Thanksgiving Habits

About this time every year, a week or so before Thanksgiving, I always do two things: read my favorite book about the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville NC, and listen endlessly to the Brahms Requiem. I guess that the seasonal changes, i.e., the falling leaves, windy cold weather, the end of the year, etc., turn my thoughts to the shortness of life, and the transitory nature of human accomplishment. Doesn't sound very positive, does it?

It IS positive, though...

Do you know the name of the original owner of the Biltmore Estate? You know, the guy who PAID for it, the one for whom it was built? Who was the architect? Who designed the beautiful landscaping of the estate?

I'm guessing that not too many people know.

Yet for these three men, the Biltmore was their greatest achievement. They didn't enjoy the fruit of their labors. The architect died before the mansion was even completed. The landscape designer died 8 years later, his plantings not coming to maturity for decades. George Washington Vanderbilt died at 52. His wife Edith remarried and sold 100,000 acres of the estate. Ten years after his death, his daughter married into an British family, and it is her two British sons and their families who run the estate as a tourist attraction. His beautiful home - property sold, now run by strangers for strangers.


Their great achievement remains as a testament to their short time on earth. They themselves are shadows, ghostly reminders of the temporary nature of life.


The Brahms Requiem, besides being one of the most sublimely beautiful musical works ever created,is a hopeful and comforting work. I listen to it over and over during a two week period, finally listening mostly to the 7th movement: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them". (Revelation 14:13)


With these, my two helpers, I close the year with a deep reverence and gratitude for life - for the gift of music, for family and friends, and especially for the hope of Heaven through the love of Christ. And also with a timely reminder of the brevity of earthly life, and the immensity of eternity.


So I am thankful, and hopeful. And challenged to do better in the coming year - to accomplish more with the gift I've been given, to spend more time and energy doing the things that really matter in life.


As my friend Bucci would have said, "That's deep"...

The boy can play

Hey guys, I am not even going to look back to see how long it's been since I've last posted. Guess I've been busy... Just a coupla random thoughts today, to get me back into the swing of blogging. I've been hanging on this quote by Will Ackerman about my playing for a couple of years. In fact, I have NEVER used it - not once. After I sent him a couple of MP3s of my playing, his response by email to me was: "Damn, the boy can PLAY." I chuckle every time I think of it. I have a feeling that Will and I are destined to work together one of these days. Only time will tell if it is producing great music... or a carpentry project. Adios for now! Mike

Whisperings in Birmingham

Last night I attended a Whisperings concert in Birmingham. I had been invited to perform, but as I didn't know the hall or the piano, I decided against it.

I heard my dear friend Joseph Akins perform, in his inimitable way, some of his songs that I know and love - his arrangement of "Tennessee Waltz" and "Butterfly Ride", among others.

Lee Bartley, from Colorado, whose playing I didn't know, was TERRIFIC. His jazz stylings, facility, harmonic and rhythmic flair, place him among the handful of popular piano artists that I think are really first rate.


Walter Knapp, who lives in Birmingham, is a wonderful player who deserves to be heard by a larger audience. His interpretation of three Chopin Etudes was inspiring, and his transcriptions of hymn fill me with envy. He sounds like Rachmaninoff! It was a great evening of wonderful music, and I felt privileged to attend.

The Audio Czar

This morning I had a fun time with my friend Tony Wachter (a.k.a. the Audio Czar) at his wonderful home studio. Tony is an immensely talented singer, writer, engineer, and producer, and he now does most of his recording from the comfort of his own home.

Today's project was scoring for picture. I played piano, solo violin, cello ensemble, electric guitar and bass. Tony himself added the drum loop (see photo). All it takes is one finger!

These Things I Know

When you have three or more cars, whichever car you choose to drive will be almost out of gas.

You don't buy a house, you buy a house kit.

Whoever mows your lawn makes more money than you do, even if you are Johnny Depp.

Paradise Lost

Coming to you today from our island, which is as beautiful as ever, and we are so happy to be away for a few days.

The mystique of the place, though, has changed. Our private sanctuary has been discovered, and it just feels different here.

But I'm not complaining. I'm here with my wonderful wife, and anywhere with her is a great place. Next time, though, we'll be ready for an island adventure in another place. Tahiti, maybe?

Home next week to get ready for my concert in Shrewsbury, PA with David Nevue and Jeff Smith on June 18th.

Numero Uno

Hello boys and girls,

Long time no post. I have been real busy, mostly with mundane things that you really don't want to hear about. In that case, no news really IS good news...

Couple of things are going on now, though. I just found out yesterday that Timeless II made it to #1 on the world airplay charts in the new age genre. Pretty cool. Check it out by visiting www.zonemusicreporter.com and clicking on the charts tab. There you can see me sitting on my throne.

I am also excited about our upcoming island vacation. Sorry I can't tell you WHICH island. You might want to crash the party, and I want to have my beautiful bride all to myself for a while. Our boy Adam will be Rileysitting at our house while we are gone. Thanks, Adam!

I will be playing at a church in Shrewsbury, PA on June 18th. I am really excited about this, because it will be the first time I have been asked to talk about my Christian life at a concert. I hope that I can do more concerts like this one.

Talk soon.