Stories Behind the Songs - "Abundance"

A few days ago while sitting at the piano I glanced out the window and noticed a young couple standing on the sidewalk in front of our house, taking pictures surrounded by the exploding pink-white cherry blossoms. Are they called cherry blossoms if it’s not actually a cherry tree? Anyway, I’m not sure why, but this year the trees on our street put on an especially spectacular display, and I couldn’t help smiling as I watched this couple. The expressions on their faces showed they were fully present in the moment. Watching them took me back to the morning 5 years ago (almost to the day) when I composed what is probably my happiest song - “Abundance.”

Before I go on, allow me to share a little back story. In 2017-2018 I went through somewhat of a refiners fire — filled with lessons, realizations and experiences that pushed me well beyond my comfort zone mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We’ve all been there, right? But thanks to the incredible support of my wife and kids, I came through with a newfound appreciation for, and a new way of looking at life! Countless self-help and spiritual teachers advocate, “You get more of what you focus on,” and Stephen Covey emphasized the importance of an Abundance Mentality. Can you see where this is all going? On a sunny morning in the spring of 2019 I sat at the piano looking out at those blossoms, feeling probably very similar to how the young couple felt just the other day. I was finally starting to view life through the lens of abundance. And I was present. I felt the keys under my fingers, the soft light of the sun streaming in and the glow of the cherry blossoms outside the window. “Abundance” was composed freely and naturally in that moment.

July 19, 2019 - Recording Session for “Abundance” and the “Shadowlight” album. That view definitely helped!

Later that year, when I went to record the album, “Shadowlight” at Piano Haven Studio in Sedona, AZ, I told my good friend and studio engineer, Joe Bongiorno that I wanted to record this song first. The music had special meaning to me and I thought it could set the tone for the rest of the recording sessions. Much to my pleasant surprise, the song was recorded in just one single take and on the very first try!

Thank you for listening, and for all of your continued support! I hope your day is filled with ABUNDANCE!