Benjamin Sigerson & Steve Maddock - The Forest for the Trees (2024)

I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the teachers, musicians, (and especially pianists) that I have looked up to, in a literal sense, from the cradle. I don't have the words to express the excitement and gratitude I have to be able to work with this band... maybe it exists in German. Vancouver is blessed to have an embarrassment of pianistic riches, and part of the inspiration for this project was to find a way to include as many as I could.

My hope was to write a series of tunes that revolve around an environmental theme, a subject that is especially apparent in Canada with the arrival of a "wildfire season". Tracks 1 - 4 make up the 'Wildfire Season Suite", a reflection on the tragic state of environmental affairs in B.C. Though not always a natural optimist, I believe that a positive message inspires positive change. The remainder of the album reflects the beauty and joy to be found in nature, and to encourage a renewed love and respect for the natural world we are fortunate to share.

Thank you to Sharon, Chris, Steve, Tilden, and dad (Appa) for being a part of this, and for your music that's carried me through my life. Special thanks to Chris Gestrin for all the work done behind the scenes and for moving around so many keyboards. At last count, his studio has over 70 keyboards... even I would draw the line at 60.. Thanks to the Canada Council for providing me this opportunity, and to Cory Weeds for his support and wisdom in getting this album out of my basement and into the world. Thanks to Mya, the studio dog and assistant engineer, and to my friends and teachers at McGill, Montreal, and at home in Vancouver. And to: 엄마, Nicholas, Audrey, Weijin, Kirsten & Dave, and to you, listener-friend, for your support.

Benjamin Sigerson