Matthew Santos says movie soundtracks have always influences his music.

Matthew Santos’ song of losing someone’s trust and trying to regain it.

Matthew Santos said environmental destruction inspired much of the CD.

Matthew Santos’ sonic improvisation that previews a new direction.

Uptown says this track looks at how talented people fall and don’t make it.

Uptown says this track looks at how talented people fall and don’t make it.

Uptown says the obsession with money and wealth doesn’t lead to happiness.

Uptown says like it or not, all Americans’ lives are intertwined.

Jessie Baylin says she found a more personal voice for "Little Spark."

Jessie Baylin says she turned pages from her journal into new songs.

Jessie Baylin says songs like this stretched her voice and emotions.

One of favorite songs in the CD captures the cycle of love and loss.

David Lee says he’s worked for years to write songs people can relate to.

David Lee Murphy says this co-write with Jim Collins is like a mini-movie.

David Lee Murphy recalls writing with his hero and friend Waylon Jennings.

David Lee and Rivers Rutherford’s sketch that caught Kenny Chesney’s ear.

David Lee Murphy says yes, he has a real farm and a big green tractor.

Gaby Moreno says "Illustrated Songs" broke all kinds of musical ground.

Gaby Moreno says the CD’s opening song is sweeping and cinematic.

Gaby Moreno’s song based on a favorite poem from her childhood.

Gaby Moreno’s first try at a Bossa Nova with bilingual lyrics.

Goapele says "Break of Dawn" may be her most intimate recording.

Goapele says she is drawn to musical and lyrical contrasts.

Goapele says this song is sparked by real tears and blues.

The last song recorded was more fun, edgy and energetic.

Andy Akiho says the CD shows two sides of his musical journey.

Andy Akiho recalls how he returned to the concert fold.

Andy Akiho describes how Stravinsky’s tone inspired this piece.

Andy Akiho recalls writing this experiment for pans and cello.

Joe Trapanese tells how he was drawn to composing for film.

Joe Trapanese explains why film music often is in a minor key.

Joe Trapanese on balancing setting moods but not revealing too much.

Joe Trapanese desrcibes composing for a poem set to animation.

Nikki Jean recalls how she began her amazing songwriter’s journey.

Nikki Jean says she learned a hard lesson from a tough Mr. Bacharach.

Nikki Jean says this famed duo taught her the secret of co-writing.

Nikki Jeans says this revered writer was nothing like she thought.

Crystal Nicole started as a singer, but became a well-known songwriter.

Crystal Nicole tells what truly inspired this song she write for Monica.

Crystal Nicole has finally brought her singing and writing together.

Crystal Nicole says she creates the characters that fill her songs.

Michael Pedicin says he always wanted to make a record of jazz ballads.

Michael Pecidin’s original composition that mirrors his many moods.

Michael Pedicin says the surprise track is a soft Hank Mobley bossa.

Michael Pedicin says he waited all his life to make this recording.

Melinda Wagner says this CD features three of her most narrative works.

Trombonist Joe Alessi asked her to write this Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra.

Melinda Wagner on setting two Emily Dickinson poems and other poetry for the stage.

Melinda Wagner wishes people would take more time to listen and hear concert music.

John Wesley Harding says he picked the songs based on his unique band mates.

John Wesley Harding’s timely dialogue of have and have-nots as a fable.

John Wesley Harding mulls the mysteries of words, rhymes and statues.

John Wesley Harding says the CD reflects the energy of good friends.

Garland Jeffreys’ opening track captures the tough tempo of our times.

Garland Jeffreys says his songs have always been gateways into his life.

Garland Jeffreys’ song of love and wisdom across the generations.

Garland Jeffrey’s personal reminder to laugh until the very end.

Dave Berg’s says his latest indy CD comes at a crossroad.

Dave Berg says the songs started with instrumental riffs.

Dave Berg says songs as honest as this are hard to write.

Dave Berg describes why this ballad may be his favorite.

Joseph Arthur says the record started with a simple uplifting song.

Joseph Arthur says this song was pulled from real letters he wrote.

Joseph Arthur’s surprising thoughts on looking back once it’s over.

Joseph Arthur says this old favorite song belongs on this record.

Sachal Vasandani says "Hi-Fly" celebrates his inspirations, band and voice.

Sachal Vasandani says slower tempos bring out the emotional intensity in songs.

Sachal Vasandani says it was a true gift singing duos with Jon Hendricks.

Sachal Vasandani’s buoyant take of this striking Amy Winehouse ballad.

Rosi Golan says "Lead Balloon" follows the contours of love and loss.

Rose Golan’s song of doubt and conflict from being an artist and companion.

Rosi Golan says it takes great courage to speak the truth in relationships.

Rosi Golan’s song of realizing the past will not return – for good or bad.

Sam Cohen says this is the CD he’s always wanted to make.

Sam Cohen says he likes lyrics that circle around the music.

A song of great optimism and togetherness in relationships.

Sam Cohen says most of the CD is about staying inspired.

Mike Errico says he took many musical and emotional risks on the CD.

Mike Errico says being positive in life is not easy but worth it.

Mike Errico says all his song writing has hard-won realizations.

Mike Errico says the CD has definitive versions of many songs.