classical music. I would rewrite Mozart and Brahms adding my own style to the piece which angered my teacher so much she would end the lessons early. Mission accomplished. However, at home was another story. Every day, without fail, at least one half hour of piano practice. Once I reached middle school, I no longer HAD to take lessons -- so naturally, this is when I really began to enjoy the piano! The photo in the cover art for "Home" is my childhood piano. I spent more time there, in the living room than anywhere else.. and when the house was sold in 2010.. after all the furniture was gone.. only my piano remained in an empty house before being destroyed. "Home" pays homage to my childhood home, and to the best friend I ever had... my baby grand.