My piano tuner is here right now, which I find quite relaxing.  I’ve always found the sound of tuning to be soothing, and interesting.  Same thing with orchestras; I always arrive early to orchestral performances so I can hear them tune.  It’s part of the performance for me.  The piano my tuner is working on is the one I’ve written my upcoming album on, as well as the new songs for “More Than This,” the musical I’m currently writing. 

I look at my piano much the same way I look at my teeth.  If I want to be able to make my music, I have to take care of it.  This instrument has allowed for a large portion of my career, so I give it the love. 

Speaking of the career, here’s an update.  My new album is hot and heavy in the arrangement phase right now.  Producer Steve (Wallace) and I are carving these songs out of stone with a hard deadline of May 5, which is when recording begins.  And will continue for the rest of my life.  Kidding.  It will take us through the Fall, and happily.  No release date yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll release a couple singles before Christmas.

“More Than This” (the musical I’m writing) is stampeding ahead at a pace that makes my obsessive heart smile.  The second table read is April 7, and I’m 3 songs away from completing the first full draft of the music.  Rewrites are assumed, so it’s never quite “done,” but we’re on track to have our first staged reading (with an audience) in September.  Expect details about the plot, characters, and some songs to begin rolling out this Summer.

He’s still tuning.  I’m still smiling.  More soon.

Phil