Dear Friends,

I'd like to take just a moment to share with you about my latest project, BluEPrint. As many of you know, there were almost three years of time between my first record, Without Condition and my second Something More. Now, after just seven months, project number three is being released. No, I'm not trying to make up for lost time, nor do I intend to make a habit of tossing out new records every couple of months. This record is special, it's not like the others. It's completely organic, it revisits some songs I've already recorded, it's shorter in length, and best of all, it costs less at the store.

If you're wondering whether or not this is my contribution to the current trend of remix records, let me ease your mind. Instead of flavouring the present versions of my songs with additional drum loops and synthesizers (as if they needed more), we chose to create new arrangements using only live instruments. BluEPrint seemed a perfect title for a record where the songs were as stripped-down as they could be-simple and vulnerable, just the way they were written.

The incredibly talented Margaret Becker did an amazing job (in my humble opinion) of producing this project. She insisted that each song be piano-driven, just like it would be if I were playing live somewhere. This challenged me to work harder than ever at honing my piano-playing skills.

Both Margaret and I wanted this record to feel simple and intimate, while also being interesting to listen to. Margaret did several things to ensure this would happen. To get the live vibe, we recorded the drums, bass, and me on piano and vocals playing in the studio together. (A couple of tracks (such as 'I Am') were finished in just two takes). She then added tasteful colors with the use of guitars, cello (played by Matt Slocum of Sixpence), flute, and percussion. The record itself took only a few short weeks to make, but it was very carefully crafted and well thought out. Each song seems to have its own special magic.

I've been blessed with a label who has allowed me to experiment and explore (sometimes pushing the envelope) as I've created music. I'm immensely proud of the two records we've made together, and I couldn't be any more excited with the addition of BluEPrint to the list. This record is gentler and perhaps more thoughtful than its predecessors. It bears a fair amount of resemblance to what I do live. It's very simple, with barely any bells and whistles much like my life at present. I'm excited for you to hear it.