Mystic Jazz. Soul-quenching Piano Music.

Here is a series of recordings written and recorded during the lockdown in May and June of 2020. I have decided to combine May with the June compositions so that we have a full 10 song release. I left about 5 songs on the cutting room floor. There are also another two that don’t fit in this mystic and jazzy

Mystic Jazz. Soul-quenching Piano Music.

Here is a series of recordings written and recorded during the lockdown in May and June of 2020. I have decided to combine May with the June compositions so that we have a full 10 song release. I left about 5 songs on the cutting room floor. There are also another two that don’t fit in this mystic and jazzy piano vibe.

I think as you listen to the previous 2 releases already available, you can hear the slow progression of my transition from being a Full-Time piano entertainer in March of 2020 to my return as a studio musician and album producer.

This time alone in the studio has been a mixture of emotions. Pleasurable to be in the studio so much. While dearly missing the stage. For sure.

As you let these snapshots in time develop in your ears, you can hear and feel how much I miss the energetic interaction with other musicians, creators, and, most especially, you. The audience.

As we get back to work in live venues (June 2021) I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other writers and studio personnel. Even more, I thirst for the pulse of a live venue.

Until we meet in person, in the not too distant future, enjoy these recordings -- from my home to yours.

Dan C Gillogly June 24, 2021 Elk Grove Village, IL

Welcome! All of the songs were written and conceived during April of 2020. I was sheltering in place in our apartment in Chicago IL. The middle of America. Our whole state was in lockdown except for essential services.

April is usually a time of hope in Chicago. It can still be cold, gray, and winter-like. 2020 was VERY cold, wet, and winter-like.

Welcome! All of the songs were written and conceived during April of 2020. I was sheltering in place in our apartment in Chicago IL. The middle of America. Our whole state was in lockdown except for essential services.

April is usually a time of hope in Chicago. It can still be cold, gray, and winter-like. 2020 was VERY cold, wet, and winter-like. So while we were all still getting used to the lockdown idea, the bad weather kept people from going out to the parks or restaurants on the first warm sunny day. We didn’t have many. But when we did, we couldn’t go anywhere.

All the museums were closed. There were no live music venues open. Restaurants were all closed except for carry out. Many of them had yet to figure out curbside service. It was all still new and uncertain.

All the bars were closed. I’m sure there were some that were open if you knew a guy. Cuz Chicago is all about ‘if you know a guy’.

We didn’t know how long this was going to last. The authorities and people in charge were trying to be nice about the restrictions. I think we knew they were going to last until the end of April at least. But they went well into June

So I was still hoping at this time I might be able to get back to performing my wide variety of gigs on stage. But all the corporate gigs; the fundraisers and conventions were all on hold. Waiting to see what would happen.

As we plodded through this, we realized lockdown was going well beyond April 30. The word was slowly leaked via teachers’ unions, restaurant associations, and major sporting events, that we were going to stay closed for much, much longer.

In this atmosphere, I initially wrote and recorded these compositions and grooves.

I have since re-recorded and mastered everything for this album. These songs were mastered in November/December 2020 in the home studio. We have moved to the Chicago suburbs by this time.

As of this writing, we are still in lockdown -- again, as is most of the world. A vaccine is available. But the rollout is going slowly. None of the musicians and performers I know have any idea when we will get back to gigging in our area. There are 3 warm-weather states I could go to get gigs. But I would rather stay here, stay safe, and keep recording.

It feels strange, to say the least. Music is a deeply social art form. Even recording. I am producing these albums (I have material from each month of 2020 in production) by myself.

There is the help of my Goddess of a wife, Amber, who listens and smiles, and offers all kinds of support. She is most definitely an anchor for me. She stays centered with new workouts she finds on YouTube. We are eating healthy meals and she is amazing in the kitchen creating magnificent meals that deluge the senses with exotic spices and blends of ingredients for relaxing nourishment.

Our oldest son, Keaton, who has had his own set of loss and change. He was working FT as a professional sports broadcaster. His entire minor league baseball season was canceled. He made the most of the downtime. Staying connected to his network of players, coaches, and fellow broadcasters. Producing digital shows and interviews. He also got out to the national parks for some intense backpacking trips. Keaton has been unerring in his direction on these album projects. His real-world knowledge of social media dangles on the edge of stylish relevance. He has become the stern parent in his tone of Shut TFU Dad and Chill TFO. This last one has become my new mantra this year. He reminds me to just crank this out. “You’re talented and you’ll make some money again soon.” He also reminded me, more than once, “You got this time to do this. So go in there and hit record and don’t leave until you’re exhausted.” Thank you

Murphy is our 2nd son. He is also a new Dad. He and his lovely wife, Chelsea, are expecting their 2nd child while working from home for the most part. So, we’ve been able to help out with the grandson by watching him several days a month. Papa Murph has been moving along with me every step of the way. Encouraging. Leading. Offering a much-needed perspective on everything from song order to honest critiques. Reminding me when I can do a better version and when to stop and leave it be cuz it’s good enough for now. All of his suggestions are about 20% correct. WhenI think about them for 3 days, they become 95% correct. Album covers are discussed. Release orders are discussed. He listens to them 8, 10 even 12 times before offering his notes which are detailed and gentle. Many thanks.

I have to give an honorable mention to my friend Joe Cosas of Tampa FL for musical agility. Your feedback on some piano technique I was struggling with smoothed over a rough edge.

Also, my friend and fellow musician Cymber Lily Quinn of Denver listened to the demos while doing housework and “forgot I was listening to a friend. I thought I was listening to George Winston or Jim Brickman.” Thank you.

To all my friends and fans who are also sheltering in place all around the globe. Your comments of love and encouragement to continue -- I miss you all more than words can describe. Consider this an attempt at a worthy substitute until we meet again in a venue of our choosing. Stay well. Be positive. Especially if you tested positive. Together we are stronger

Album artwork by T.J. Cory