The Only Way I Know, my first single, is officially out for release!
I wrote this song at the beginning of what became a transformative period of my life. It’s a song about growing up and moving on, shedding old parts of yourself and beginning the often painful process of leaving the past behind.
If it were not for the support from my family and friends, this would not have been possible. I am grateful to have been able to record The Only Way I Know with fellow musicians who have supported me on my musical journey as both friends and teachers since the very beginning, offering their guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
In an intimate studio nestled on a palm tree farm in Bokeelia, Florida, we got to work building this song together. My good friend and musical partner, Alec Prorock, lent his creative ear and was involved throughout the entire process; from being among the first to hear the song after I wrote it, to instructing musicians on my vision, and ultimately playing piano for the track.
Jay Heavilin, who over the years has transposed my chord charts into sheet music, taught me how to play piano, and allowed me to sit in with his band on countless jazz nights, came out to play the bass. His band mate, Bobby Ryan, who I have gigged with and is always so kind and patient, played the drums.
Constantine Grim I have known since I was a teenager, and he answered the call to play lead guitar years after I first asked him if he would record with me someday. Having watched each other grow both as musicians and individuals, I asked him to play whatever he felt and with minimal instruction, he did not disappoint. The language he extends with his guitar still brings me to tears, even after listening to the song many times.
I am also thankful for our engineer, Howard Wulkan, at Farmadelica Sound for his experience, guidance, and expertise on the board - as well as his graciousness as our host in such a beautiful place. The magic of this location made my first solo recording experience especially memorable and I will never forget my time on The Farm.
Through the hiccups, catching Covid, and enduring the loss of pets and loved ones, we finished this project as a team. I am eternally grateful to everyone involved for their time and effort to help make my dream become a reality.
The last few years have been full of tremendous change for all of us. Since writing The Only Way I Know, the song has taken on many new meanings for me as I continue down this road. I hope it finds you and does the same.
