I had some fun with this one!
Some backstory: in August of 2022 I had a surgery (for large acoustic neuroma). The surgery was successful and my facial nerve preserved. While I lost hearing in my left ear I'm still able to record (and frankly music has never sounded better!) but obviously I'm not so concerned with a stereo mix as much!
For a time (maybe a couple months?) I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to play more horn(s) again. My recovery was physically very hard. Lots of pain in my head, neck and back. I wanted to return to swimming and biking but those would have to come in time. I did not lose my balance but I remain the klutz I've always been! As for playing trumpet, I couldn't play anything at a few weeks post-op. The left side of my lips had lost some sensation. The mouthpiece felt asymmetric and very odd. Still, I persisted and did lots of facial exercises.
In time I could play low notes up to middle C. Months later, after lots of PT, acupuncture, and exercise, my embouchure finally came back. It was a joy to finally be able to play, although I was straining for a long time to get to the top of the staff. Now I'm playing just about at the level I think I was at pre-surgery, albeit my range and endurance are still continuing to improve.
Bottom line: it feels great to be playing, singing, writing, and producing music again and I'm looking forward to lots more to come!
This song is a personal celebration for me - it's just me checking in with a bit of humor, an interesting chord progression and melody, I'm playing synths and ukulele (!), and playing what I think to be some solid flugelhorn lines!
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