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Current Goings On
One year in the making, in October 2022 I completed my full-length holiday album, "Winter Awhile". With over an hour's worth of music, it features ten instrumental orchestrations plus two original vocals, and features 36 truly exceptional musical artists. My other releases were created in Los Angeles, so it was rewarding to work in studios in my hometown of Portland, Oregon, and to finally record with the good friends with whom I performed live for many years. Having been a big fan of the world-class Oregon Symphony since childhood, it was a rare pleasure to invite several key members into the project as well. Music brings people together, and I am grateful for the new friends I made during this process.
Among the delights of Christmastime are the elements of festivity and surprise. This record boasts 52 different instruments which appear at various points throughout the program. And while my arrangements are jazz-based, I integrated some classical elements, and also evoked styles from different parts of the world. The winter holidays embrace a universal appeal, and it was my intention to kindle a strong global component into this musical celebration.
Traveling just for pleasure is a pleasure
I am very fortunate to have been blessed with lots of travel throughout my life. In my opinion, traveling is one of the most important activities for humans, because it exposes one to diverse cultures, walks of life, varieties of atmosphere and opportunities to connect with new people from everywhere. My career has taken me all across the world many times, which has been expansive beyond my dreams. I am grateful for those experiences and would not trade them for anything. Now I relish this phase of my life, which is allowing me to focus on writing and recording. I love the process of sculpting sound in the controlled environment of the studio, which produces gratifying results that last for generations.
The Great Pause was the longest amount of time I'd gone without getting on a jet plane since my 20s. I am equal parts introvert/extrovert, so I contentedly utilized the time at home, reflecting & regrouping like most of us, & delved into creativity. Since spring 2021 I've been venturing out via air travel again, visiting friends and discovering new places.
Inspiration
I find that traveling is a stimulating muse, fulfilling and inspirational. Fresh ideas come while exploring new locales. Different climates and unfamiliar air are enriching for the creative process. This is true at home as well. Making the effort to get out and hike, walk the dog, take a drive, visit the art museum, or embark on a quick weekend someplace nearby are perfect tonics to keep refreshed and maintain positive flow.
Life can be distilled down to two basic things: living beings and experiences
smiles
