Looking West to new beginnings. Dave: piano, producer.

DAVEHEFFNER.COM

Looking West

Featuring Chris Morgan on trumpet, this electronic composition blended with trumpet produces what I like to call Electro Jazz or more traditionally, Jazz Fusion style. Originally created with Korg Gadget, the tracks were exported to Pro Tools for adding the trumpet and mixing.

Be Cool (ft. Chris Morgan - trumpet)

George Clementi brings his experience as a country singer to the microphone to present this catchy song. Rex Weston does an incredible job improvising on the cello. Piano and organ played by Dave Heffner. Backup singers are Dave and Jan Heffner. Written and produced by Dave Heffner. YouTube: https://youtu.be/w0LmuoG90Rc
* LYRICS *
VERSE1
The road we don’t know,
Where does it go?
Adventures in my car.
Sometimes dirt. 
Sometimes stones.
Will it take us far?
CHORUS1
Back road.
Let’s go see.
Back road.
Just you and me.
Back road.
A mystery.
Back road.
Young and free
VERSE2
Sometimes slow.
We go with the flow.
Memories we make,
From the risks that we take. 
As we roll on, we both unwind,
Until peace we find.
CHORUS2
Back road.
Take it slow.
Back road.
Memories grow.
Back road.
Take in the air.
Back road.
We don’t care.
Back road.
Nature show.
Back road.
The unknown.
Back road.
Streams will flow.
Back road.
Let’s go!

Back Road

Back Road (ft. George Clementi - vocals, Rex Weston - cello)

Sometimes, when the stars align late at night (...and I practice), I can get in the groove and hopefully capture in my hands what I'm thinking in my head.

Good Times

Original video at YouTube: https://youtu.be/ta9WxJoMA9I
 (Lyrics below) I’m learning to really appreciate Colorado after moving here from Pennsylvania. Musically, this song actually began as a lesson for a couple piano students on the differences of the Dorian and the D minor scales. Simultaneously, I was studying the programming of my Novation Summit synthesizer and had come up with a sound that made a great track for the melody. Around this same period, I wrote a poem in response to several visits to nearby trails and parks in Colorado. The poem presents a colorful response to the abundant nature in Colorado. With some adjustments to the music and lyrics, an electronic ambient song began to form. My neighbor, George Clementi, performed for many years with a country band throughout Colorado. He offered to sing and refine the vocal melody. In addition, we recorded him playing many acoustic and electric guitar riffs, and solo in the bridge, that I could use to build the arrangement with Pro Tools. My wife Janet sings backup vocals on the chorus. Once the song was completed, I added many of my video clips and photos that could be assembled with Final Cut Pro X into a nature video.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Splashes of blue. Patches of green,
Many small waves wash the rocks in the stream.
VERSE2
White foaming swirls. Water’s fresh sounds.
Dirt at my feet reveal shades of brown.
CHORUS1
When the day ends, I look to the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.
VERSE3
Flowers of purple, yellow and red,
Peek through the forest from meadows ahead.
VERSE4
Hints of pink in clouds of white.
The sun heats the day making colors more bright.
CHORUS2
When the day ends, I look to the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.
VERSE5
Rainbows reflect off the pond in the cove.
Hues burst from edges along this old road.
VERSE6
Mountains shadow sunset’s last show.
The fragrance of evening fill valleys below.
CHORUS3
As night approaches, there’s gray in the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.

Splashes Of Blue (ft. George Clementi - vocals)

YouTube has pictures from the farm days: youtu.be/2LV-Y6N6LLs
In the 1980's I made a radical change to my life by purchasing registered Holstein dairy cows and renting a farm. It was a hard way to make a living, but I was passionate. Paths eventually led to computers, but I still think about those days.
The song was purposely simple and written as an acoustic guitar ballad with some organ solo at the bridge.
VERSE1
In the quiet of the misty morning,
All is still as the new day is forming.
There’s dew on the grass as the sun starts glowing.
I look ‘cross the hills and I am smiling.
CHORUS
A way of life on the farm.
There were hardships, but there was charm.
Despite the work, it’s where I belong.
Memories come back as I sing this song
VERSE2
The land was poor and the nutrients gone.
Endless chores that were never done.
Dairy cows, chickens, cats, and a dog.
Lives to care for, and lots of love.
VERSE3
A dream and a passion for many years,
Plenty of happiness and plenty of tears.
We got strength from each other, to face all our fears,
But the farm was a struggle and forced new careers.

On The Farm (ft. Dave Heffner - vocals)

Featuring Arianna on vocals.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Wind fills the air.
Which way will it blow?
Decisions to make.
Which way should I go?
PRE-CHORUS1
Making a choice.
What should I chose?
Perhaps I will win.
Perhaps I will lose.
CHORUS1
Waves roll’n in,
And out with the tide.
Perhaps I will choose
Not to decide.
VERSE2
Clouds in the sky,
Change shape floating by.
Never the same,
And neither am I.
PRE-CHORUS2
The sun or the moon,
How can you chose?
One comforts at night;
One warms us at noon.
CHORUS2
Waves roll’n in,
And out with the tide.
Perhaps I will choose
Not to decide.
VERSE3
Trees plant their roots
Firm in the ground,
But I have my feet
To carry me ‘round
PRE-CHORUS3
My dreams always change
That’s part of the fun.
To make life exciting
And not hurt anyone.
CHORUS3
Waves roll’n in,
And out with the tide.
Perhaps I will choose
Not to decide.
Perhaps I will choose
Not to decide.

Decisions (ft. Arianna - vocals)

George Clementi wrote the lyrics and sings this humorous song,   along with playing the guitar tracks. The music is written and produced by Dave Heffner in the classic country style.
LYRICS
Verse 1
Woke up this morning ‘bout half past four.
Stopped me in the hallway before I reached the door.
“You never seem to pay attention when I want to talk.”
“You always say you’re tired when I ask you for a walk.”
“I need to know you love me ‘cause I’m not too sure.”
“One more thing, Baby, that hurts me to the core,
You seem a little distant and you don’t call me ‘Baby’ no more.”
Verse 2
What you think you’re see’n ain’t exactly what it seems.
You’re a special lady. The woman of my dreams.
You’re such a good cook you could work at Benihanas.
Your biscuits and gravy’s much better than my Mama’s.
Your legs are nice and strong and you got a special charm.
I’ve seen you walk a mile with a baby in each arm.
You’re a grown up lady and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.
Bridge
Piano - Dave
Guitar - George
Verse 3
You see some other women and you think that they look better.
Guess you haven’t seen yourself in my favorite blue sweater.
Got you an iPhone ‘cause I know you like to talk.
While you had a conversation, you shoveled our whole walk.
I guess what I am sayin’ is my love still grows.
You’re a special lady from your head to your toes.
You ain’t no baby and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.
You ain’t no baby and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.

You Ain't My Baby (ft. George Clementi - vocals, guitar)

George Clementi wrote the lyrics and sings this country-style humorous song about a big spender and his regrets. Dave Heffner wrote the music and produced the song.
LYRICS
INTRODUCTION
Talkin’ to myself 
And I’m movin’ kind of slow,
I ask myself this question:  
“Where’d my youth and money go?”
Tell me please.

CHORUS 1
Where did it go?
I made a lot of money
But I ain’t got nothing to show.
No money in the bank.
My future’s in the tank. 

VERSE 1
Sometimes before I can cash my check,
Most of its gone. Already spent.
I’ll buy those toys for us big old boys
Before I even can pay the rent.
Looks like the party might be over.

CHORUS 2
Where did it go?
I made a lot of money
But I ain’t got nothing to show.
No money in the bank.
My future’s in the tank. 

VERSE 2
Borrow and spend I have to say
Is something I regret.
Fishing boats and leather coats,
I’m trying hard to forget.
Looks like the party might be over.

BRIDGE
I had a 24 karat gold chain on my chest.
I loved my car. A Mercedes Benz. But…
It just got repossessed.  

CHORUS 3
Where did it go?
I made a lot of money
But I ain’t got nothing to show.
No money in the bank.
My future’s in the tank. 

VERSE 3
Sometimes I gamble my very last dime,
But all I ever do is lose.
Looks like the party might be over.

CHORUS 4
Where did it go?
I made a lot of money
But I ain’t got nothing to show.
No money in the bank.
My future’s in the tank.

Party's Over (ft. George Clementi - vocals)

A celebration of the good things in our life.
Music, lyrics, and production by Dave Heffner
LYRICS
VERSE1
Where is the good,
When we listen to the news?
Much we hear is bad,
If that is what we choose.
It’s easy to get upset,
From different points of view.
But there’s something,
Better to do.
CHORUS
Count all my blessings.
Count them one at a time.
Count all your blessings.
Add to yours and mine.
Count    all the blessings.
Count all you can find.
And there’s more.
More in store.
VERSE2
When you count the good you see,
It takes the blues away.
We’ve all had some close calls.
There’s hurtin’ every day.
Friends pick us up when we fall,
And make sure we’re okay.
What more,
Can I say?
CHORUS
REFRAIN

Count All Your Blessings

Brandon Jones wrote the lyrics and raps to this musical beat written and produced by Dave Heffner about the world needing more love.
LYRICS
VERSE1
What happened to the planet? It’s at an all time low.
Half of the time I feel I’m in the “Twilight Zone.”
Man, this world’s in a bad place, 
And at the moment mentally I’m in a sad state.
Living life at a fast pace, like a drag race,
And in the back of my mouth I’ve got this bad taste.
Tell me what happened. Where did the time go?
I can’t remember nothing. Where did my mind go? 

VERSE2
I am drifting so far away.
Down on my knees, I start to pray.
Lord please help me find my way.
We need more love, right now today.

VERSE3   
I’m breaking down again, I want to cry, but maybe I,
Should try to love more, so more love is mine.
Instead of blaming others, shaming, and hating others.
Maybe I’ll extend a hand, and turn, I could make a brother.
I need to quit judging. Focus on myself.
What can I do for this world that needs some help?
Maybe I could write a song. Now turn the course up.
And get ready, she’s going to hit you with some more love.

CHORUS1
Love. More love.
More love. More love.

BRIDGE

VERSE4
I’m doing my best in life to make improvements.
I feel that people around me just make excuses.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s confusing.
Maybe this is where I get all my creative juices.
The world. The people. It seems all so evil.
But sometimes I feel so much love it’s hard to breathe through.
What a mixture. Now let that marinate.
We’re afraid to love, but we share the hate.

VERSE5
It’s time to pave the way. I’ve got to walk in love.
Keep my heart focused on the one above.
So give me patience. Give me trust.
Give me strength and give me joy.
Give me peace. Give me faith.
I want to change the world. I want to save the world.
And as a matter of fact, you probably just laughed at that.
So what’s that say about you? Huh? Answer that.
Oh, my reply, I’ll let my verse handle that.

VERSE6
I never would’ve thought it could happen,
But it just so happens, it happened.
Now it’s time to turn a thought to action.
Wish I had the wings of an angel, so I could fly.
And I could hang out where it’s quiet, up in the sky.
Watch these people from up above, and just wonder why
A beautiful creation is so lost in hatred?
From up above or on the ground, it’s all the same.
We need more love. Yes, we can change.

CHORUS2
Love. More love.
More love. More love.

More Love (feat. Brandon Jones - vocals)

Arianna Rader sings this ballad about the need for meditation in our lives. Written and produced by Dave Heffner.
LYRICS
VERSE1
In the stillness
Of the moment,
The sun peeks through the trees.
The day awakens.
I think of the times
I looked, but did not see.
CHORUS1
With Love,
In Peace,
With Kindness,
And Humility.
VERSE2
As the morning
Fades behind me,
I struggle through the day.
Distractions surround me.
Temptations confound me.
I can easily lose my way.
CHORUS2
With Love,
In Peace,
With Kindness,
And Humility.

Meditation (ft. Arianna Rader)

Arianna Rader sings this song about the power of nature to reset our place in the world and to appreciate the things around us.
LYRICS
Verse1
Thunder sounds. I look to the sky.
It stirs my soul. It makes me cry.
Verse2
Wind in my face. Trees bending down.
Power around me is so profound.
Pre-Chorus
I walk to the river. My spirits high.
I feel renewed. I feel alive.
Chorus
Living. Living
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
Bridge (see below)
Verse3
Day by day, not much control.
Breathe in breathe out: It calms my soul.
Verse4
Gray clouds part. The sky turns blue.
Touches my heart. I think of you.
(Pre-Chorus2)
(Chorus2)
Bridge: Part1
In the still of the night, like a sky at war,
A distant rumble, like a lion’s roar.
Clouds are gathering. Air thick and tense.
The storm begins. Let the show commence.
Part2
Raindrops fall. Rhythm on the ground.
Each clap of thunder, a primal sound.
It shakes the core. It stirs within.
The elements dance. The storm begins.
Part3
The storm moves on. Thunder fades away,
Leaving calm at the break of day.

Walk To The River (ft. Arianna Rader - vocals)

Arianna Rader sings this song about independence, confidence, and courage.
LYRICS
VERSE 1
Breaking the chains that held me tight,
I'm a force to reckon with, ready to ignite.
Defying gravity, reaching for the skies,
I'm ready to Breakout, so watch me rise,
CHORUS 1 
Rise up, reach for the flames,
No holding back, no fear to tame,
Breakout! I’ll make my claim.
Breakout! It’s time for change.
VERSE 2
I'm a renegade, with my own path,
No limitations, no aftermath,
Breaking through the walls, I'm a hurricane,
Unleashing my power, can't be contained.
CHORUS 2
Rise up, reach for the flames,
No holding back, no fear to tame,
Breakout! I’ll make my claim.
Breakout! It’s time for change.
BRIDGE
This is my moment, I won't let it slip,
Every obstacle I face, I'll flip.
With the fire inside, I'll make my mark,
Breakout! I'll leave a lasting spark.
VERSE 3
The world better watch out, 'cause here I come.
No backing down, I'm not on the run,
From shadows to spotlight, I'll shine,
Breaking barriers, one step at a time.
VERSE 4
I'm breaking out, there's no looking back,
With strength and passion, I'll stay on track,
A relentless spirit, I'll never be confined,
Breakout! It's my time to shine.
CHORUS 3
Rise up, reach for the flames,
No holding back, no fear to tame,
Breakout! I’ll make my claim
Breakout! It’s time for change.

Breakout (ft. Arianna Rader - vocals)

Experimenting with the key of Eb. Instrumental. Played and produced by Dave Heffner.

Eb Etude

Dave sings, wrote and produced this song about shadows.
LYRICS
Verse 1
In the quiet of the night, they come alive.
Whispering secrets that they strive to hide.
Dancing on the walls, they twist and turn.
In the flicker of the light, they yearn.
Pre-Chorus 1
They follow us, they never stray.
In the light and dark, they always stay.
Chorus 1
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.
Verse 2
In the morning sun, they stretch and grow.
In the twilight, they begin to show.
A mirror of the soul, a hidden part,
In the depths of the night, they start.
Pre-Chorus 2
A silent echo, a hidden face,
In every corner, they find their place.


Chorus 2
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.

Shadows

Co-written by Dave Heffner and Monica Johnson. Lyrics sung by Monica. A song about being in the moment with a special person.
LYRICS
Verse 1
In the quiet of the night, they come alive.
Whispering secrets that they strive to hide.
Dancing on the walls, they twist and turn.
In the flicker of the light, they yearn.
Pre-Chorus 1
They follow us, they never stray.
In the light and dark, they always stay.
Chorus 1
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.
Verse 2
In the morning sun, they stretch and grow.
In the twilight, they begin to show.
A mirror of the soul, a hidden part,
In the depths of the night, they start.
Pre-Chorus 2
A silent echo, a hidden face,
In every corner, they find their place.
Chorus 2
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.

You Are Here (feat. Monica Johnson - vocals)

Sequences, vocal warping, synthesizer layers, and automation help to create a song with plenty of dynamics. All possible "in the box" with today's powerful computers.

Ambience In A Box

Dusted off the trombone for a change of pace with some smooth jazz, accompanied by Len Cagle on saxophone.
Dave Heffner - song, production, trombone, piano
Len Cagle - saxophone
Copyright 2016 David B. Heffner
See DAVEHEFFNER.COM for more information

Blues Etude No. 2 (feat. Len Cagle - sax, Dave Heffner - piano, trombone)

Third in a series of etudes or studies in jazz and the blues.  Written to a hip hop beat.
Copyright 2016 David B. Heffner

Blues Etude No. 3 (feat. Len Cagle - tenor sax, Dudly Ulysse - drum, Dave - piano, trombone)

Don't let others define you. Be yourself.
Copyright 2016 David B. and Janet A. Heffner
See DAVEHEFFNER.COM
LYRICS...  SHATTER THE IMAGE
VERSE 1
Now you’ve been told what you should be.
Get on your mark, now, we’re countin’ to three.
But in your head, you say, “Is this really me?”
And in your head, you say, “Am I really free?”
VERSE 2
An old man sits in a darkened room,
Staring out at the evening gloom.
Humming a tune, while he drinks his gin,
And heaving a sigh, as he rubs his chin.
VERSE 3
And he thinks back to his younger days,
When there was little, if any haze.
So many dreams, but where did they go?
Off to another world, that he’ll never know.
CHORUS
Shatter the image in the other man’s eye.
You’ll find out that you won’t really die.
What you’ll find are the things, you need to know.
What you’ll find are the things, you need to grow.

Shatter The Image (feat. Janet Heffner - vocals, acoustic guitar, Tim Breon - electric guitar)

See Youtube: https://youtu.be/7X6Rm71fSHU. Alice Weiler - vocals, Margaret Abbott - violin, Jan Heffner - backup vocals. Dave - piano and production. Style: folk rock. See https://DAVEHEFFNER.COM. My late mother-in-law Katherine I. Benion was an accomplished writer of both prose and poetry. Lyrics for this song were taken from a book of her poetry. I like the cadence of the rhyme and the topic of winter birds, who like good friends, stay around when the weather gets challenging. Margaret’s violin invokes the simple sounds of birds around a feeder. Piano runs and chords are used to support the lovely melody, sung by Alice on the verses and Janet coming in with vocal harmony on the choruses.

Winter Birds

Winter Birds (feat. Alice Weiler - vocals, Margaret Abbott - violin, Jan Heffner - backup vocals)

Good Odds (feat. Alice Weiler - vocals)

Save Me (feat. Shawnee Floyd - vocals, Len Cagle - tenor saxophone)

Funk City (Instrumental)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/CKstpbhl4nA  Website: https://daveheffner.com.
Featuring Chris Morgan on flugelhorn, Dave & Jan Heffner with vocals. Dave on piano and production.
I am thankful that Chris recommended the flugelhorn instead of the trumpet. It’s warm, mellow tone is just perfect. This song is quite personal, reflecting on my having an incurable medical diagnosis a few years ago and now seeing “the edge” closer than I wished. But as Jan and I sing in the chorus, “to create, is quite sublime.”
VERSE1
I hurry to write another rhyme,
Before I can’t and run out of time.
Being able to create is quite sublime.
Stopping me now would be a crime.
VERSE2
Getting sick when I was in my prime.
Worried when I’d earn my last dime.
No more mountains that I can climb.
Asked how I’m doing, I just say “fine.”
CHORUS
Take the time.
Another rhyme.
To create,
Is quite sublime.
Living on the Edge.
VERSE3
I have to act now and not just talk.
My time is limited, so says the “Doc.”
I can write music, but have trouble when I walk.
There is no cure. Between a hard place and a rock.
VERSE4
My style may be unorthodox,
What do you expect when I’m watching the clock?
Doing my best, I know I’m not Bach.
Sometimes my music may give you a shock
CHORUS

Living On The Edge (ft. Chris Morgan - flugelhorn, Dave & Jan Heffner - vocals)

A SONG ABOUT OUR WORLD.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/lhdzlevx6SE. Website: https://daveheffner.com. Always wanted to write a song for pipe organ. As in an orchestra, the oboe stands out nicely in a crowded field. Featuring Susan Kieren, Rochester, NY - oboe with assistance by Jon Dexter, State College, PA. Dave Heffner - Roland RD-2000 for Pipe Organ and Grand Piano with the rest of the electronic sounds programmed with Xfer Serum in Pro Tools.

Mysterious Ways (ft. Susan Kieren - oboe) Dave - keyboards

YouTube: https://youtu.be/MDfgSB9BRcE Photos used in this video are the gardens of our former Queen Anne Victorian house in Pennsylvania. Cover pastel is by my wife Janet Heffner. The music composition was originally written for a ballet production about the artist Henri Matisse. The trumpet was chosen when writing the lead part, since I consider it to be a very colorful instrument. Bruce Klepper's (https://soundcloud.com/bruce-klepper-1) arrangement skill brings out some rich harmonies in the saxophones and brass sections. He also worked on improving the overall brass timbres. I was inspired in writing this song by posting the word “colorful” over my keyboard for a few weeks.

Colorful (Instrumental, Bruce Klepper - arr.)

The lyrical message is to not hold one’s emotions inside oneself when upset, but to find a trustworthy person in whom to confide. There is a lot of pain in the world and we are here to help each other.

It's Okay (ft. Dudly Ulysse - vocals)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FPJf72lx9c Hike in Eldorado Canyon, Colorado!
This original fast-paced performance contains elements of modern jazz, big band, indie rock, and electronic pop. Thanks to "joerxworx" (https://soundcloud.com/joerxworx) on tenor saxophone whose improvisational and tonal skills are clearly demonstrated.

Keep Up (ft. joerxworx - tenor saxophone) Dave - keys, production

YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJ9onzxQSTM.  10 yr old Arianna sings about hope for her future. Title, first verse and chord progression co-written. Anna sings backup and does an amazing bird sound.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Opening the window,
Hearing children play.
Looking out the window,
Welcoming the day.
New day!
New day!
VERSE2
Birds singing in the trees.
Sunny skies above.
Scent of roses in the breeze,
Inviting us to love.
New Day!
New Day!
VERSE3
We will walk together,
Through this bright new day.
We will walk side by side.
Together, we will stay.
New Day!
New Day!
VERSE4
Taking time to listen,
To what others say.
We create the future,
By what we do today.
New Day!
New Day!

New Day (ft. Arianna & Anna Rader - vocals)

Privacy (Dudly Ulysse & Dave - vocals)

Creating "ear candy" with electronic music. Dave on piano and synthesizers.

High Voltage

Colorado Songwriter, Electronic Musician, Producer. ASCAP member. Ballads, Dance, Rock, Electronica, Jazz, Hip Hop, with a mix of everything else. All original compositions with live artists on most tracks. Piano study began at 5 years old, continued through university study and incorporated with electronic music since the introduction of MIDI. Have taught, consulted and composed electronic music. Primary platform is Pro Tools, with which I also do training and consulting. Open to collaboration. More information at my website.

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