Rebekka's Song

"Rebekka's Song" is the closing track on the album, "Love Is Not An Open Door." Listen and download HERE.

Rebekka and I started dating in college, when I was a senior and she was a sophomore. Soon after I graduated, I wrote this song and eventually performed it with a band at our wedding 5 years later. We've been dating for 10 years now, and it's been great.

Love Is Not An Open Door

The eighth track on the album "Love Is Not An Open Door" is the title track. Listen and download HERE.

This was one of my first originals. I wrote it in eighth grade, as a lament about the difficulty of finding true love. Though I was just 13 at the time, the lyrics channel the soul of a wise and world-weary traveler accompanied by a latin rhythm.

The image of me jamming outdoors is by Portside.

MJ Tribute

I was sitting at my digital piano recently figuring out how to play the Jackson Five's "I Want You Back." As I thought about the thirteen-year old Michael Jackson singing the song, I thought of the even younger Lee Istrail (six years old), years later, listening to MJ for the first time. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was the first album that changed my world. When I was six years old, my parents played it all the time. At night they would play the song "Human Nature" on the tape recorder in my room to help me sleep; I can still remember how the tune relaxed me. MJ was larger than life, and I miss him. And now I have a question for you, loyal Istrailtunes reader:

Q: What MJ song(s) should I add to my repertoire?

Mitch Marzec's Band

In an earlier post, I discussed Jeremy Barnes' band and reminisced about the good old high school days when he and I jammed. Well, now I've tracked down another high school buddy who played some tunes with us back then.

High school-era Mitch Marzec was a singer and hard-rockin' guitarist who knew how to put on a great show. In his less intense moments, Mitch would chill out and display unexpected skills. After one all-night party, Mitch made me a very tasty omelette.

Mitch is now in a band called "An American Chinese." (official website HERE). Based in Philadelphia, the band offers up whimsical and catchy tunes. And I have never seen a website designed like theirs; the sliding green dot is awesome. Check them out!

Lights in the Dark

"Lights in the Dark" is the 7th track on "Love Is Not An Open Door." Listen and download HERE.

This waltz is one of the very first songs I wrote. Think of it as a teenager's attempt to counteract naivete by trying to understand the apocalypse.

The image of me concentrating intently while playing guitar is by Portside.

Rock 'n Roll Live

This past Friday, I played some tunes for a friend's going-away party. The core of the set was early rock 'n roll (Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis) and Motown (Wilson Pickett). It was a great way to segue into the weekend, and a reminder that I need to get out and perform more often. The biggest hit was "Great Balls of Fire," which I played a second time as a special request. I feel more energized now, having gone back to the roots of rock 'n roll.

Happy Despair

This week's song is "Happy Despair," the sixth track on "Love Is Not An Open Door." Listen and download HERE.

As a high school student who suddenly had homework coming out of his ears, and who had to behave more "seriously" than before, I longed for simpler times. The theme is akin to the Rolling Stones song "As Tears Go By."

Photo by Portside.