Kudos

Special Thanks

Acknowledgements

Contact EMAIL: msfreshwater@aol.com

Phone: 614 202 0842

voice or text

Family first and foremost: My wife Debbie is my most avid fan and supporter, putting up with my closed door rehearsal and studio time as well as repetitive song rehearsal and development on my Kawai Grand in Tucson. I appreciate her patience. Also, family members have provided inspiration for much of my original instrumental music such as "Addison's Lullaby," "Jill Marie's Melody," "Debbie's Waltz," all of which are on my 3rd CD ("Trees of Life"). Several songs were inspired by my 'musician parents' on my 4th CD ("Legacies"). New born babies and other family members inspired songs on my 5th, 8th and 9th albums where I created dedicated lullabies.

Medical Doctors and MedTech: In the summer of 2019 I could barely hold a cup of coffee in my right hand and if I tried to play more than 30 seconds of piano music my fingers, hand and arm throbbed and ached especially on my right side. I thought I might be done for. After seeking 2 Orthopedic docs who were reluctant to perform surgery, I found Dr Kiehm in Columbus Ohio, a neurosurgeon who felt he could help me. In October of 2019 he performed my 3rd back surgery since 1999 (this one cervical) and I was able to rehab back to playing again. While there is permanent nerve damage and I have lost some control and stamina in my fingers, hands and arms, I am thankful to have retained the use of them. Carpal tunnel diagnosis in 2022 is leading to scheduled hand surgeries in 2023.....again, I'm anticipating medical interventions will allow me to continue to play on!

Fellow Musicians: Big shout out to my former band mates who have encouraged and supported my efforts including the guys from Stained Soul and The South Barracks Band at West Point. Getting back into creative mode in 2012 while recording "The Long Gray Album" provided the seed I needed to get started again in writing music after a 37 year hiatus. The 4 Wheel Drive bandmates have also encouraged me as I continue to jam with them playing our old originals. Sadly one my bandmates (Drummer Bill Nicklaus) passed away in December 2016......Billy will forever be missed. On Feb 23rd, 2019, the "Freshwater" band lost its bassist Pat Jeany who passed due to brain tumors. He and his talent will be sorely missed and always remembered.

Big thanks to many my Arizona neighbors and friends who attended local venue performances during my 19 years in Arizona. You made it worthwhile...........your presence was appreciated! Since I am shutting down my studio and leaving Tucson in December 2020, I will have the memories of Saddlebrooke "pop-up concerts" during the pandemic, performances at the Preserve, Mountainview and of course the Agave Lounge. It was always an enjoyable experience with appreciative patrons. Thank you Saddlebrooke!

Special thanks to good friends who have supported my musical efforts by purchasing CDs and attending performances. I thank you all! And to those piano playing friends who purchased my Song Books ("Songbook" - 2017 and "Inspirations" - 2019) you have been especially supportive. And of course, I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Stephen Cook and the board members at the Oracle Piano Society. It was my pleasure to have served on the board and to have had the opportunity of performing at the organizations venue (OrCA - in Oracle, AZ). I look forward to doing so again some day.

Songbook projects: Special thanks to all who aided in ways big and small: Kathy Parsons (reviews/ratings), Rebecca Oswald (transcriptions on "Songbook", transcription, editing and print layout for "Inspirations"), Donovan Johnson (transcriptions on "Inspirations"), Gary Girouard (sourcing and encouragement), Michele McLaughlin (logistical/marketing assist), David Hicken (encouragement and commitment).

Musical Inspiration and support - this has to go out to all the great creative artists, songwriters and musicians in the world who keep providing new music for us all to listen to and appreciate....including especially the creative pianists and songwriters such as Jim Brickman, Omar Akram as well as the traditional rockers Elton John and Billy Joel who continue to be influences on me. I also wish to thank the New Age Music Circle who voted to include one of my songs on their annual music compilation "Sounds of the Circle" in 2018 (the 10th anniversary edition).

MANY THANKS TO YOU ALL