Dan Karlsberg - Holding the Wheel of Life (2023)

This album was made as I am realizing I am no longer in my 20's! Being middle aged comes with responcibilites that at first feel like the weight of the world is resting on oneself. Feeling responsible for taking care of the older generations, while continuing to pass along knowlege to the younger generations can seem like a lot. It took me a minute, but i eventually realized this weight/responcibility has always been there for all of us.

"Holding the Wheel" features a multigenerational group, with ages scattered between 25 to 75 years of age. Where most of the music I composed myself, I have included a few covers. "Diciple's Blues" is original from the Modern Jazz Diciples first album from 1959. The group makes up a very important part of the Cincinnati jazz scene's history. the song is co-written by Curtis Peagler and Hicky Kelley. Check this group out! The next cover is from the film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It is called "Cheer Up Charlie" and is one of many great songs from that film. Finaly, the composition titled "Mephistopheles" is based on a theme by the great Russian genius, Modest Mussorgsky. I took his theme and wrote new melodies around it, creating a new piece of music for the band.

This album is dedicated to the memory of Elaine Leung-Wolf. I can not describe the impact she has had on me as a pianist, teacher, human. I can not thank her enough, and I am so glad I got to spend the time i did with her.

-Dan.