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Listen Here
Behind the Song: Outta the Loop
In ancient wisdom, there is a commandment that says: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Fast-forwarding this ancient truth to my life today, I think of gossip. I knew a woman who endured a humiliating event, and she moved away for a fresh start. Weeks later, I bumped into her at the store, smiled and said “Hi, how’s it going?” She touched my arm and said, “You mean you haven’t heard?” She hugged me, just for being “out of the loop”. That moment, fired with ancient truths, inspired this song.
“Outta the Loop” song was joyfully recorded at Quinn Music in Griswold, CT, with ukulele, guitar, bass, and percussion, by Jon Quinn. The marimba via keyboard was playfully punched by Joe Grieco.
My Writing Process
I have always kept a journal close by to free-write and play with words, but it is only recently that I discovered the joy of lyric writing. My influences for lyric writing come from Broadway and Jazz greats such as Gershwin, Schwartz, Sondheim, Rogers and Hammerstein, and Irving Berlin. I also have found inspiration from the‘ 70s, admiring the poetry of writers like Paul Simon, Bernie Taupin, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel and Bonnie Raitt. Beyond lyrics, I have a fetish for catchy melodies and hooks and strive to create those magical tunes that "get stuck in your head".
Gospel music has also played a huge influence in my songwriting. Beautiful songs like Wade in the Water, Amazing Grace, How Can I Keep From Singing, Precious Lord Take My Hand, His Eye is on The Sparrow, cut to the core of human hearts in pain, seeking solace. Curiosity, life experience, and empathy are the driving forces that push me to write songs that “matter”. I am forever seeking, observing, and questioning the world around me, researching topics, standing in the shoes of others, and looking deeply into my own life experiences to find that “hook”, write that lyric that ultimately says something of value.
I hope that you will enjoy my songs, from the nostalgic to the edgy and current. Please feel free to chat with me about the topics that come into our lives and my songwriting, and take some time out in a busy life to nurture your soul a little comfort food. My Facebook page is a great way to keep the conversation going.