I’m thrilled to be sharing this music with you. Music has been a significant part of my life – at some points more and others less – but always present. Each song on this project was selected for a particular reason, emotion, or experience from my life, hence, “Songs of Life.” Some notes about a few of the selections… “Song of Life” epitomizes a crisp fall day in NYC, the place I now call home, and how it feels just being present with the world; “I’ll Follow” explores the way love weaves our lives together when we are patient. “It’s You or No One” was my first foray into writing a vocalese; written to a classic Chet Baker solo. Having always been a James Taylor fan, I couldn’t decide which of his wonderful tunes to put on the CD, so two made the final cut. Fred Hersch’s song, “Lazin’ Around,” reminds me of our family cabin in Minnesota on Lake Thunder spending summers there with my extended family. “Little Prayer” was written by Dave Catney, a gifted young pianist and composer, who died much too young of AIDS in the 80’s. This is dedicated to all those we knew, loved and lost during the early days of the epidemic. “Lost in the Stars” expresses how I often feel these days – with some existential angst – but music and its healing always comes out ahead. I am most fortunate to find myself in the company of such an amazing group of musicians - I am truly one lucky man. Damn! I want to thank those that have given me inspiration, friendship and/or support along the way (in no particular order): Kitty Skrobela, David Hajdu, Ann Braithwaite, Kate McGarry, Gino Moratti, Jo Lawry, Peter Eldridge, Flo Hoffheimer, Vince Kelly, René Marie, Amy Cervini, Janis Siegel, Aubrey Johnson, Charlie Hamlen, my family; and of course Fred Hersch, without whom none of this would be possible. It is my privilege and joy to share Songs of Life with you.