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Dark Eyes

“Dark Eyes”Traditional Russian Folk SongPerformed by Reynold D. Philipsek2015 copyright “Dark Eyes” is literally the first song I ever learned. I was probably about ten years old. The song was in the Nick Monoloff book my guitar teacher used (he did not use the Mel Bay method). My grandfather, who also played guitar, also knew this tune as many Eastern […]

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Chartreuse

“Chartreuse”Written and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek2015 copyright All Rights Reserved Every morning by 8:00 A. M, I have my coffee and start one hour of practice. The very first piece I play each day is “Chartreuse.” It just seems to be a pleasant way to start the day. I don’t often practice scales and arpeggios anymore but I did

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Holy Fright

“Holy Fright”Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek2016 copyright Zino-Rephi Music (BMI)All rights reserved Toward the end of my mother’s long life, (she lived over 92 years) she had a form of dementia which caused aphasia. This means she could not speak and probably couldn’t decipher language. When I would visit her the last few years at the home she

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Up Town

“Up Town”Composed and arranged by Reynold D. Philipsek 2015 copyright Guitar-reynoldKeys- Gregg InhoferBass- Matt SenjemPercussion- Michael Bissonnette The director of the documentary “A Life Well Played” asked me to write a song especially for use in the film. He wanted to show the development of a tune from writing, rehearsing, and recording. I was working on a song called “October”

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Chrysanthemum Thoughts

“Chrysanthemum” (Composed by Reynold D. Philipsek, 2018 copyright)Guitars-reynoldKeyboards-Gregg Inhofer I wanted to write a piece that simulated the blooming of a flower. This was best achieved (I reckoned) by harmonies that would grow or “bloom.” The harmony does owe some to the influence of Wayne Shorter, who is a master at this sort of thing. It is a bit difficult

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December

“December”(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek) I did not grow up in a house where classical music was listened to. I came to that music on my own. My first exposure was to more modern composers like Ravel, Bartok, and Stravinsky. I then sort of worked myself backward in time. Along the way I discovered Chopin. Chopin resonated with

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