For this album, I was greatly shaped by my experience teaching at schools in Sunnyside over the past 7 years. The funny things students say, issues kids face, learning how to love learning, and how to educate…most of all, how a building can become a school, a familial community, a music venue, and a neighborhood simultaneously. This, alongside the inspirations from my friends, my parents, and my wife, formed the idea for “the neighborhood”.

Secondly, I fell in love with old T.V. The generation-spanning humor of The Muppets, the hope found in far-reaching places in Star Trek, and the hug one can feel from their couch while watching Sesame Street. Learning about their histories, connections to jazz, and impact on communities changed how I perceive art.

Lastly, by a quest to grow as a musician and bandleader in this wild world. Playing music with loved ones, being inspired by old and new songs, performing and recording projects, all this makes my heart happy. I see and feel a need for it in every person and place, and I certainly need it for my own development and outletting. Also, frankly, I want to play and record more..bigger and more frequently…and to do that I have to put out music and push it..gotta keep going to go more and further. We gotta play!

So here we are: album 2, Feb 2026. I’m inspired by all of the “F’s”: friends, family, Faith, fellowship, food, fun, and funky music. I am so thankful to the musicians who made this music with me: Stomp, Jasper, Robbie, Brandon, Dabin, Mike, and Peter. I’m thankful for all of the mentors and teachers I’ve had and connected with. And I’m thankful for music; for its history, its future, and its personal and global impact (to say the least). I hope folks enjoy the album! More to come soon.