Growing up in Connecticut, I developed an early love for lyric writing through my mother’s passion for the Great American Songbook. I was fascinated by legendary lyricists like Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer, always studying their lyrical structures, techniques and turn of phrase.

 

I began writing my own lyrics with classmates in college, but after graduation, songwriting settled into the margins of my life, more as a 'foolish passion'. Instead, my day job took me into the world of finance and fashion in New York and living overseas in London and Florence, but I found myself forever writing on planes and trains, and jotting lyrical notes in the back of taxis and during business meetings. I also managed to find time to study lyric writing and construction with Harriet Schock, who is a gifted songwriter and talented teacher.

 

Through a mentor at ASCAP, named Michael Kerker, I was able to connect with a talented, and classically trained composer, named Barry Moritz. Together we co-wrote a host of songs, primarily big band and American Songbook genres, many of which were recorded in the home studio of Andy Vinter, a talented musician working for the BBC and in the West End of London.  Andy created magic on his Steinway and was able to open doors to many talented musicians and singers in the world of musical theater, including Alison Jaier, who demoed many of my songs and years later made it to the final four of The Voice. 

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Most of my lyrical focus remained rooted in writing jazz oriented songs al la the American Standards, but also broadened into Pop, Americana, Blues, Children's, Comedy and Christmas songs, working with another multi-talented and classically trained singer-songwriter name, Lisa Yves, as well as other composers I met along the way. Lisa and I collaborated on many of the songs included in this website, working remotely between Boston and New York and London, but always in total sync.

 

Songwriting has  now moved from the margins of my life more to the center of the page.  Being a lover of many different song genres, I began listening more and more to Country music and was taken by the freedom and real life expression captured by the lyrics. Of course, I was also drawn to the fact that lyrics still mattered! 

 

I began shifting more of my creative energies to writing Country songs, though I suspect many today would dispute how "country" my attempts have been. Still, I love the ability to merge my classic songwriting skills and technique with the  stories and images used to write Country songs.

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I was very fortunate to be introduced to Sheree Spoltore, the CEO of Global Songwriter's Connection, based in Nashville. Sheree is an amazing advocate and mentor with unbridled passion, who is helping as a mentor on my Country journey.  

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Here are some developments from the songwriting margins of my life:

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- A Love To Last synced on CBS Blue Bloods and the Netflix movie, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings

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- I'll Take You synched on CBS The Young & The Restless 

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- Four jazz songs currently under publishing contracts

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- One Christmas song currently under publishing contract

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- Two songs selected for the MAC/ASCAP NYC Showcases

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- Just One Skin released in the UK by London Blusion Band

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- 3rd place Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, Open Category

 

- 4th place Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, Pop Category

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My intent is to continue writing across genres, but focusing increasingly on developing my songwriting skills to create great Country songs with talented Country co-writers who possess a strong foundation in melody.  In addition to developing this skill set, I intend to build close working relationships with Country music industry professionals who can help position me and my songs to succeed in the marketplace.