South for Winter in C minor (2001) 

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One of the most inspired instrumentals I ever wrote wasn't for a client or a purpose; it was just for me.  I was at the beach near sunset, and a huge group of shore birds passed in loose formation overhead. This was an incredible sight because the flock lasted probably five minutes and darkened the sky with their numbers at times.  While lying on the sand, amazed, consumed by the size and beauty of it, I began to notice details.  Sometimes the wings would flap in time, other times exactly the opposite.  There were moments when the flock was so thick you could barely see the sky, and then the wave would recede, and only a spartan few would continue the formation.  Every once and a while, a little local bird would fly against the flock at an odd angle or complain in the tide pools.  It was a unique experience, so I immediately went back and wrote South for Winter in C minor on the piano to preserve it.  This soundscape later began an hour-long ambient/new age CD that was never properly released, save for a few promo copies.

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