December 21, 2020:

Constellations is a poem for the future. As we encounter the solstice, we celebrate intention, creation, love and togetherness. Let’s plant seeds in the most beautiful garden of all, our imaginations. It’s a time of darkness, and also a time to search the heavens and reflect.

This is the first song from a collection called “Language of Flowers”. It is a love letter to my dear wife YuMee. Ever since we met we have created a world together, and we continue on our journey.

This song started in a few places all at once. In 2012 I spent most evenings studying CPE Bach’s “Essay on the True Art of Keyboard Playing”, where I came across the progression that would become the chorus.

In 2013 I was invited to participate in Toronto’s “Sing!” festival, and to live score a short film from the NFB archives. I chose “Loon Dreaming" by Iriz Pääbo. (You can view this film on Canada's National Film Board website)

I realised later that my live-looped film score had the same harmonic basis as the Bach progression. I don’t remember consciously using it, but it works wonderfully for throat singing.

By 2017 I worked out the main chord progression and set the melody. The lyrics were partly inspired by “Cais” by Milton Nascimento.. “For those who want to let go, I invent the pier…I invent love, and I know the pain of launching myself”

I had forgotten about my “Loon Dreaming” score by this point. When I remembered, I realised that the lyrics fit the loon’s migrations in the film perfectly. I tried to find Iriz Pääbo to say thank you & give her the song but have had no luck.

I hope the future brings you much joy and peace, light and love. Thanks for listening.