New Music Dropping January 24

I am proud to say that my latest song, Three Bright Stars, will be dropping on Tuesday, January 24.

Inspired by the moving student vigil that followed there tragic shootings on the Grounds of the University of Virginia last November, the song was inspired by the things I saw and heard while attending the student-run silent vigil on the South Lawn. When I got home that evening, I saw the photo that was making the rounds on social media that depicted the scene, with an element that so many of us in attendance did not see at the time, There were three bright stars shining over the proceedings.

It turns out the photo was taken by Matt Weber, the Chief Creative Officer at UVA, and someone I know. When I sent the song to him, he told me it was his and that I was welcome to use it in connection with the song. I also sent the song to UVA Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa, who expressed interest in supporting my recording it. Days later I found myself in James McLaughlin’s Mountainside Studio in Charlottesville, surrounding by an all star team of friends and musicians including Rusty Speidel, Michael Clem, and Chris Holden, with James pulling double duty by playing drums as well as producing the track.

I was so moved by everyone’s interest in and passion for the project, which also included keyboards by Richmond-based Daniel Clarke. For me, there was one thing missing. Since I was capturing a story the UVA students authored, I wanted to make sure they were represented as well. I reached out to my friend Michael Slon, the Director of University Singers at UVA. Amid final exams, end-of-the-year concerts and more, he miraculously rounded up eight students to come in and create and record a choral part. I can’t imagine the song without it and have so much gratitude for him and his talented students.

I look forward to sharing this song with the world.