Creativity

Let’s blog – shall we? Several years ago, when I was interviewed by Mona Seghatoleslami at WXXI in Rochester, she asked a bit about my composition process. I was honest about the fact that, because I was writing instrumental music, it wasn’t based on how I felt or any emotional attachment to any lyrics. Straight out of the gate I have to acknowledge that God gives gifts to all of us. Mine just happens to be the ability to hear and compose the music I hear. I don’t take it lightly and that’s why, if you look at the example below, you can experience some of my process. The example below is a partial draft of A Day of Rejoicing.

I am very much a “theme-oriented” composer as I like to start with a theme and end with either the same theme or a variation of it. It may go through 3 or 4 sounding modulations but I always try to get back to the beginning. I am also a BIG proponent of using chords with base notes such as C/A or E b /C etc. I realize that a C/A is, technically an Am7 chord and E b /C is technically a Cm7 chord the difference in the sound is quite a bit different. Mapping is huge for me also as it helps me keep the song organized outside of my head.

The Beauty of Color

With the new release out, I was asked about my inspiration for the Beauty of Color. I’ve often said that each color represents a particular sound in music. Turn an oil painting on its side and the strokes of the painter are like little hills and valleys that, to me, represent the sounds of certain notes in a composition. Well, that’s just me. The Beauty of Color to me, is a wonderful reflection of the strokes of the painter, represented in music. I know you will find the music thoughtful and inviting.  Shop the album now! Click here!