It’s Playtime, Jerry

I began a new project in music for the first time in many years. Pushing myself in a

different direction, smooth jazz allowed me to combine my blues, R&B music, and jazz

skills by developing my voice in the conversation of another generation. I always wanted

to share who I am in my music by reigniting my inner spirit.

As a young man, I began my journey with energy, enthusiasm and love for music.

Known to my family and friends as “Jerry”, I worked with my own groups and pushed

the envelope to make my shows exceptional. Music always gave me a happy energy.

Through the chapters of my life, maturity demanded more focus on family and

community responsibility. Working as a musician for much of the time, I also earned a

degree in music from Xavier University in New Orleans Louisiana. After a long stay

there, I moved to California, working my way through gigs for a few years until I met and

began working with my wife with our own groups. All the while, I continued growing

personally and became a registered music therapist. The plan lead me to becoming a

part of my community with the founding a non-profit program for intellectually disabled

adults. Creative Identity continues now in its 29 th year of operation.

Known as “George” in my professional life for so many years, I wrote several songs on

this journey. With the help of my Producer, Alex Bailey, we were able to capture the

spirit and rhythms that I wanted with a unique modern approach.

At this point in my life, I’m eager to open myself up musically to show my love and

passion for music while remembering the playful spirit of how I began this journey that I

never wanted to give up. No matter what, over the years, it was always about the music.

Music has been a constant learning process and not something that came easily. Over

time, it became a resource that helped me mature and find a place among the many

voices around us. It elevated me with a source for inner peace and connection others.

I have been a music therapist for many years, learning how music heals the soul and

opens the mind. It allows growth and acceptance. Inspiration comes through our

experiences, allowing us to touch emotions and sometimes diffuse pain or

misunderstandings. It has evoked many emotions from over the years and helps me

interpret all these feelings, opening new pathways to understanding. My goal is to be

seen through my music and share the love that has kept me going for many years.

It's Playtime, Jerry is a testimony of my life’s work. As Jerry, excited to begin a musical

career with endless possibilities, matured as George and now rejuvenated as

Jerry.

1) Playtime: Playtime captures the spontaneous joy that music brings, reminding us to embrace

the happiness of each moment. The fire in all of us allows the spirit to be free and playful.

2) Mums: In some East Asian countries, the white chrysanthemums symbolizes Adversity. In

other countries, it represents honesty and cheerfulness. Composing Mum's, was fun and

enlightening. Life often presents us with so many choices and as we grow older, we learn who

we are through Adversity. We’re constantly evolving.

3) Freedom Call: In writing and playing this song, I let go of the past, embrace the present, and

look forward to the future. Thank you, Miles Davis, for always looking forward and showing so

many possibilities through music. For him, there were no mistakes, just different directions.

4) Stolen Moments: This Oliver Nelson song reminds me that life shapes us, and moments

become pivotal. They give us memories, good and bad, that allow us to learn and grow. Thank

you, Oliver Nelson.

5) Betty's Song: I wrote Betty’s Song for a close mentor's wife who was going through

chemotherapy many years ago. Living in Chicago as a young man, Harold and Betty helped

guide me through serious life changes. They helped get me back on track, and I will always be

grateful.

6) Alesha: After my daughter was born, I wanted to let the world know how grateful I was that

she became a part of my life. Moments like this change us for the better.

7) Be Strong: Be Strong is a statement to helps us all deal with life's adversity and overcome the

constant challenges along the way.

8) Follow Your Road: Follow Your Road was a song that always stayed with me in college. It

inspired me to change and move forward to complete my goal. Through many difficulties in my

life, the gift of song got me through. My wife sang on this, and for me, gave inspiration for this

project.

9) Someday My Prince Will Come: This song we both appreciate because we found each other

so many years ago and began walking this life together becoming stronger. Me for her and her

for me, whom I could not have completed this project without. Much love to you, Elena, always.

10) The Village: The Village is a message about the incorporation of everyone who helps us

become better versions of ourselves. No one gains success by themself, but through efforts from

all those around them it can happen. I thank them all, primarily my producer, who helped me

bring my songs to life. Thank you, Alex Bailey.