Improvisations and Variations on a Theme
On an October evening in 2011, during a trip to my native Louisiana, I visited my lifelong friend, musician and artist, Doug Duffey. As we shared recent creative efforts, Doug encouraged me to do a solo piano work, something he has done for years. He left the room, returning with a mini-disc recorder, which he connected to a piano in his living room. He insisted that I sit at the piano and play...just play...whatever was moving through me. And so I did...for the next couple of hours. As I played, I was more and more deeply absorbed...in a trancelike state...like a deep sleep, if you will. In fact, when I finished playing, I felt disoriented and exhausted...but with an inner peace I had not known for some time.
Over the previous months, I had descended into a dark mire of depression. With the navigation of a skillful and compassionate therapist, I was in the process of connecting with some deep emotional and spiritual strongholds...some going back to my childhood. I was still in the early stages of emerging from the darkness.
Upon returning home and living with the recording over the next several weeks...quite obsessively...I became acutely aware of every nuance. Through the listening experience, there was realization of deep personal strongholds and emotions. And I came to recognize where many were rooted...and a great healing took place...a true catharsis.
As I listened to the recordings, I noticed a recurring melodic theme and variations on that theme...which I was completely unaware of at the time I was playing...thus the title, "Improvisations and Variations on a Theme".
I liken this project to a "field recording"...all improvisation, with no "warm-up" or preparation...no overdubbing or editing..."warts and all"...a musical snapshot.
Produced and Recorded by Doug Duffey.
Cover Art by Doug Duffey.
Mastering by Michael Estok, Vibe Dial Music Production, Nashville, TN.