Inspirational Improv-My Process

The music I compose is deeply rooted in my experiences and also extremely improvisational.  When asked what I do, I say—

Extreme musical improv, and you?

I ran into Mr. Avery at Big Ed’s, a local diner; he popped his head in, sat down with his friend, commented how big my son Ronan was getting, and began to fill us in about how grad school was going. He told me that in his communication class they discussed how every human interaction was improv. I thought that’s it! That is: I converse musically in an improvisational way.

I don’t write sheet music; it’s all by ear. I read and play jazz music and I think I enjoy the essence of the unknown in music. So essentially I memorize my stuff, and it’s complex because of all the layering I do.  When I perform, I know the basic premise of the tune, but the rest I make up on the spot.  I wouldn’t have any other way. The process keeps my mind alive.

I just recorded a song called

All I Want is You

I listened to it and realized that I’m sniffing again—sniffing out rhythms. I’ve been doing it since I was a child. Using my breath as a staccato metronome, I sniff the beat. I make up rhythms using my nose by puffing my breath though it. If you listen carefully to the baseline, you can hear it.

I’ve been really inspired by Bobby McFerrin, the view from my condo, and really taking a deep look at what is important in my life.  That’s how this song was born.

All I Want is You

…sums it up.  When I comes down to it, my family, my deep loves, are what keep me going.  The view of the mountains helps my mind expand while I compose.  Mr. McFerrin’s layering voice directly inspires me; it’s like the trail head post that reads—this way, unknown music ahead.

I have an album coming out May 1, 2009 called Blooming Songs. Expect to see an article here for each song, so stay tuned by subscribing to my article feed, and leave a comment if you feel inspired.  Thanks for reading! So take a listen (click-on the big triangle after the song), I hope you love it.