One of my summer projects has consisted of going into the studio and recording tunes for a jazz demo. As with any big project, I kept asking myself, “is this something that I really think I can accomplish?” The ideas are so easy to think about, but the actual process of organizing musicians, choosing songs and styles, practicing, and listening critically brings forth an overwhelming feeling of humbleness.

My dream of singing professionally started at the age of 13. Being a shy, socially awkward teenager only brought grief and sheer loneliness during the summer months. I poured my heart into practicing the piano for hours and composing simple songs into the wee hours of the night. I recall a time when I was working at a Baptist church in Imperial Beach. They had a simple sound system that I would often use in order to record my songs. I would record and then go back and listen to what I believed to be were the best expressions of what I was dealing with in my life at that time.

I came across those recordings the other day and I took the time to play through those songs of my teenage years. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for how far I’ve traveled both emotionally and musically. So, as I listen to my voice and the musicians who are part of my current recordings, I am truly humbled at this marvelous experience of setting down all of my new experiences onto a disc or digital files. This music is a gift, a joy, and a privilege. Not only has it served to be a constant companion, but a connection to a world that far exceeds anything I could have imagined for myself.