Oren Levine - Making up for Lost Time (2018)

I told my teacher Frank Wilkins that I had never written an original composition. He responded “So write one!” That led to "Nine Miles Wide" in 2003. I was 40 years old. I started writing songs with lyrics a few years later, inspired along the way by places I’ve been ("In The Lounge"), phrases and conversations I heard ("An August Day In April", "The Bar Where I Belong", "All I Ever Lost", "Let’s Wander"), and musings on life ("When The Morning Comes"), love ("The Heart Says", "Without You") and even current events ("Alternative Facts").

I wrote "Making Up For Lost Time" while reflecting on my active and unanticipated musical life in Washington, DC. I dedicate this album to the vibrant jazz community of the DC region. I’m grateful to the players and listeners who make this a supportive and inspiring environment for all of us.