Looking back at 2016

Hello friends,

   2016 was strange year for me, as it was for many. There were many highs, and lows, but it was certainly filled with several memorable moments.

I had a wonderful time traveling the world playing with some close friends and brilliant musicians. There were lots of stops along the way, but having grown up on a beach I always hold a special place for beautiful water and delicious seafood. Two places that really blew me away were Dubrovnik, Croatia and Jeju Island in South Korea— my first visit to either location. I had some really memorable concerts (and meals!) there. And the sea always makes me feel like I'm home, even if it's thousands of miles away.

2016 also saw the release of my latest record, and I've already posted some of the kind words from many of the fine music journalists who took the time to review it. One of my very favorite writers, Peter Hum of the Ottawa Times, just recently released his Top-10 of 2016 list and I was delighted to find myself listed among his honorable mentions. Beyond that, Which Way Now was sandwiched by two of my piano heroes in Fred Hersch and Frank Kimbrough. Peter also had some really beautiful things to say in his review.

Musically, it was a great year full of a lot of new experiences for me, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2017 holds. Thanks for checking out the website and for listening to my music, and wishing you all the best in the coming year! -Julian