During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself with newfound time on my hands and an idea began to take shape. I decided to combine two of my passions—James Bond movies and ragtime piano—into a project that is now, at long last, seeing the light of day. I spent countless hours listening to and transcribing many of my favorite Bond songs into ragtime piano arrangements. For years, I sat with these pieces, unsure of exactly how I wanted to release them. Should they remain instrumental piano versions, or should I bring in singers?
Life, as it does, took me in different directions. The loss of my father, extensive touring, a divorce, my life turning upside down, and moving all took precedence over finishing the project. But during a summer tour with Postmodern Jukebox last year, the vision finally crystallized—I knew I had to make it happen.
In a short break between tours, while working with Celebrate the Beat (a nonprofit dance company I’ve been with for nearly 20 years) and traveling, I found a window to record the piano arrangements. First, I reworked them, since I had decided to feature singers. My years with Postmodern Jukebox have connected me with extraordinary artists, so I started making calls. My friend Tia was the first—she loved the idea and was on board immediately. I then reached out to other singers I’d worked with who I felt would be perfect for specific songs.
I recorded the piano parts on my own at my friend Cameron’s barn in Hillsdale, NY. Once they were complete, I sent them out to the singers, who each recorded their vocals and sent them back. When the performances were all in, I turned to my friend Patrick Higgins, an incredible artist and engineer from Hudson, NY, who mixed and mastered the album.
In late January, while bouncing between Costa Rica, Colorado, and Nashville and preparing for tours in Australia and New Zealand, I launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Thanks to the generous support of friends, fans, and family, I raised enough to cover some of the initial costs and pressed a limited run of vinyl. I’m thrilled to be releasing Golden Keys on August 28, 2025.
This past spring and summer, while touring in Europe, my good friend Jack Amblin helped me set up a UK tour to promote the album ahead of our next European run with Postmodern Jukebox. Along the way, I connected with the fabulous vocalist Katherine Lupino, who has her own Bond-inspired show in the UK called House of Bond. I can’t wait to tour the UK with her and Jack at the end of August and finally share this project with the world.