How It Began

Lion Legacy Productions

The Journey Home represents several milestones in my life. The title is actually a reference to what has literally happened in my life concerning music and the liberty to involve myself with it again. My love for music began in elementary school where I so desired to play an instrument but, as is always the case for most pure children, my mother could not afford to purchase one so we rented a violin from the school. It was the only instrument that they had left or had in abundance. I was excited and would carry my violin home every chance I got. I remember not having the space to practice without getting on someone's nerves because there were ten children in one appartment being raised by one mother. Needless to say that didn't work out too well.

I played violin for about 4 years (from the 5th grade to the 8th grade inclusively. In the 8th grade it was not kosher for teenage boys to play the violin in the inner-cities. I did get teased alot and to avoid further complications I switched to the Violin-Cello ( I wonder how many gifted musicians have been discouraged because our young ones and society places so many stigmas upon others). I found a new love in the upright bass. I played in the orchestra and the concert band. I remember having an awesome time but would soon change my instrument again.

In high school there were so many bass players who were superb. Growing up in the Stanley Clarke era and the Johnson Brothers and others the Bass Guitar was a very coveted instrument. It was then I decided I wanted to play in the marching band. I was learning and did not know that what I would ultimately develop would be a propensity and affinity for music as an art. I learne to read treble cleff in grade school and bass cleff in jr. high school. I would now play my very first horn instrument which I loved. I began in the 10th grade playing the baritone horn which I would continue to play throughout high school. But it was in high school that I became attracted to an instrument that caught my eye. I was fascinated with the piano. I knew nothing about this instrument but it was sophisticated, full and complete. I would begin plucking away at the ivories for years to come.

After graduating I landed a job at a local department store. To my great surprise there was a piano on the four floor where they actually had a runway for models who would style clothing for the buyers. I would come in early to play on the Piano and sometimes leave late. I fell in love with this instrument and spent as much time as possible. I later surrendered my life to Christ and the church became another venue in which I found many pianos. I would come early to play and leave late. I even found myself coming to church and playing when nothing was going on. I was just drawn to the music. I was developing a style that I did not know I had.

There were two events that brought me more into focus with the piano that would ultimate shape and seal my love for this instrument. One was getting a job working with Severe Behavior Handicapped (SBH as it was called then) and the other was becoming a pastor of a small church. In the interim I had purchased an old upright player piano that had been refurbished. I would play, play and play some more. I even moved this enormous monstrocity with me when I married and my poor dear wife allowed me to bring this monster with us into a small cramped home.

Now on the job I could play without being disturbed and in the church I could play sometimes without being disturbed. I found that music was swirling through my mind, my heart and I would continually hear melodies. I didn't have the skill to play what I heard but I could hear it clearly. As the church grew that I had founded and began to pastor my time with music became less and less. I entered into school and would acuire my degrees and have children and my schedule would become increasingly filled with teaching in colleges and counselling married couples etc. I could still hear the music in me. I remember the vocal music teacher (Mrs. Clara Ike) would encorage me to play and would give me access to her room and would even give me pointers. For that I am forever in her debt.

Feeling like my music days were over I remember just desiring to have music that I could study to and feeling heavy because of the music that was continuing to fill my heart and mind. It was not until three years ago in 2012 I believe that I received a new computer my very first I Mac. Some of the staff members and the Minister of Music knew I loved music and would write a song or two every now and then showed me the Garage Band program. Between the two of them they showed me how to navigate through the loops and all the midi instruments and I was in heaven. In the first year I had over 150 compositions and growing. It was in January I finished my 1000th song and since then I have broken the 1000 mark. My thanks goes out to these two gentlemen Reggie and D as he is called but I will call him Dunlap.

The project I entitled: "The Journey Home" is my journey back to what I have so loved as a child playing music. It is the first of my recordings and the first of what I have penned to be Clazzical / Jazzical music that speaks about life and especially my experiences in life whether good or bad. When asked what type of music do you try to write I simple say I let it flow and I write what I feel.

I am thankful for my journey home and my God that made it possible!

D. Reeves