Lately, I have been very interested in today's generation of island musicians.  For example, how is the music evolving?  How and what are the differences in the instruments being used to produce the latest sounds?  Is the music changing, and in what direction --- going back to earlier styles --- or advancing into 21st Century, more futuristic melodies and backgrounds?

I have noticed a definite trend in a need to harmonize with nature and help the earth and other living species.  Does this come from an awareness of the struggle taking place in nature?  Are we becoming more aware of how the waters suffer from many pollutants, and living species are hunted and fished to the brink of extinction?  Also, is it finally sinking in that the islands that we know today will not be liveable when the glaciers melt? The only islands left will be the tops of mountains and hills. It appears that more of us are concerned with what is happening to our earth and what this means for our future.  I can sense this change in attitude in the music of the islands and the Americas.

The music on this CD covers most of the vast areas in and around the Caribbean.  Latin and English speaking areas are covered from Hot Bomba to free-wheeling Sambas.  Even the Argentinian Cuarteto, the close relative of the Merengue, and the hot dance sensation that has swept the Southern latitudes -- the Tortura -- are represented.  A beautiful memory formed the music "Jamaica on My Mind" and the hip-hop background rhythm of the slow jazz of "Mystery Island Revisited." 

This latest CD, "Island Living," reflects the subtle but insistent changes coming into the 21st Century music.

Listen to Snippets from this Album