I made this Album by following the golden lit thread of advice that my father gave to me before his passing in January of 2019. He said “Finish this Album and it will change your life”.   I listened to that advice, and followed it through the darkness of my grief. A deeply transforming 3-5 year period, starting at the height of the great reset. I was missing that bond we shared in the 5 or 6 years before his transition to the other side. His support during those times was pure, and his love for me and my music was more bold and clear than at any other time it had been in my experience with him. Greatfully, A friend, and one of my musical mentors at the time, helped me during this same period, to curate 14 out of 30 of my songs. Of which, 7 made it onto the first volume in this set. Neftali really poured into me during this period and ended up encouraging me to complete the process on my own, as he was dealing with some life threatening health issues of his own. I dove into the process of writing, editing and completing these songs, while my lyrics to these 7 tracks really became my affirmations, and stepping stones that further illuminated my path through this dark night of the soul.

As I still walk this path, coming out of the darkness of grief, both collective and personal, and into the light of joy, peace,and harmony.  My intention is to give back to this spirit of music which in essence, has literally given me everything I know as a life, or rather a life of my own. The word devotion comes up, knowing that with this, I can let go of the headspace of giving myself permission, and surrender into the groundedness of leaning into my passions, and being of service to this artform.

Turn the Light On is the result of many masterful contributions by musicians and artists such as: Drummer - Neftali Santiago of ‘Mandrill’ and multi-instrumentalist, engineer, vocalist, producer - George Black. Supporting musicians on the album are:  Percussionist - Long John Oliva. Guitarist - Emile Porét. Singers: Nana B, Onyi Love, Grace Oh, Jimetta Rose, Alibe Sledge, and Kevin Williams.  Keyboardist - Surya Botofasina.  Pianist - Jeff Schelp. Flutist - Kattisse Buckingham. Saxophone, trombone and trumpet - David Ralicke.