KP: It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than four years since we did your first interview! At that time, you had released three CDs of original music plus two classical CDs, and now you’ve just recently released “Follow the River,” which is your eighth CD. What was the idea behind “Follow the River”?
Dulin: The original inspiration for “Follow the River” came from the view that you see on the front cover of the CD. I was sitting on a rock, looking down at the river, and wondering where it went. That set me to thinking about how much the journey of life is like the river. The main melody from the title track came to me on that very spot, and I whipped out a page of folded manuscript paper (I always carry one) and wrote down the first theme, and above it, the words “follow the river.”
KP: Several of the pieces on the CD have Biblical references. Let’s talk about some of those. First, let’s talk a bit about “Nimrod” so fans don’t get confused about the title!
Dulin: OK, OK, it was probably a mistake to name the song “Nimrod.” I was definitely not aware that the word “nimrod” is sometimes used to denote a person who is perceived to be foolish or silly! In the book of Genesis, Nimrod is mentioned as a mighty warrior and hunter who founded the city of Babylon. I imagined the journeys of that great hunter as I wrote the music for this song.
KP: How about “Family Bible” and “Promised Land”? What inspired those?
Dulin: My mom has a very large, very old Bible in which all of the important family events of the last 100 years are recorded. Although the family history fascinates me, it is the faith that has been passed down from generation to generation that is the real inspiration for this song.
“Promised Land” is just the happy end of my life’s journey - a great reason to celebrate with a joyous song!
KP: “Chasing the Wind” was dedicated to the memory of pianist/composer Laurie Z., who died of lung cancer in 2006. Laurie was a good friend of mine, so I’m curious to know what inspired you to compose a piece in her honor. She was a wonderful person!
Dulin: I came to know Laurie Z. through Janet Cucinotti. Janet is doing Laurie’s memory a great service in her unselfish devotion to continuing her legacy. Laurie’s work was cut tragically short by her early death, but her music captured my heart with its joy. I learned that Laurie often improvised complete songs, from beginning to end. That doesn’t often happen to me, but the song “Chasing the Wind” happened very much like that. I was setting up the piano for a studio session. The record button was on, the piano sounded wonderful that day, and I was in the spirit. This song popped out, almost just as you hear it on the CD. This is a free, happy song and it made me think of Laurie Z.
KP: You have become a very active artist with Whisperings Solo Piano Radio. How has that affected your musical career?
Dulin: David Nevue and I have become good friends, and through him I have come to know a lot of other artists whom I admire – David Lanz, Greg Maroney, Jeff Bjorck. New friendships, internet exposure, live performances, CD and download sales have all greatly increased because of David’s wonderful idea of founding Solo Piano Radio.
KP: Are you hosting most of the Whisperings concerts that David Nevue doesn’t attend?
Dulin: I host some of the concerts on the East Coast, yes. I guess David just selected the biggest ham east of the Mississippi, and gave me the job.
KP: Do you have any concerts coming up?
Dulin: I’m very excited to be performing a joint concert with David Lanz in October. We are appearing together in Birmingham, Alabama, which is my home.
I also am playing a Solo Piano Radio showcase in Nashville in September, with Joseph Akins, Philip Wesley, and Catherine-Marie Charlton. That should be a lot of fun.
Greg Maroney and I are planning some concerts together, and I would like to do some joint concerts with Jace Vek.
KP: Why did you start the tradition of including a lullaby on each of your recordings?
Dulin: I love the barcarolle-like rhythm of a lullaby. Although I have never had any kids, I love kids, so I decided to write lullabies that are a bit more sophisticated than the ones you normally hear. Hey, smart kids have to sleep too!
KP: Will your next release be “Timeless II”? Have you chosen any of the music for that album?
Dulin: I have recorded two pieces for it already! “Timeless II” will feature the music of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Bach, Saint-Saens, and Mussorgsky for sure. Other “maybes” are Grieg, Beethoven, Ravel, and Debussy.
KP: Do you have any idea of when that will be released? Do you plan to make it your next release?
Dulin: As of right now, “Timeless II” will be my next album, but I haven’t set a release date yet. I’m a deadline-driven person, so when I set the release date, I’ll finish the album! I’m guessing that it will be an early-spring 2009 release.
