"Elegant Angel" is based on a theme that reverberated over and over in my head on the day of my mom's burial. It's not uncommon for a riff or a theme to pop into my head, but it is unusual that a particular theme continually bangs on the musical door. As I continue to process the loss of my mom, I've spent enormous amounts of time putting this theme together with the legacy of an amazing woman. First iterations of the tune were morbid and very "longingly sentimental". While "pretty" the tune wasn't the true representation of the soul I knew and will forever love. After pasting a photo of mom over my piano, as in life, she served as inspiration and helped me usher the song through to it's completion. In life and in death, my mom will always be my role-model and my personal Elegant Angel.

After numerous set backs and allowing life to get in the way, I finally bring you "Hear Now". The past few months have worn away at me and tested my strength, overall resolve and general lust for life. I take solace in the healing power of music and embrace this outlet with all my heart and soul. "Hear Now" is a call to the powers that be to remind me to put both feet firmly on the ground and to take one moment at a time. As a special bonus, and as a thank you for your support, I've recorded a video of a live version of Hear Now. Here's the Link: https://vimeo.com/204688087/971fbe176f

"Resolution" comes at a turning point. The song is about transitions and change.. some good, and some not so good. Going back to much of a classical roots on this tune, it - like many others - came of a mind mapping without any score attached. It also pays homage to my favorite instrument (that I cannot play) the violin. I should also note that "Resolution" is the first recording after an almost five year "dry-spell".

"Broken" started as a mind mapping (my process of hitting record and playing whatever pops into my head). At first, it was very slow and very "New Age" and although I have a rule about not re-recording mind maps, this one was different. The tune came from a significantly dark and lonely place - and the feeling that I was, in so many ways, broken. However, the more time I spent with it, the more I began to hear a hidden and positive drive deep within the melody. The introduction of Spanish acoustic guitar, and middle-eastern percussion into the piece gave it legs and a rhythmic push that's rare in my music. For me, Broken no longer represents the melancholy, dark and lonely origin of the tune. It has transitioned itself into a journey of self reflection and eagerness to positively experience the world through new eyes.

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.