I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)

In the final installment of videos from Thanksgiving 2009, my brother and I took on the classic song by Meatloaf. That's my brother on piano and me on electric guitar and vocals. View the music video HERE.

Happy Holidays to all!

Twelve Bar Blues

Here is the second song from the Thanksgiving jam session with my family, a twelve bar blues. That's my brother on piano and me on electric guitar. View the music video HERE.

Don't Stop Believin'

This Thanksgiving, Rebekka and I hosted my parents, grandmother, and brother at our house. It was great to see everyone. The first night after dinner we had a jam session for hours, and we caught some of it on film. Here is the first song from the session, the Journey tune "Don't Stop Believin' ". That's my brother on piano and me on electric guitar. Rock 'n roll! View the music video HERE.

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!