The universe we are part of is mesmerizing to me.
How does it really work? It is so intricate that it brings out so many unanswered questions.
With this uncertainty, we need to hold on to notions that we are sure of, like Love.
These tribulations were the basis for the writing of The Only Truth.

I started strumming along some basic chords on my Guild 12-string guitar and humming universal questions.
This is how this song started.
The verses lay out a series of unresolved questions.
Then the chorus releases the tension by stating an affirmation about Love.
All the guitar tracks were recorded with the 12-string guitar even the bass line.

Check out the MP3 for this on my The Only Truth Music Page

Check out the Video for the song on my Video Page.

Washi Papers

These papers are handmade from the inner bark the Mulberry, Mitsumata and Gampi trees by master craftsmen in Japan.

They are sold under different names: Yuzen, Kozo.

Their texture and exquisite patterns resemble Oriental textiles and are achieved with stencils, woodblocks or silk-screens.

Washi dolls (Traditional style)

This style of dollmaking originated in Japan more than three centuries ago. They are also referred as Washi Ningyo in Japan.

Once very simple and flat, they are now works of art and three-dimensional.

They are slim figures, inspired by scenes and characters depicted in the Kabuki Theater and the Japanese prints “Ukiyo-e”.

Every part of the doll is folded and shaped by hand with Washi papers:

face, hair, clothes and accessories such as hair comb, flower, pin, fan, umbrella, lantern, basket, swords.

No part is molded; each doll is unique.

The tools are simple: glue, scissors, tweezers, floral tape, wire and a paper crumpling tool.

The dolls convey feelings and emotions with body language.

Like a Kabuki actor these dolls have a white face and no features.

Therefore, the posing of the doll is the most critical phase of the doll making process since it brings life into the doll.

I was experimenting playing with 2 capos. One on the six string, one half capo on only 3 strings.
The half capo is interesting as it allows me to play above and below the capo.
Since that day, it has become an integral part of my guitar playing.

Then I detuned the bass string so he would blend with the basic key I was hearing from the open strings.
A double stop riff emerged, harmonized in fourth. I liked it as it sounded a bit oriental.
It is now the key sonic element in the chorus.

This song sounds best on my LG2 guitar. It has a special shimmering ring that is perfect for the riff.
Add to this a doubling on the Mandolin and I was heading home with that song!

Check out the MP3 for this on my Meet Me on the East Side Music Page

This is a series of sculptures inspired by the universe.

Different instruments inspired different songs.

This one is a good example.

It was written with my Octave Mandolin.
There is a somber tone in this instrument unmatched by any guitar.

Since I wrote it I played it a few times on an acoustic guitar, but it feels more at home on the octave mandolin or the Irish Bouzouki.

The original version is longer and it is the one I like to play live.

But for Radio play it was way too long. So I made it a shorter song for radio play.
It was a great exercise in trimming down the lyrics.
It was a painful process! It is so hard to remove some of the lyrics when you feel they are needed for the song!
I cut down four short verses and a pre-chorus.
However, once done, it made the song more concise.

So now I have the choice between two versions to fit any situations!

Check out the MP3 for this on my Where Are We Going (radio remix) Music Page

This is an extended version of Where Are We Going? (radio remix).

It has a longer intro. There are additional verses and a section between the verses that was cut from the Radio Mix.

For more info about this song, see the blog for Where Are We Going? (radio remix)

Check out the MP3 for this on my Where Are We Going (full version) Music Page

This is a series of fanciful maidens.

There are two characters in this series:

I love that song although it does not play well live with just an acoustic guitar.

I was twiddling in Garage Band on my iPad.
I came up with this layer of strings.
Then added the punchy bass.

I had (singer) Lisa Stanfield and Barry White in mind when I created the lyrics and melody.
I find it helpful to have a singer in mind in order to create a specific style of song.

I inserted a double meaning in the lyrics and kept them unclear…. is the Daddy a Sugar Daddy or the real daddy?
Is it a Spring/Winter love affair? Is it an incestuous relationship? One will never know.
Not even myself! I leave it up to you!

I got to rap on the break part of the song. That was a lot of fun too!

Check out the MP3 for this on my Hold Me Now (I’m Lonely) Music Page

Check out the Video for the song on my Video Page

I like making One-Of-A-Kind sculpture (OOAK)