Release Date: March 9, 2026
This project ultimately became something different from what I first imagined. During the summer, as production began, I was diagnosed with a medical condition, and the experience naturally led me into a more reflective creative direction. The music on Reflections grew out of that time, and many of these pieces were written from a place of looking back, taking stock, and moving forward.
I’m grateful to say that my health has improved considerably, and while I’m still in the process of recovery, work has already begun on the next recording. One of the most enjoyable parts of this project was bringing the fretless bass guitar back into the studio—the same instrument I sold nearly twenty years ago and recently reacquired. It makes a brief appearance on this album, and it will be featured much more in the future. The next project will also lean more toward synthesizers, with less reliance on sampled high-end pianos, and will have a brighter, more upbeat feel overall.
REFLECTIONS – TRACK LIST:
- Reflections
- Looking Back
- Collaboration
Inspired by the upcoming book The Promise by Jason Stone, this track features the song written by Jason and his girlfriend Lisa in his studio. - Hope
- Road Trip
- Holding On
- Time To Rest
- Good Night, Leina
A piano solo written in celebration of my grandniece, who was born just two weeks before this album was released.
Released Feb. 4, 2025
From its earliest moments, The Promise was envisioned as a recording that would bring together the melodic sensibility of smooth jazz with the spacious atmosphere of ambient music, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive. The goal was to make an album that could live comfortably in the background, yet still reward careful listening — music that soothes without losing its emotional depth, and that uplifts without ever feeling forced.
As the project began to take shape, it became clear that this would be a different kind of recording for me. The process required more patience, more attention to detail, and a greater willingness to let the music unfold naturally. Instead of building each track as quickly as possible, I spent more time shaping tone, refining phrasing, and allowing space to become part of the arrangement. That slower, more deliberate approach gave the album a character that feels more personal and more honest than anything I had recorded before.
The Promise also led me into musical territory I had never expected to explore. One of the most surprising moments on the album is the inclusion of a bass solo — something I had never planned to record, but which ultimately found its place as the music evolved. Moments like that became part of the identity of this project, reminding me that growth often comes from trusting the process and being willing to step beyond what feels familiar.
Above all, this recording was made with the hope that it would offer the listener a sense of peace, encouragement, and quiet optimism. In a time when life often moves too fast, these songs were created to provide a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the simple power of melody, harmony, and sound.
Every album tells a story, whether intended or not.
For me, The Promise is the sound of moving forward — one note at a time.
THE PROMISE – TRACK LIST:
- The Promise
Inspired by the upcoming book ‘The Promise’ by Jason Stone, where Jason fulfills a promise to Lisa by writing a song for her. No spoilers here; you’ll have to read the book to find out more. - In The Moment
Originally the title track, this contemporary jazz song features a touch of ambient stylings to create a unique, melodic song of reflection. - A Special Friend
A song of hope and inspiration for a dear friend I have known for over 40 years. - Holiday Drive
A hint of sleighbells suggests an evening drive to enjoy neighborhood holiday light displays or perhaps a road trip to visit family during the holidays. - Goodnight
Performed at a lower volume, this electric piano lead is meant to be a soft, soothing way to end a busy day. - Beyond The Clouds
Inspired by a response to the song ‘Emily’ from my previous release. One of her family members said that she could imagine Emily dancing in the clouds to the song I wrote in her honor. - Rhythm of Tomorrow
An upbeat, contemporary song with a surprise: my first ever bass solo!
Released March 8, 2024
When I tentatively named this project, I had no idea where it would take me. As I look back now, I find that the journey wasn’t at all what I imagined. Isn’t that always the way? I am reminded of a caption from many years ago of one of my favorite comic strips, B.C. by Jonny Hart, where the final panel read: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him what YOUR plans are.”
During the time I worked on this collection, I lost two important people in my life, both in different ways. Each has a song on this project dedicated to them.
THE JOURNEY – TRACK LIST:
- The Journey
This was the last song added to the project. I wanted it to be upbeat, with an eye towards the future. - Desert Morning
This song was inspired by watching the sun rise through a cloudy sky over the Las Vegas strip. I worked on the chord progressions from the solitude of the living room at my resort, looking out the window. Later, I wrote the drum track while sitting in a crowded Las Vegas airport, waiting for my flight home. - Emily
In memory of a dear friend who passed away in late 2023. Books could be written about her life experiences; yet with all she went through, I never saw her without a smile on her face and a song in her heart, and she never stopped praising God. She was a truly remarkable lady.
I wish I could have had her father, Bill, my brother in rhythm, lay down the drum track for this song. If I ever get the opportunity to make that happen, I will re-release the song. - I Will Remember You (Deana’s Song)
I worked with Deana for over a dozen years at a marketing agency in Sherman Oaks, CA. Her sudden passing really hit me (and our company) hard. Her grace in dealing with two tragic circumstances was genuinely inspirational. I wrote this song in three days, the fastest I have ever produced a song, so I could create a video as a memorial to her, even though only a handful of people ever saw it. - Alone
When I started this song, I was not in a good place. I wanted to write a dark song to match my feelings. As I began to work on it, I found it to be therapeutic, a time of healing (which almost became the song title). - My Time
I drove my son to Bible study groups on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. During that time, I would sit in a well-known coffee chain and enjoy a cup of coffee while working on my music. That was “my time”; this song came from those sessions. - Something New
My first foray into Ambient music. I am intrigued by this style of music as it can be very complex and can sometimes bend, if not break, the rules of traditional music. I am only scratching the surface here as I begin my exploration into this musical genre.