J: Piano lessons began at age seven and shortly thereafter, performances at
church, school talent shows, Music Federation Club contests and local civic
organizations followed. My college degree was a B.A. in Piano Performance from Elon University in North Carolina,
but I never stepped into the realm of original composition until 1992.
A business associate, Joseph, shared some lyrics he had written and
insisted I compose music for them. "Excuse me", I replied. "I only play
other people's music!!!!"
"You are a musician! You can do it!!!" he
exclaimed. So, the next night... the most exciting journey of my life began
when I dared explore the world of composition. Would I have taken the leap
on my own down the road had this dear man not encouraged me???? Who is to
say?
Joseph is no longer with us on this Earthly plane, but he is remembered
daily for the gift he gave me. Just goes to show how important what we say
to another person can be in this process of 'Humans Be-Coming.'
What musician or composers have inspired you the most?
J: The influence of classical training definitely weaves throughout all my
music. As a young child, Chopin's happy notes delighted me most. The
brilliant J. S. Bach was considered arduous study to my carefree spirit of
playfulness. Only when attempting his Toccata in C Minor on my Senior
recital, did I truly appreciate the sheer genius of this master. Seventeen
pages of contrapuntal intricacies demanded unrelenting concentration on his
message in manuscript!
However, the composer who brought me most pleasure year after year, even to
this day, would be Mozart. Despite his rather rambunctious personality, his
truer self displayed intimate connection with the Divine via his music. One
would declare he played for Angel Choirs!!!!
The 20th and 21st Centuries have their 'Greats' as well. Musicals
entertained and thrilled my imagination as a child. Rodgers and Hammerstein
have provided hours of pleasure for the little girl who created Broadway
stage, red curtains and all, in the confines of her living room!!! Still
admire and respect their timeless melodies today.
Of course John Williams and Andrew LLoyd Webber receive accolades of the
highest calibre regarding contemporaries today. And yes... this adult child
adores animated film scores also. Alan Menke's music for "Beauty and the
Beast" ranks as one of my favorites. Watched it 5 times! Hopeless romantic
I am!!!
What do you want your music/performances to communicate?
J: My mission in this life has always been to bring beauty, peace and love
into the lives of others. The purpose of Album One follows suit. It is
becoming increasingly difficult to find quiet places in a noisy society of
technical inventions that so fill our every waking moment. I hope my
compositions allow an escape for each listener into those Sacred Halls of
Silence where only Truth abides.
May each receive a special blessing of love... heart to heart... inside the
bigger heart of God.
