Welcome to the Music

I walked out on my deck one afternoon, opened my mouth and this is what came out.. Co—producer Howard Toole suggested a sax. And that was all it needed. 

Thankfully, song titles can’t be copyrighted! This version of that title inspired by a letter I received from a lover who missed me.

When it ain’t the ‘real deal’, this jazz pop standard explores the concept of being wrong without also being a victim.

A country-rock story based on a real-life event, the twist at the end describes what my mama would have wanted to do for her daughter.

The late-great Dan Doll handed me a lyric entitled Lisa’s Room. I wrote the music and convinced him to allow the alliterative change to Rachel.

I started this song back in the ’80s and had trouble finishing it. In 2016, I tried again. My Mom said, “You’ve used a gun before, so this time, use a knife.”  

When writing the anti-pity party songs for Nouveau Torch, wanted to try a new take on the original of the same name. 

Taking responsibility for my part, when I was afraid to love and just did this instead.

Traditional ‘torch’ songs celebrated being treated badly and staying anyway. I think it should work the other way around.

This song is the heart of the Nouveau Torch album, describing what love does not do. 

Back in the 80s when this was written, it was considered too edgy for radio.

‘Deserve’ explores a healthy approach to loyalty and self-care — knowing when to go.