Introducing Hope

Hello. I am Mel Windham, Composer and Owner of Melkim Publishing, and I would like to introduce you to our newest album, Hope. During these uncertain times, I hope that this album will provide peaceful and relaxing piano music, to help us all to remember that we can always have hope. Things can always get better. There is good in all of us, and we can work together for a brighter future.

This album features 10 entirely original compositions, all written by me, Mel Windham. And I’ve thrown in one piece you’ll recognize, as well.

What you’re hearing now is “Hope,” the piece that begins the album, written around 2014. Its jazzy chords acknowledge the troubles around us, but we can take those troubles and turn them into strengths.

Up next is “Pepper,” a song I originally wrote for a girl at a Governor’s Honors summer camp in Georgia. And later, it became a favorite of my friends, who say it sounds like movie music. It’s one of those simple tunes that can get stuck in your head.

Then comes “Melody,” showing off my Philip Glass influence. A melody begins, but then slowly progresses and evolves … sometimes predictable, but not always. Some picture this as music to accompany a montage scene.

“Expecting” comes 4th in our order. I wrote this when my wife was pregnant with our first child. Was it going to be a girl or a boy? As such, the song plays with the key centers of B for boy, G for girl, and E for expecting. And when you think you’re in one key, I throw in a reminder — not so fast. I desired to capture the joy and the excitement of having a child.

And this album features the very first song I wrote down on paper: “My Special Girl.” In the mid-80’s I had programmed my VIC-20 computer to play notes I typed on the keyboard. And I composed this song. I later adapted it for piano. The opening states the original composition in its entirety, and then I add a middle section and a closing. Who is this special girl? My mom? My sisters? My future wife? Or daughter? You can listen and decide for yourself.

The middle of the album showcases a longtime favorite of many: The “Moonlight Sonata” by my all-time favorite composer, Beethoven. And this my own interpretation. Oh — did I mention that the best way to listen to these songs is through your headphones? I love to play with the stereo.

What can follow Beethoven? I choose “Peace,” something that sounds like Philip Glass, with a little bit of Chopin. Though, believe it or not, I wrote this before I had heard any Philip Glass. I was already experimenting with repeated 3 on 2 rhythms, but this piece in particular features repeated 4 on 3 rhythms — kind of a step up. I was excited back then, as I was still in high school.

Philip Glass also inspired the 3rd movement of my 2nd sonata, which I call “Discovery.” It took me so long to write the full sonata, each of the three movements ended up representing three successive stages of my life. The first movement captures my feelings for a certain girl. The second movement explores how she dumped me. And the third movement, which you hear now, tells the story about how I found someone better … an entirely different and wonderful person. You might not catch it, but one small section here refers back to the 1st movement, sounding possibly a little out of place, but indicating that I had found what I was originally looking for — just in a way I had not expected.

And perhaps one of my favorites from this album is “Dream,” which starts with a slow fanfare before breaking out into total dream mode. I just wanted to write something that wasn’t so rigid, and with a small sense of randomness, and it ended up more beautiful than I had expected. Perhaps it can help you realize your own dreams.

The penultimate piece is “Night,” my homage to Chopin and Satie. In the style of Chopin’s nocturnes, and with Satie – like jazzy chords, I capture a jazzy night scene.

And at the end, I provide a bonus composition: “Dancing in New York,” featuring strings — I strongly recommend headphones on this one. I wrote this during that same Governor’s Honors summer program. And my teacher Mr. H hated it. He told me, “The world doesn’t need another Irving Berlin. Don’t quit your day job.” Luckily, others seemed to like it. They said it sounded like New York City, so I thought it the perfect addition to end this relaxing album.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this introduction. Starting October 31, 2024, you can find this album on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and other several streaming options. For full information and sheet music, visit melkimpublishing.com/hope, and thank you for listening.