Like a good story, I wanted it to have enough space for you to use your imagination to make this music your own. These songs are really for you as much as they are for me. And the core of the song is the melody. That’s the main thing for me as an artist.
People like to look down on Miles Davis, saying he plays the melodies wrong, or think Monk’s phrasing is funny, that Duke’s writing is corny, Wayne’s melodies are too abstract. That’s all wrong. The reason we connect with these artists on such a deep level is the gift of melody. If I can give you a melody, a song, it’s like I’ve given life to a dream.
Neil Gaiman wrote that the right song can turn an emperor into a laughingstock, can bring down dynasties - and he’s right. I see myself as a singer and melody is paramount for me. Having facility is nice, but can I really tell you a story or sing you a song - that’s how I want to connect.
1. Once You're There (Take Your Time) 04:29
2. HelpDaynaStephens.Org in Gm, Part 1 03:19
3. Bittersweet Jelly (Why Is It So Easy To Love) 04:00
4. Retrograde 04:05
5. People Like Them 04:32
Michael King - Piano, Keyboard
Takeshi Ohbayashi - Piano, Keyboard
Joshua Crumbly - Bass
Jonathan Pinson - Drums
Mix - Vishal Nayak, Black Lodge Studios
Mastering - Jeremy Loucas, Sear Sound
Art - Gil Chen
