Tag: Music
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Behind the Music: “Boy of Harvard” and Its Dreamy Origins
Exploring the playful creativity of Reunion: Coda When it comes to weaving whimsy into storytelling, the dream sequence in Reunion: Coda is a standout moment. Set during Jim Garraty’s high school commencement, this scene offers readers a glimpse into the humorous and poignant workings of Jim’s imagination as he dozes off during an inspirational speech.…
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Dear Reader, Let Me Tell You a Story…: Where Memories, Music, and Fiction Cross Paths
The Winter Concert: A Glimpse into ‘Reunion: Coda’ In various chapters of Reunion: Coda, I’ve sought to weave together echoes of my past and the vibrant, emotional textures of high school life. This particular excerpt comes from “The Winter Concert,” a chapter based on my memories of South Miami Senior High School in the early…
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Dear Reader, Let Me Tell You a Story…: A Fusion of Memory, Music, and Fiction
This scene holds a special place in my heart because it draws deeply from my own high school experiences—the adrenaline of performing, the camaraderie of backstage friendships, and the bittersweet ache of a crush you can’t quite reach. It’s a spoiler-free glimpse into Jim’s high school arc and brings together the Big Three of this…
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It’s a Slow News Day, So Here’s a Sunday Musicale….
Early Afternoon, Sunday, March 16, 2025, Miami, Florida Hi, everyone. It’s a nice Sunday afternoon in South Florida, with sunny skies and sultry summer-like temperatures. It’s also quiet in my neighborhood, so it’s a perfect place to rest and relax – which is what I’m doing so I can dive back into Reunion: Coda tomorrow.…
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A Weekend Respite in Sunny South Florida
Early Afternoon, Sunday, March 2, 2025, Miami, Florida “This is Sunday, and the question arises, what’ll I start tomorrow? “ – Kurt Vonnegut Hello there, dear reader! It’s another hot and sunny early spring day in South Florida. Currently, the temperature is a balmy 78°F (26°C) under clear skies, though with a gentle west-northwesterly breeze…
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A Sunday Musicale for Groundhog Day 2025
Late Morning, Sunday, February 2, 2025, Miami, Florida Hi, everyone. Happy Groundhog Day! It’s a beautiful, warm, and sunny late winter morning here in South Florida. The temperature is a delightful 80°F (27°C) under mostly cloudy skies. It’s the kind of day that lures tourists and new residents from colder climes to the Sunshine…
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Writer’s Shop Talk: Revised with Insight: ‘Reunion: Coda’ Blurb Thanks to Beta Reader Denise Longrie
After an insightful consultation with my Beta Reader, Denise Longrie, I have revised and refined this blurb to sound more professional and polished. I hope it now captures the essence of Jim Garraty’s ongoing journey more effectively. Here it is: Reunion: Coda In the sequel to the heartfelt Reunion: A Story, Jim Garraty’s journey continues…
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Saturday Serenade: Some of My Favorite Piano Pieces*
Midday/Early Afternoon, Saturday, January 4, 2025, Miami, Florida * Including piano transcriptions of orchestral compositions. Hi, everyone. I’m feeling a bit better today, but still dealing with a persistent cold. I’m exhausted from the symptoms and medication. Instead of my usual long blog post, here are some of my favorite piano performances. Enjoy!
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Music Album Review: ‘Kiri Sings Gershwin’: A Swinging Tribute to Timeless Classics
Kiri Sings Gershwin (1990) Label: EMI Records Genre: Standards/Crossovers Artists: Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano), John McGlinn (conductor), New Princess Orchestra Release Date: October 25, 1990 Regular readers of this blog won’t be surprised. Still, I seem to follow the beat of a different drummer because I prefer older musical styles to contemporary ones, especially when…
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Music Album Review: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Shines in Kiri Sings Kern
Kiri Sings Kern (1993) Label: Angel/EMI Records Genre: Crossover/Standards Artists: Kiri Te Kanawa (Soprano), London Sinfonietta (Orchestra), Jonathan Tunick (Conductor/Arranger) Release Date: March 16, 1993 Jerome Kern (1885-1945) remains one of the most influential composers in American popular music. Alongside legends like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Richard Rodgers, the New York-born Kern…
A Certain Point of View, Too 