BLUE MONDAY Lester G NEDDY Smith, MAED, AE/DE. Originally, this recording project was conceived for a Duo. In fact, I thought only of having stringed instrumentation as the compositions were arranged solely for the string bass and piano and a click track for recording purposes. In fact, after laying down a few tracks, it was realized that the natural rhythmic pulse of my inner being required the addition of multi-percussion instruments. My intentions were to depart from the previous project's strong rhythmic overdrive. This paradigm was primarily motivated by the subtle melodic lines that defined the mood of majority of the tracks that directed me more towards a Trio sound, (piano, bass, and drums) with guest musicians such as flutist, Maddy Hertz. The blending of various sonic expressions from the Orient, mixed with middle Eastern influences and combined with my Jamaican/Caribbean roots and other Western musical genres from the past to present experiences from around the world during my many years traveling has prepared me for this album, “Blue Monday.” Deciding on the recordings for this project, I called on my friend and an extraordinary pianist, Michiro Negishi, Ph.D. Also, Will Trautmann who recorded “Misguided Affair” on the DM8 kit and Chris Thomas, who played the acoustic drum kit on many of the tracks. The drummers added what I needed most, rhythmic textures without losing the subtlety of the original intent and mood of the album. The compositions were getting more complex, demanding and rhythmically diverse. In other words, the pulse of the album was never to overpower the melodic leads. Instead, incorporating various sonic subtleties and cultural dynamics from around the globe that influenced and maintained my compositional style. This album is a bit more relaxed than the previous project, “Mood Swing.” Naturally, by maintaining a balance of textures which paints the sonic canvas with pleasing and meditative sounds will keep you listening for a long time. Personally, I love to take pleasure in the exploit of experimentation which inevitably breathes innovation and freshness into each composition. Enjoy.