Musicians, both composers and performers, are constantly looking for inspiration. On occasion, we find something that provides that spark for us over and over; in James Dunham, I have found just that. Over the years I've composed several pieces for James and friends, including two on this album, my Viola Sonata and Sifting Through the Ruins, and I've have had the incredible good fortune to have my works performed by James and Deborah Dunham, Susanne Mentzer, Norman Fischer, Jeanne Kierman, Craig Rutenberg, and Curtis Macomber. And, especially, all of us have had the even more incredibly good fortune of working with Judith Sherman, Producer Extraordinaire. This album celebrates years of collaborating with James and his friends, who I now I am lucky enough to consider my friends. Deep gratitude to you for your time, talents, and friendship!