Heartache

Loss can be a horrible word. None of us likes losing something or someone.

Sometimes facing our loss is the hardest thing we ever have to do.

But sometimes it is the very action of our acknowledgment that makes us stronger and wiser.

I wrote this piece for a friend of mine during a rough time in her life. This solo piano piece captures my interpretation of her loss, the difficult climb out of the pain to a place of resolution and acceptance.


Heartache.Mp3 (c) 2010 William Cushman (4:05 / 5.6Mb)

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The Dream

Years ago, a friend of mine told me about a recurring dream. It was a dream about childhood and wishing that they could return to a time of innocence and delight.

I've met many people who wish they could turn back the clock. But this is not the nature of things.

We must go forth, mature and seek wisdom.. "..put childish ways behind me."

But I seem to miss the wonderment of my youth. I don't want to forget it, or go without it forever.

How foolish am I? Compared to Eternity, I Am a child... fumbling about.. still immature and unknowing.
Instead of Dreaming of the past.. we should dream of the future, when one day our clouded judgment will finally become clear.

The delight of my childhood was simple and true ..but it never left.. I just have to open my eyes to it.

The music to this idea takes a winding path.. follow it as it finds its way.

The Dream.Mp3 (c) 2010 William Cushman (4:05 / 5.53Mb)
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*Special thanks to Tom Forrest for the photo.
*Click the picture to go to his website.
Want to use this piece in your project or website - Royalty & Commercial free at no cost?Just ask. Send me a quick email: Email-Bill

AWAKE

I love our new little baby girl. I especially love to watch her sleep.

Sometimes, while asleep, she smiles.. sometimes she giggles. I find myself feeling so happy while I'm watching her sweet face.

I wonder what babies dream about?

It is beautiful to see such innocence.. and it's even harder to know - that as our little one travels along through the storms of life, it is our job.. My job.. to guide her.. to protect her.. to be a guiding light for her as best as I can.

I know I can't do everything. I mean, I'm only human.. and I won't be around forever, or even able to keep up with her as she gets older.

But there is a light that will always be there.

So the most important thing that I have to do is help introduce her to my Father. The One. The Light in the dark.. Who never will let her down.. Who loves unconditionally.. Who knows her heart.

But for now, sleep and dream your wonderful baby dreams.. it's not time to be awake just yet.


Awake.Mp3 (c) 2010 William Cushman (5:32 / 7.4Mb)
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-Bill

Over my shoulder

Our little one came yesterday and she is perfect.

Looking back over the past 9 months, it's been insane.. it feels like a million years..

Yet, time just keeps creeping along. I am so grateful for the blessings that we've had in our life.. despite this recession, despite all of problems surrounding us today.. we are truly blessed.

I lay all of my thanks and praise at the foot of the cross..

It's so easy to look forward and see the uncertain future.. but I have to remember to look back and see the beauty behind us.. all of the things that worked out..

As I turn my head, musically, metaphorically.. try to hear the sweet fragrance of His blessing.

Merry Christmas.


Over my shoulder.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (4:17 / 6.0Mb)
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-Bill

A Woman

Click here to visit NILMDTS.com

We are expecting again and couldn't be happier!

Several years ago, when my wife, Shannon was going through an especially heartbreaking miscarriage, I wrote a song for her. The simple act of recording this song helped her to heal and move past the pain. It is a song that could apply to any woman going through a rough time in their life. As a man, there is so much that I could not relate to.. but one thing I do understand is that our belief in God's will in our lives is stronger than anything this world can throw at us.

The site that is shown above is an amazing resource for families that have lost a child. All of my music is available for use for any NILMDTS photographer without having to ask permission.

The music is listed below.. and special thanks to Todd Roberson who played electric guitar on this track.

A Woman.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (2:50 / 3.3Mb)
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-Bill

A long day at work

When God created the whole universe in 6 days, He took a breather on the 7th day. It was so important that He blessed that day.

So what did He do? Did He take a nap? Or did He chill out in a cosmic armchair and enjoy His creation?

All I know is that after I've really worked hard and given my all, sometimes the best reward that I can experience is to unwind my mind at the piano. For me, making music is like curling up on the couch or eating an ice cream cone.

I don't record a lot of free-form jazz, but sometimes it just hits the spot. I think my wife knew I needed to go straight to the piano as I walked in the door..

And as soon as my fingers brushed the keys.. I felt all the tension just wash away.

And what was left.. well.. I hope it blesses you.


A long day at work.Mp3 (c) 2009 William Cushman (4:43 / 6.5Mb)
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-Bill

Amazing Grace

Photo by P. Neil Ralley

Easter, 2008. His Grace is Still Amazing to me.

Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (5:02 / 6.7Mb)
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-Bill

Beyond

You know, one of the strangest life lessons that I need to learn and re-learn, is how small we truly are.

I mean, how weird is it to be taught our entire lives that if we apply ourselves hard enough that we can accomplish anything... only to come to the final realization that I have basically no relevance to anything in comparison to the vastness of this incredible universe.

And how wonderful is it to know that regardless of my size or relevance, that the One who created it all, still loves me, just for me. It is impossible to refute and it is so simple.

It's never been about me... life is beyond anyone's understanding...

"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible..."(Colossians 1:16)

Listen below to my wonder..

Beyond.Mp3 (c) 2007 William Cushman (10:38 / 14.7Mb)
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-Bill

Also:  I'd like to recognize a wonderful time-lapse video made by Shane Gehlert that blends his photography with this song.. Thanks Shane! .. see below:

Theme from Mozart's Sonata in C

I couldn't help myself. After listening to this piece over and over as our youngest begs for yet another repetition of his Baby Einstein Dvd, I finally broke down one evening and made the piece my own.

Yes.. it's the same piece. And if you're a purist, please forgive me.. I know not what I do. This is how I hear this beautiful work inside my head. I hope it blesses you as much as the original.

"Sing to Him a new song.."


Theme from Mozart's Sonata in C.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (5:28 / 7.6Mb)
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-Bill

Sweet

"Laura"© Caleb Cushman age 4

This is a quick post. My brother in law asked me to show him how use my recording software (Garageband) on my Macintosh. So I put together this loop in about 5 minutes. When it was finished, he said, "sweet!". So that's what I named it. When I was putting it together, the clean feel of it made me think of the color blue, for no particular reason. I found this old painting that my oldest son, Caleb, painted a few years ago and it matches the color I was thinking of.
I hope that you can use this music!


Sweet.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (2:01 / 2.8Mb)
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-Bill

Are you sleeping?

"Mother and Child"© Brett Rogers

Brett was right when he painted this.. there is nothing more beautiful in the world than a mom and her baby sleeping together.

My wife was asleep on the bed with our baby.. and I couldn't help but just stare.

The composition below came into my mind... I sat down and recorded it instantly. Yes, it's definitely slow, and meditative, but, after all, it was the middle of the night.

But, my intent was to be gentle, soft. Like a baby's breathing... and also capture how special the moment was.. how perfect they looked together.

I kept thinking that this little baby in her arms, not too long ago was asleep inside of her. And here they are again... a perfect fit.

I finished the recording and wanted to know if I had woke her up with my playing..

so I asked.. are you sleeping?

Neither of them stirred. And kept dreaming.


Are you sleeping.Mp3 (c) 2007 William Cushman (3:36 / 5.0Mb)
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-Bill

Sanctity

"Sunrise48"© Mark Thomson

A big thank you to Mark. Honestly, I haven't been able to find a single photograph that captured what I was feeling when I recorded this piece. I've been looking for about a year now. Then out of nowhere, I got a request by Mark to use my music for his slideshows.

So, I do what I normally do, I visit the requestor's website, browse through their works to get a feel for their type of art and then add their link to my blog (over on the left) and then shoot them an email giving them permission to use my music.

I knew instantly, that this photograph was what I was looking for.

The type of Sanctity that I felt when I recorded this piece was vast. I prayed for several minutes before flipping the record switch, and then let come out the first thing that came into my heart. It was appreciation. For the creation of this planet. For life.

I hope you can hear that as well.


Sanctity.Mp3 (c) 2006 William Cushman (5:22 / 7.4Mb)
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-Bill