Piano Journeys

A new beginning (a message)

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 18:43:27 GMT

I've decided to start releasing my piano music as albums on a variety of streaming sites, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart radio.

As a result, I will no longer adding new songs to the podcast.

I will be releasing songs under the name "If Pianos Could".

Below you can find links to my first album, "Opening Moves".

The album on Spotify

The album on YouTube

The album on iHeart

The album on Amazon Music

Thanks for listening to Piano Journeys!

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Episode 84: Quirky Inspiratori

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:25:08 GMT

This song is an attempt to have a unique, quirky feel to it, unlike most of my other pieces.

After the performance was done (which was on a single take), I realized I might have been influenced by a new Tori Amos song I heard yesterday. Nothing specific, but perhaps her quirky creativity inspired me somehow, hence the title.

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Episode 83: Beats

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:49:29 GMT

This piece features a driving beat on a single note accompanied by chords every few beats, and is more about rhythm than anything else.

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Episode 82: Across the Sky

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:32:49 GMT

A simple piece that focuses on movement in the left hand.

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Episode 81: Beauty with Age

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:40:56 GMT

In this song rather than focus on atmosphere, I tried to develop a melody.

Because I forgot to turn off Wifi on my phone when recording, I got static during one part and had to cut around 20 seconds from 0:50, but I tried to keep the transition smooth.

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Episode 80: The Divine Movement

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:40:43 GMT

This piece is just about trying to get energy out and into the piano, into the world, and that energy is mostly in the form of movement.

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Episode 79: One Last Chance

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:24:21 GMT

A tender, nostalgic piece that might be a good background piece for a movie about young romance.

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Episode 78: Empire in a Day

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:24:46 GMT

In this song I didn't hesitate to use many of my traditional phrases and chords, but instead focused on playing with them emotion, and telling a story.

Sometimes the song title hits me midway through playing, but this time I had to listen to the recording all the way through before it struck me.

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Episode 77: Turmoil

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:52:56 GMT

An amelodic piece build off cascading 9th chords (with other chords thrown in). I think of this more of background music for a movie.

Listening to it moment-to-moment isn't necessarily engaging, but my hope is that by the end you feel like you experienced something different, some sort of cryptic story.

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Episode 76: Over and Through the Hills

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:58:43 GMT

I was listening to a good interview of the musician Sting (on Rick Beato's YouTube channel) and he said he loved 3/4 time, so I decided to make today's composition in mostly 3/4.

It ended up with a nice melodic piece that (to me) invokes rolling country fields.

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Episode 75: Chordelia

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 17:14:55 GMT

A song where I tried to really put some thought and feeling into the chord structure. There's a simple melody that things are built off, but the chords are the focus.

For this song I did a little pre-practice and recording (roughly 20 minutes), so perhaps the overall quality or at least compositional complexity is a bit higher than average.

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Episode 74: 変取五

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:44:07 GMT

My attempt at a jazzy, offbeat piece.

Partway through I realized I was being influenced by the classic "Take Five" song, so I decided to name this 変取五, which is formed from the Japanese characters for "strange" "take" and "five".

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Episode 73: Dronin' On

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:41:17 GMT

I intended to upload this yesterday, but mysteriously it disappeared, so uploading it again.

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Episode 72: Well-worn Shoes

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:52:18 GMT

In this piece I tried to give a feeling of nostalgia, not unlike that felt towards an old pair of well-worn shoes.

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Episode 71: Right-hand Jam

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:46:17 GMT

A short, jazzy improv with only the right hand.

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Episode 70: Hakuchuumu

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:49:17 GMT

Hakuchuumu (白昼夢) means something like a dream except we experience it while still awake, something like a reverie.

And yes, this was likely partially inspired by Debussy's Reverie (:

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Episode 69: Peaceful

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 22:45:56 GMT

A song's whose primary goal was stay quiet and peaceful (and not wake someone sleeping in a nearby room). The soft pedal (left mode pedal) was pressed down the entire time.

I was likely inspired by those songs you hear when watching videos of beautiful scenery.

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Episode 68: Soulful

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 21:50:39 GMT

In this song I ended up developing a simple chord progression in a style that is somewhat rare for me, that I can only call "soulful" or perhaps blues-influenced.

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Episode 67: Falling Up

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 02:24:15 GMT

A piece characterized by nearly endless spiraling runs in both hands, creating a mysterious atmosphere that leads to the unknown.

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Episode 66: In Spire

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:45:54 GMT

A complex, amelodic, epic piece that was intended as the opposite of my last piece (which tried hard to fit a certain mold).

Maybe there's a bit of Debussy influence in it?

This piece came in in just around 6 minutes, which is one of the longest pieces I've recorded in some time.

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Episode 65: Faux Fugue

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:18:47 GMT

For a change of pace: this is my quick attempt a Fugue inspired by Bach's works, however since it is made on the fly and not composed properly like a real Fugue, I call it a "Faux Fugue".

I hope to try more pieces like this in the future, and hopefully I can learn to more masterfully make a Fugue-like sound.

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Episode 64: Harp Happy

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 19:47:25 GMT

In this episode I'd like to introduce a new instrument to change things up a little: a Harp.

My harp skill is a bit rudimentary, but if I just think it's a piano I'm able to do some basic things.

I've managed to do a duet here with Piano + Harp, recording both at the same time. Position-wise it's a bit awkward, but maybe next time I'll try to hold it a bit differently.

Anyway, I hope you like it!

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Episode 63: Crazy Jazzy Extra Spazzy

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:48:00 GMT

A frenetic jazz piece that showcases fast movement in the right hand and funky rhythms in the left.

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Episode 62: Baby Steps

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 22:46:41 GMT

For a change, rather than a one-shot improv piece I tried to do some pre-composition before recording, and then do a few takes to see if I can gradually improve the result. While this can result more structured (and potentially musical) melodies, it's somewhat time-consuming.

Partway through I realized that this style was influenced by some classical piece(s) I had practiced in the past, but not sure off hand which.

In any case, I always appreciate feedback on which songs you like. Please email me at jdpianojourneys@gmail.com for any feedback.

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Episode 61: Stormy Garden

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:52:37 GMT

A bright, peaceful melody with a bit of disturbance here and there.

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Episode 60: Bygone Days

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 22:50:12 GMT

A wistful, nostalgic piece.

I think the fact my piano is slightly out of tune actually helps the atmosphere on this one.

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Episode 59: Let's Do This

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 22:01:50 GMT

A energetic piece with a tight structure, inspired by classic David Benoit works.

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Episode 58: Waiting

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:22:28 GMT

I'll just let the music speak for this one.

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Episode 57: To Be

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:23:08 GMT

A complex, creative piece that switches from a simple intro to a series of thick, rich chords around one-third through.

While I made a few slip-ups and considered stopping partway through, I decided to keep going and I was very happy with how it turned out.

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Episode 56: A Little Ditty

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:01:04 GMT

A simple piece that is a weird mix of honkey-tonk and jazz.

This piece is much more structured than my average piece (and for a change I used no pedal!)

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Episode 55: Pensive Echos

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:52:19 GMT

An atmospheric piece that was inspired by some of Debussy's works. Recorded in a single take (as with most of the works on here.)

I accidentally had the microphone level a bit too high so apologies if some of the louder stuff is a little distorted. (Overall the volume level should be close to that of the last piece though.)

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Episode 54: The Good Old Days

Mon, 20 May 2024 22:34:05 GMT

A short, sweet piece with a feeling of nostalgia that transitions between high and mid-low registers of the piano.

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Episode 53: Sense of Wonder

Thu, 16 May 2024 22:09:21 GMT

A very newagey melody that, after I listened to it, is clearly influenced by early Yanni works.

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Episode 52: Take Four

Tue, 14 May 2024 22:07:21 GMT

I piece without a theme when I was feeling especially creative. Sometimes (perhaps often?) even I don't know where these melodies will go until I try to play them.

Named "Take Four" because when I looked at the recorder, the time was exactly 4:00 (though a few empty seconds got shaved off this when I prepared the final file).

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Episode 51: Mysterious Movie Soundtrack

Tue, 07 May 2024 22:48:58 GMT

A complex atonal piece that is more about atmosphere than any clear melody lines. I composed this with the feeling of being background music for some sort of movie.

I haven't done many pieces like this and am curious how it sounds. Let me know what you think.

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Episode 50: Icy Mountains

Wed, 01 May 2024 22:26:41 GMT

I'm really happy to have made it to episode 50! Thank you very much to all the listeners who have checked out this podcast.

I'm curious to hear feedback about the songs so far and any requests you have (genres, etc.) Please email me at "jdpianojourneys@gmail.com".

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Episode 49: Phantasia

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:22:27 GMT

A dramatic piece of contrasts, which I felt quite inspired during, and overall feels somewhat cohesive as a story.

While listening to it the word "fantasy" came into mind, hence the title.

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Episode 48: Erll

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 22:19:22 GMT

An odd piece with various rhythms and chord structures that somehow pulls itself together as a song.

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Episode 47: Lounging in the Shade

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 01:01:37 GMT

A peaceful, pondering piece that is one of the more melodic and structured than the majority of my recent works.

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Episode 46: Field Dancer

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 21:37:49 GMT

An jazzy improvisational melody based on a free-flowing right hand, backed up by major chords in the left hand.

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Episode 45: Dawnside Dock

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:13:04 GMT

An improvisation session where I felt particularly inspired.

By the way, near the end of the song the microphone fell off the piano lid onto the strings, making a horrible sound. I managed to cut around a second so that you can't hear it, but at the very end there is a strange tinny sound when I try play one of those strings.

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Episode 44: Ramblings of an Old Friend

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 22:39:58 GMT

Non-themed improv where I tried to use some of my usual patterns in a different way.

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Episode 43: The Unnamed One

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:50:13 GMT

Sometimes you just want to express, without any specific ideas in mind.

Fun Fact: the little clunking sound at the end of the song was my head banging lightly against the stand sitting behind me.

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Episode 42: Player Piano

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:27:44 GMT

A song with a simple melody that brings to mind a player piano.

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Episode 41: The Right Path

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:01:51 GMT

A simple, upbeat melody that is heavy on structure and light on improvisation.

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Episode 40: Getting Jig-y with it

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 23:04:31 GMT

A lively piece loosely inspired by an Irish Jig. (Note: there is no connection to the Will Smith song with a similar name.)

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Episode 39: Extensions

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:11:10 GMT

This song is more about the physical aspect of extending my fingers than the mood created by that, though perhaps you can also think of it as an extension of my ability.

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Episode 38: In the Waiting Room

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:50:11 GMT

A slow, methodical piece that focuses on a sense of expectancy and tension. But does it ever resolve?

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Episode 37: Catchy Me If You Can

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 23:39:31 GMT

A short piece focusing on a catchy main melody, interspersed with contrasting parts.

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Episode 36: Epic Age

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:29:52 GMT

A dramatic piece involving a recurring theme and various diversions, painting a complex picture over time.

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Episode 35: Gentle Urgency

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 22:58:41 GMT

Playing with tired hands and a tired mind, I tried to make a piece that expresses my recent struggles in a way that allows me to let them go.

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Episode 34: My Nor May Jour

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 22:54:57 GMT

A dramatic piece with strong intention that changes from minor to major.

(The name is a pun on the words "Minor Major")

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Episode 33: Scatterbrained Fingers

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:45:09 GMT

A lanky, random jazz piece with no pedal (very rare for me!)

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Episode 32: Cascade Avenue

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:13:29 GMT

All I'll say about this one is that I think it tells a story, which I invite you to take part in.

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Episode 31: Frenetic Footfalls

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:42:49 GMT

A frenetic, offbeat piece that mixes elements of Jazz with other genres.

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Episode 30: Mistmoor Forest

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 23:32:01 GMT

A brooding, atmospheric piece.

I think it's been over a year since I've recorded something in this style (if ever?)

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Episode 29: Getting Through It

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 22:48:59 GMT

Honestly I'm not sure how to describe this one, but I hope you like it. (:

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Episode 28: Eighty Poppy Seeds

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:29:13 GMT

A nostalgic melody inspired by 80s pop songs.

(Yes, the name is a play on words)

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Episode 27: Dark Rumblings

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:24:57 GMT

An experimental piece emphasizing a dark low-register and mostly black keys, with irregular rhythms.

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Episode 26: New Age

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:33:02 GMT

An experimental piece that tries to mix many styles and feelings, with frequent changes and very little in the way of a central theme.

After giving the title, I realized the clash with the genre of music called "New Age" that is a part of many of my songs. But the intention here was not the genre, but the feeling of a new age, in other words some big change.

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Episode 25: Dimlight

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:45:01 GMT

At the end of a long day, my hands tired from work, I sat in in my piano room with no light but the remainder of the dim sky through the windows.

After a few minutes of playing, I felt somehow rejuvenated.

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Episode 24: Snowbound

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:19:58 GMT

A light, upbeat jazzy piece I made on a Sunday Monday when snow blanketed the ground outside.

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Episode 23: Believe

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:04:05 GMT

A wistful piece, something like staring into the sunset on a beach.

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Episode 22: Simple and Sweet

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 22:46:23 GMT

Contrasting greatly with my last two pieces, this is a very short piece with a simple, peaceful melody and a pretty straightforward structure.

I hope you like it!

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Episode 21: complications

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 22:55:50 GMT

Another crazy freeform mix of genres and styles.

I think this one of my more creative attempts, with a pretty wide variety of stuff I haven't done in recent songs. But what do you think?

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Episode 20: New Year Free

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 23:07:15 GMT

A longish freeform work that was my first recorded work of the year.

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Episode 19: Year End

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:43:56 GMT

An electic piece that starts out with a simple jazz line and proceeds to move through various different styles.

While weak on theme, it's heavy on passion.

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Episode 18: Tea with Frankenstein

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:19:02 GMT

A dark piece filled with dissonance, based on a running repetitive left hand pattern.

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Episode 17: Octavo Triumphant

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:41:30 GMT

A powerful, aggressive piece build upon octaves.

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Episode 16: Unsettled

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:53:37 GMT

A song with a disturbing, unsettled feeling, like someone slowly pacing back and forth

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Episode 15: Daily Shuffle

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:25:53 GMT

An improvisational piece based on a simple upbeat melody with variations, and a slower murky part in the middle.

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Episode 14: Tension

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:20:45 GMT

A piece that at times sounds a bit like a horror/suspense movie's soundtrack. (Don't worry, it has a happy ending.)

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Episode 13: Wandering Musings

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:53:05 GMT

The title says it all.

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Episode 12: Frenetic Fingers

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:20:38 GMT

A frenetic, chaotic Jazz improvisonal piece that got my heart beating to perform.

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Episode 11: The Labrynth

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:35:42 GMT

A chaotic, abstract piece that can be likened to exploring a crypto labyrinth or an alien city scape.

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Episode 10: Easy Street

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:39:29 GMT

An upbeat piece focusing on a simple melody line with variations.

While some of the rhythms are a little awkward (especially in the beginning), overall I like how it turned out.

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Episode 9: Witch of the Forest

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 21:07:37 GMT

A piece with a bright melody and waltz-like feel that takes some inspiration from classic Anime music

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Episode 8: Rolling Hills

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:19:19 GMT

A piece in G-minor with a simple melody that has a feel of a round (though isn't quite one).

I was thinking of a scene of Ireland when I was playing this, somewhere in the countryside with rolling hills and maybe ancient walls here and there.

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Episode 7: Royal

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:12:07 GMT

I didn't start this with much more than the idea of making something very different from my previous pieces.

By the end, the word "royal" popped into my head, and I think it's a fitting title.

I think the style is fairly different from my other pieces on this podcast, so I'm satisfied (:

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Episode 6: Freedom

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:48:23 GMT

I piece made without in any specific intent that ended up being a mix of various styles. There are some places that I would like to have redone, but overall I think the minor mistakes are worth it because the overall product feels more creative (and is perhaps the best of the songs on this Podcast in that sense).

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Episode 5: Mysterious Island

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:55:58 GMT

An experimental piece that begins with a mysterious atmosphere and eventually transforms into something more solid.

The first few notes came from when I was just playing a few random keys to test the volume on my mic, and I liked it so I went with it.

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Episode 4: Creeping Dawn

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 21:55:45 GMT

A pensive, atmospheric piece that features a flowing line over a few repeating chords.

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Episode 3: Light Feet

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:47:47 GMT

A bright, upbeat piece with much movement, based on a simple theme with embellishments and variations.

For those who are familiar, I think you can clearly my influences from David Benoit here.

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Episode 2: A Few Pensive moments

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:52:58 GMT

In the middle of a hectic day I decided to sit down and make a short, pensive song like an eye of the hurricane.

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Episode 1: First steps in the halflight

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:40:10 GMT

The mid-morning sun was bright, but my blinds were mostly closed, allowing in a beautiful halflight that illuminated the piano room in just the right way.

This first recording, done on the first try with no editing (except noise reduction) covers a variety of styles and tones. I think this is a good sample to hint at what will come on this channel.

Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the music!

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