I
was born into a family where classical music was often played. At a very young age I was subconsciously
learning about rhythm, key changes, composition structure and a whole host of
other musical considerations.
When I was old enough to attend school, I would go to the kindergarten room early just so that I could sit at the piano and try to pick out all those amazing melodies.
On day my teacher walked up to me and asked, “Why are you trying to play Tchaikovsky?” I simply answered, “Because I like it.” She took out a piece of paper and sat down next to me and started to write down the notes to Swan Lake. Of course, I couldn’t read those notes but I did appreciate her help.
Later in the day, she handed me a letter to take home to my parents suggesting we acquire a piano. A few years later I got my piano. (Thank you Mom and Dad and Miss Borden.) It was in these very early years I knew I was going to become a musician.
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake was one of those compositions that inspired me the most. It was composed 150 years ago for a full symphonic ballet. I wanted to record this classical masterpiece for myself in a contemporary way using only guitars, keyboards, bass and drums. One of the many challenges of this task was to boil down the multitude of parts into a small 5 piece band while maintaining the complexities and power inherit in the composition.
I guess when it’s all said and done; I’m still just that kid sitting at the piano searching for the melody
Listen to:
Track Number: 10
Album Title: COLLAGE
Record Lable: Namesake Music
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Composed by: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Produced by: RB Smith
