Michaudrese - Flight Lesson

Brief description of each composition: Flight Lesson - Inspired by observing a hawk fly thermals overhead, the quintessential avian flight instructor. Soft Shoe - Syncopated composition inspired by Jazz artist Tom Grant's piano solo, "Happy Feet" off his "Hands" album. Forgiveness - An evocative piece that emerged after making a parental mistake. Maple Leaf Two-Step - In the midst of a vibrant fall afternoon, gust of wind, followed by a downpour of Maple leaves, this ensuing whirlwind spun out onto my keyboard. Leaves of Light - In shaded woods on a bright clear day, leaves blinking off and on, this piece captures the sun's traverse across the forest ceiling. Interrupted Sleep - This Reverie unfolded after viewing an infant cancer patient, nestled in angelic repose on an Angora blanket. Rabbits - Playful romp depicts a few rabbits that soon proliferate into a large community of hops, skips and jumps. Lullaby of Birdland - George Shearing's piano transcription, played by his trio in the 50's. Title refers to Charlie "Bird" Parker and the Birdland Jazz Club named after him. Reunion - This composition annunciates a parakeet's miraculous return home, after mistakenly escaping into the great outdoors the day before. Aquarium - Impressionistic piece capturing the horned cow-fish traverse through aquarium waters, nimbly as a hummingbird flitting through the air. Spring - An awakening message of a warming trend, like crocus first peeking through fresh-fallen snow. Whirlybird - Dance of Whirlybird couplets, parachuting from towering Maple tree branches. Martini - Ragtime piece inspired by Portland's 'little orchestra' music group, Pink Martini. Cat on A Hot Tin Roof - Whimsical bluesy tune.

1) Flight Lesson
2) Soft Shoe
3) Forgiveness
4) Maple Leaf Two-Step
5) Leaves of Light
6) Interrupted Sleep
7) Rabbits
8) Lullaby of Birdland
9) Re-Union
10) Aquarium
11) Spring
12) Whirlybird
13) Martini
14) Cat On a Hot Tin Roof