This work may appear to have come together over the past year, but in truth it has been more than sixteen years in the making. When Maya from TRPTK first approached me in 2023, I did not yet imagine The Planned Child taking the shape you now hear — eight solo pieces and two duos.
The label offered me carte blanche to create the album I truly wished to make. I experienced this as an invitation to explore. The opportunity was new, and the possibilities felt wide open. At first, I moved through familiar and comfortable directions — quartet, quintet, large ensemble, orchestra — even considering hybrid acoustic and electronic setups for each. Yet none of these paths felt quite right for this moment or for this particular collaboration.
Eventually, I felt drawn back to where it all began: the piano.
At first, the idea felt both frightening and almost impossible. To be that exposed? Yes — exactly that. To return to the starting point and honestly examine how I have grown, and where I might still grow.
The album brings together pieces written as far back as fifteen years ago alongside music improvised in the studio. Together, they trace a personal journey through time. This recording is my attempt to share something essential — the truest sound of who I am, without compromise or disguise.
I am deeply grateful to Brendon for capturing this music with such care and sensitivity, and to Maya for her unwavering trust and artistry. Thank you both for the spirit of collaboration that made this possible.
This work would not have come to life without the support of the SENA Productie Fonds, Madelon Timmers, the Darash family, Bendavid, Aaron, Tony, my dear Amsterdam and its people, my students, and everyone who helped inspire this music.
