Special Thanks To: Susan, Thea and Caj, The Musicians, Michael Udow, Nick Prout, Ken Horowitz, David Bagby, Rita and Irwin Blitt, Jim Catalano, A.W. Dick, Will Spencer, Will Rivera, and Mom for that first vibraphone

Buffalo Dance - This title might conjure up images of a scene in the Western Plains. Actually it reflers to a time when I was in college and used to travel from Rochester to Buffalo to play gigs with a wonderful Latin band. Everybody in the room danced all the time - I loved it!

Thea - This song was written one day after my daughter's birth on a cross-town bus while returning from the hospital. During the session we recorded it as a sweet little waltz, just as intended. When the band went into the booth to listen to the take, I noticed that James Williams was still at the piano, and still "messing" with the tune. James is from the South, and has a deep-rooted gospel background. When I heard what he was doing I thought 'yeah' and forgot about the waltz idea. We immediately went back in and recorded this version.

Tango for an Elegant Man - Originally written for big band and four cellos, this is a pianoless quartet version. It is a way of saying thank you to a friend whom I respect a great deal.

Unicycle Man - Balancing is a series of corrections. When the adjustments become subtle enough, one stays upright and the illusion of equilibrium is achieved. It is a interesting place to be - a pleasant blend of danger and control. Of course, riding that ultimate fine line is an impossibility. I've been been riding a unicycle for almost thirty years, and the activity remains metaphorical for so many things in my life.

Ouray - Chief Ouray, the great leader of the Ute Indians, was caught in a sad compromise between concern for his tribe and the dissolution of their culture.

Conundrum - A conundrum is a puzzle - a perplexing situation. It is a also the name of a natural hot spring at an altitude of 10,000 feet nestled way back in the Rocky Mountains. (It's puzzling to me why I don't spend more time in these places) This song is a conundrum.

Take A Moment - Some say, "stop and smell the roses." Others, "breathe deeply and consciously." This is how I say it.

There Is No Greater Love - Straight ahead! Harvie thought it would be a good idea to warm up with a standard. I agreed.

Hometown - For some, hometown represents a sense of community. Its importance increases greatly after parenthood.