[Esteban is a 2006 ASCAPlus Award Recipient. His music has been downloaded over 20,000 times by piano music lovers just like you. For Esteban's complete biography, please visit CD Baby's listing for "Serenade to the Moon" by Esteban Ramirez.] FROM THE ARTIST: Thanks for visiting my "Welcome Home" link on CDBaby. I hope you enjoy the music. Putting out a second album is a bit of a frightening experience. By the time you're ready to go through the "labor pains" of putting the album together, you often wonder what challenges lie ahead on the recording journey. So many things can happen, but when it is done, the feeling is wonderful. If you love piano solo music and piano with cello, I have a feeling you'll truly enjoy "Welcome Home." It's mellow, yet elegant, it's melancholy and haunting at times and in some cases wistful and playful. But what I love best about this album is that it's ever so gentle and unobtrusive and filled with the gentleness of a good friend. I have many favorites on this album, and I have had just as much fun listening to them on CD as I did composing them. "Sandbox" will touch the most sensitive part of your heart. Its simplicity is its greatest strength and its melody its most healing feature. When I play this song, it reminds me of how playful I used to be as a child, where my imagination would allow me to soar without limitations. As an adult, it's easy to limit ourselves on so many levels, and my hope is that this gentle melody will remind the listener of how very much alive the child inside of us still is. For those who enjoy a good cry, then you'll love "Wings of an Angel." There's something so incredibly cleansing about tears. The soul is re-invigorated for having connected with the physical-ness of our body, and when we wipe away our tears we become stronger. This piece was inspired by a very difficult period I had in my life, and like an angel, the piano was always there to let me know that "it was going to be ok" and carried me through it. Over the years, I have become a strong believer in enjoying life -- and although I'm not always successful, pieces like "Garden Waltz," "Carnival in Paris," and "Window at Batignolle" remind me how good it is to have fun. These pieces are playful, classical in flavor, and remind me of the importance of seizing the moment. Quite honestly, I have found each of these songs to have their unique personality, characteristics, and special place in my heart and life. I trust they will find that special place your life as well. Thank you again for listening to my music and for your support of independent artists (people like me). Best wishes, Esteban