The title of this tune was inspired by “The Elegant Universe”, a book (later made into an episode of Nova on PBS) written by physicist Brian Greene. This book describes “string theory” as a unifying theory of physics that suggests that that everything at its most microscopic level consists of combinations of vibrating strands, or strings. Each bit of matter, and each form of energy consists of these strings, and the unique vibration of each strand determines the unique form that matter and energy may take. On a macro-level, the theory suggests that the entire universe is one celestial orchestra, vibrating in perfect harmony. The theory goes beyond science to hint at the spiritual.

I was taken by this description of the universe and particularly by the obvious metaphor of vibrations to music, with the strings being guitar strings. At the time I discovered this book, I was immersed in composing an instrumental piece for 12 string guitar, and I had two divergent themes that I was struggling to bring together. Another aspect of string theory that struck me was that it served to bridge the gap between the macro and the micro spectrums of the universe; that is, it unified the previously unrelated theories of physics that pertain to large celestial bodies such as stars, with those theories relating to tiny particles such as atoms, and so on. This served as the inspiration for finding a way to bridge the two musical themes. I conceived of a fast and frenetic movement, and also of a slow and methodical movement, each describing beauty in their own way. Rather than form a typical musical bridge between the two sections, I instead composed an opening overture which contains elements of both the fast and the slow theme. The unifying section of the piece is a rapid 8 note progression that jumps out angularly from the major themes, both in terms of key and time-signature.

I consider this piece to be a celebration of life, and I hope the listener hears it that way.

Born and raised in Vestal, New York, I currently reside in Peabody, Massachusetts with my lovely bride of twenty years and my three wonderful children. In my home studio located in the basement of my Peabody home, I spend many hours fooling with my recording equipment and my collection of guitars, hoping that once in a while, some “magic” will happen and I will produce something listenable.

The common thread among all the musicians participating in this project has been our connection to and inspiration from the music of Yes. I first discovered Yes as a teen, way back in the days when Fragile was a new album. I was immediately drawn to their divergent styles mixing power and subtlety. I had never before heard anyone approach the guitar the way that Steve Howe did. Hearing songs such as Mood For A Day, Clap, And You And I, and Close To The Edge gave me a glimpse of what the guitar was capable of, and I aspired to learn as much as I could about the instrument. Steve Howe continues to influence my approach to the guitar, but along the way, I was also heavily influenced by the various stylings of guitarists such as Pat Metheny, Jerry Garcia, and Leo Kottke, to name a few.