So, I listened to "Scott's Red Star" all the way through. I just ripped open the CD and listened to it all the way through. Then, I listened to it a second time. You definitely have a "winner". The sound is crisp, the production quality is top notch. You would think that it was pressed on a major record label.

Portions of the CD made me remember of my favorite albums that I have in my collection. Some of the jazzy flute-sounding pieces like "Afro Blue" reminded me of the great times I had while Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg's "Twin Sons of Different Mothers" was playing in the background. And the Chase Theme from "The Wolves of Bristol" reminded me of my favorite jazz record of all time, Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays' "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls". Your collaborations with your brother, and the other gifted musicians on "Scott's Red Star" are playful, melodic, and at times very moving.

"Paradiso" as I also heard in concert, is gorgeous and breathtaking. When I listened to the piece in recorded form, I thought of only three words -- instant contemporary classic. Then, I thought of more words -- "This will definitely be a crowd pleaser in concert". It already is.

I also remembered hearing the solo piano version of "Washboard" this winter, and I was so excited to hear the fully-realized version. Y'all must have had a ton of fun playing together on that one. It shows.

Next to your live performance of Debussy's "Clair De Lune," you play the brief "Trees - sketch" at your most tender form. It's elegant. Beautiful. And, I savored every note.

I can't wait to hear "55 South" live. It's a great piece and all of you work so well together. If there was ever a single to market, this would be the one. And, "Aimitie en Rose" is a perfect way to introduce your new material to all of us who enjoy and appreciate your talents.

But my favorite of all, just because I love how each musician contributes their part and weaves it like a tapestry of interlocking sound, is "Chivalry". The piece is connected also by those two repetitive notes. There are wonderful textures in "Chivalry," hell, throughout all of your new release. The CD takes you places that you've not been before -- and what a wonderful journey it is.

Scott was a really great guy, and I am honored to have known him. He gave me one of his paintings, which I will gladly lend you for the June show, and his generosity and kindness was overwhelming. No one had ever given me a work of art before, and what a treasure it was to receive something that a friend had created. The cover art is a wonderful and lasting tribute to your cousin.

And then, I read the inside of the CD, and was filled with sheer surprise. When I read my name in your personal acknowledgments, I was deeply touched. Words can not even express what I felt at that moment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have given me many many years of enjoyment through your music and the talent you bring to all of us. You are, indeed, a gifted musician, and it is a personal pleasure to be your friend.

All my best to you and to Patrick. It's a wonderful CD. You are going to sell a lot of these. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you in your dream. It means a lot.

Congratulations!

Rick