Salut Nuages - NEW RELEASE on March 10, 2023

Recording session with Ayran Nicodemo, violinist. He layered the violin 1 & 2 parts to create a lush orchestral string sound, to accompany the solo cello part.

I was a pianist first before I started studying singing. After an influential music teacher asked me to accompany my high school choir, I started singing and taking voice lessons. While being part of my high school’s musicals in the pit and on stage, I got into musical theater. I played songs by Rogers & Hammerstein, the Gershwin brothers, Sondheim, Adam Guettel, and listened to Audra MacDonald constantly. I eventually started playing popular music like Tori Amos, Ray Menzarek’s keyboard parts from the Doors, and played in my high school’s jazz band. For a long time I’ve admired the soundtracks of Yann Tiersen’s Amelie, Rachel Portman’s Emma and Chocolat, and of course John Williams, which featured solo piano with orchestra. I also spent many hours listening to solo pianist George Winston, Enya, who played many different synthesizers, and jazz pianist Keith Jarrett.

My first compositions for solo piano came to me in my 20’s, and I continue to write as I am inspired to, often while on a walk in nature or while appreciating a change of the seasons. I was able to have this work, “Salut Nuages,” recorded by live musicians via Musiversal and had a great experience. The performers are Marco Cremaschini (Piano), Joe Zeitlin (Cello), and Ayran Nicodemo (violin). We edited, mixed, and mastered the recording at our home studio in Maine.

Marco Cremaschini, recording the piano part. This was the first recording session that the strings recorded with, along with a click track. He has two beautiful grand pianos, and a great home studio setup. Grazie mille, Marco!

This piece is titled “Salut Nuages,” or “Hello Clouds”. I often feel that no matter how one’s day is going, if you can notice the clouds, appreciate the blue sky, and greet the sun and wind, then nature gives back to you. I felt the title was more poetic in French :). It’s meant to transport you for a few minutes, inspire you to take a deep breath, and smile with gratitude.

The release date is March 10, 2023 on all digital platforms. Stay tuned by checking my Spotify artist page and YouTube channel. You can also go to the Listen tab on this website.