Make Living Worthwhile (with lyrics)
A signature piece, with a distinctive melody. Opening lyrics: "I never wanted to be a hero. I never wanted to be a star. I only wanted to make a difference, to make living worthwhile." But there is one thing missing: "I never thought much about my love life. I didn't know where to start." But then, he finds the one: "There she was. Right in front of my eyes. Knocked me out. Forgot about everyone besides her." Finally: "She's all I want. She's all I need, to make living worthwhile." The song concludes: "Baby baby explore with me, all the world that there is to see. Every moment and every mile, we'll make living worthwhile." A fun song, a happy song, easy to sing. Played on flute (Key: Bb Major), oboe (Key: Eb Major) and strings (Key: Bb Major). With lyrics.
Making Love Right (with lyrics)
A lover complains that although he and is partner have an enjoyable love life, they don't agree on much else in life. He says: "Let's not do this anymore. Let's go back to the way we were. Sharing, caring, joint concerns and joint desires." Later: "Love is a fever we're meant to endure. Love is a blessing, simple and pure. Love is the best thing humans know. Everyone needs to give it a go." A reflective song, but pleasant. Played on violin (Key: Eb Major) and oboe (Key:G Major). With lyrics.
Making The Best Of Things
The first of three consecutive marches in the "Moving On 2022" collection. This is a snappy, happy piece with a whole bunch of melodic variation, with a favorite sequence beginning about 70 seconds in. It is suitable for any celebratory occasion, and can be adapted for orchestra. Played on the strings. Key: C Major.
Marvelous Day
With a grand opening sequence, this is a joyous, slow march, suitable for any marvelous day. It reaches some lofty heights about 1 minute in. The enthusiastic melody is repeated once, as it would be if played by a marching band. Played on the strings. Key: C Major. An instrumental, no lyrics.
Merry Mood March
This unique march is based on continuous manipulation of a few catchy short strings of melody, stitched into a quirky but lively melody that will keep you on your toes. Suitable for any celebratory occasion, or just when you are in a merry mood. A personal favorite. Played on the strings. Key: F Major. An instrumental, no lyrics.
Mighty Woman (with lyrics)
A signature piece, is a feel good song and an anthem to women. The melody is distinctive and inspirational, but this song is ultimately all about the lyrics. It begins "You are woman, mighty woman. You are bold, good as gold. You are woman, mighty woman, spirit strong for so long." The song concludes: "Mighty woman, that's you. You weren't born a fool, you know your rights. You're not just a pretty face, you're someone who wants her rightful place. You're central to time and space. You're half of the human race." Played on violin, strings (Key: F Major), flute (Key: Eb Major) and oboe (Key: F# Major).
Musical Stairs
A tongue in cheek title for this piece, based at least initially on variations of the musical scale, i.e. melodies based on ascending and descending sequences of notes. At out 2/3 of the way in, the melody changes a bit to more robust sequences that carry the piece to its conclusion. This is a fun piece. Played on oboe (Key: Eb) and strings (Key: C Major). An instrumental, no lyrics.
Nowhere To Go (flute)
One of very few songs I've written in a minor key. There is a surprise upbeat twist in the lyrics at the end. At the start: "There is just nowhere you see, for me to be. Simply have nowhere to go. It's rough, I know." Then,aat the end comes the revelation that there's help coming after all: "Friendship's the answer, and I made some friends today." A reflective song, but enjoyable. Played on the flute. Key: D Minor. With lyrics.
Old Fashioned Heroes (with lyrics)
An earlier song (Heroes) suggested that each of us is ultimately the only hero we can count on. This song has a similar message. In a world where "fake news" abounds, we need the old fashioned heroes to save the day. "So where are the heroes now, and how can we tell who they are?" The song concludes that if we find these heroes "The world will be better still, we just need the strength of will. Bring on the heroes, old fashoned heroes, for modern times." Played on oboe (Key: Ab Major), with lyrics.
Paradise (with lyrics)
This is a classic love theme, a sweet, relatively slow melody in 3/4 time. The signature theme starts right away in the first measure, and sets the tone for the piece. To start: "Paradise, paradise, waited so long for paradise. Paradise, paradise, shimmering glittering paradise. You and I, flying high, grazing the boundary of heaven." So the lyrics are thoughtful and appropriate to the melody. This melody is played on the violin (Key; G Major) and strings (F Major). With lyrics.
Patience (with lyrics)
A nostalgic, heartwarming song. The message is that we shouldn't live life too fast, because we might overlook all the little things that make life worthwhile. The song concludes as follows: "The greatest gift in life is patience. It's something you can't live without. Live life with patience, follow a plan. Lovely creations, woman and man. Savor the moment life can provide. And in the end, look back with pride." Played by the strings (Key: F Major). With lyrics.
Pure Delight
A relaxed, uplifting instrumental in 3/4 time that hopefully reflect a mood of pure delight. A feel good song. The distinctive, slightly haunting melody is memorable. Played on flute (Key : G Major), oboe 9Key G Major)and strings (Key: F Major). No lyrics.
Pure Love Connection (with lyrics)
A robust appeal for a pure love connection with interesting lyrics. "Looking for a pure love connection. In my life, it's what I've been missing." He finds one, but she's not entirely taken with him. He implores her: "Baby, baby, baby take a walk with me. Everybody sees how you look at me. I may not be the most eloquent guy, but my love for you can't be denied. Baby just come and talk to me. Love may be expensive but talk is free. Baby don't you think that I need to be free. Every other woman is history." The song changes tone slightly with: "Hesitation means means there's something wrong” and “Are you salvation, or just another fantasy?" Finally: "Pure love connection is what I am looking for. Temptation is all I had before. Salvation, I've never wanted more. Damnation, I'm throwing you out the door." A fun song, played by strings (Key: F Major).
Radiance Divine (with lyrics)
My favorite piece in the "Moving On 2022" collection. It's an unabashed celebration of women. "Radiance Divine" is what makes the complete woman. The song begins: "You're a woman with radiance divine. A fascinating, beautiful mind. You came out of nowhere, to bring me somewhere that take's my breath away." Later: "You are such a vision, to quite high precision, you are elegance defined." He is now hooked: "Now I'm committing to say I'm admitting, life with you's the ultimate high." also: "Here's hoping it never ends. Radiance divine forever in time." The rollicking melody and lyrics continue. The climax at the end is: "You're a woman with radiance divine. A fascinating, beautiful mind. For one golden moment in time, I love a woman with radiance divine." Played on oboe (Key: C Major) and strings (Key: Eb Major). With lyrics.
Rarest Of Dream
A beautiful, haunting, inspirational melody. The original melody is played twice to create a more lasting impression. Played on flute (Key: F Major and G Major) (two versions in different keys). An instrumental, no lyrics.