Famous people I have met.
Click Here
Cover Story
Smooth Jazz News
Extended discography
Coming Soon!
More old photos
Coming Soon!
Letters I've written
Coming Soon!
I am very happy to announce the completion of my latest CD, entitled "Confidential". The release date is March 23rd, and then some 2 weeks later in the UK. It has been a long process, as I have tried to make it the best that it can be, mixing some of the familiar PW sounds with some new sounds. Throughout the project I resisted many times the urge to be clever (special thanks to producer Matthew Hager), as I’ve found that this rarely works well for musicians. Instead I have tried to play from the heart, because that’s where music ultimately comes from- It’s not enough to know where to put your fingers.
With that in mind, I would like to thank all the musicians on this album and especially the soloists: Chris Botti, Mindi Abair, Brian Culbertson, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo. All of them have a special gift. No one told them how to play- they just closed their eyes, opened their hearts and the music poured out. In the case of Michael Paulo- we couldn’t stop him! (If you don’t believe me, check out the last 3 minutes of “Endless Journey”).
“She’s in Love” is a Brenda Russell song that I have played with Brenda many times. Producer Paul Brown suggested I record it with Christopher Cross. What a great choice- Christopher’s voice sounds just as good as I remember it when I first heard “Sailing” and “Ride Like The Wind” on my car radio. Thanks Christopher!
Not so celebrated, but just as talented- David Sparkman sings on “Lost Without Your Love”. David has played with my band on many occasions and his vocalizing gives the show a whole new dimension. Thank you David.
I also want to thank my team of producers and mix engineers- Paul Brown, Steven Dubin, Matthew Hager, DC, Brian Culbertson, Eddie King, Steve Sykes, Craig Bauer; and of course my manager Steve Chapman for helping me put this album together.
The CD cover came from an idea of mine that was inspired by the work of Mark Zingarelli. (www.houseofzing.com). Mark took the concept and ran with it, producing a wonderfully mysterious illustration. What is really going on here? A man, a woman, a letter, lipstick!....I wrote a short story on the CD insert which attempts to explain all this but I'm sure with a fertile imagination and time on your hands, you can make up your own mind concerning what went on in room 102.....
Finally, the great saxophonist Ernie Watts once told me “When I play, I become like vapour. It’s like I’m not there at all”. Well, I too hope to become like vapour one day. Until then, folks- thanks for listening- I hope you like the music….and keep in touch.....confidentially, PW.
