While performing for many years in many types of ensembles in all sorts of venues, traditional jazz standards inspired me to compose my own pieces spanning a variety of music styles. Also, my compositional style is influenced by my study and performance of East Indian (Hindustani) classical music as well as my first ten years of musical life as a classical clarinetist. Above all, my compositions are happy. The working title for the album was Happy Music. That is how I would like my listeners to feel when they hear my music. On this album, I play clarinet, silver flute, Indian bamboo flutes (bansuri), soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. I've played with my accompanying pianist, bassist, and drummer for many years in different groups. Our friendship and musical rapport shines through these performances. These original pieces might remind you of something you've heard before. These are my original standards.