Muddy Patuxent Studios - Past Projects 2009-2020

PAST PROJECTS - 2009-2011

Circa 2009

My Sweet Surrender is the 7th album produced by the Beach House Attic Studios, Inc. in Tacoma, WA. The album features 9 new and original songs that I wrote and composed and 1 cover song that features the lovely voice of our daughter Anna. I have provided 5 songs for you to sample.

"My Sweet Surrender" is a tribute to both my dad and to Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks and Dunn). Both men had their battles with alcoholism and had strong women in their life that helped them overcome their addiction. The song style was influenced by one of my all time favorite country western bands, Brooks and Dunn.

"She Said No" is another satirical tribute to country rock.

"Para Mi Padre", which translates to "For My Father", is another tribute to my dad and his love for Latin music and his culture. This is another song that I wrote in rediscovering my Latino roots!

I was given the most wonderful gift of having the opportunity (and the distinct pleasure!) to play music and record a song with our daughter Anna Marie Acosta. One of her favorite songs at the time was "Already Gone" by Sugarland and we recorded a version of this cover song together. What a great memory!

"We Got to Change" was influenced by Dave Mason and is a message to all of us that we need to change our ways if we are all going to survive the craziness that surrounds us.

Additional Songs:

I'm Not That Kind of Man (5:56) - another song influenced by Brooks and Dunn and is dedicated to my daughters. Divorce is a tough time in life for any family, especially for the kids. I wrote this song to simply remind them that there dad will always be there for them.
You're a Self-Centered Girl (5:13) - influenced by another favorite musician of mine, Jackson Browne - the title says it all. This song is dedicated to all those that have had to put up with narcissitic people in their lives.
You're the One (5:20) - influenced by another all-time favorite of mine, Michael McDonald. This song is dedicated to one of our sons who at the time was having a hard time with a relationship and where it was going.
That's Life Across the River (5:30) - influenced by another favorite, Steely Dan. This song is dedicated to the community of people I provided patient care to on a daily basis over my career as a doc, and how society misunderstood who they really were.
That's Life (4:39) - influenced by James Taylor. This song is a summary of my life's journey. I'm so grateful (and lucky) that Sharon entered my life.

Circa 2011

Keeping with the theme of the song "We Got to Change" from the My Sweet Surrender album, my enthusiasm for change was catalyzed and led to my next album, Lookin' for Good Changes - the 8th album produced by BHS, Inc. in Tacoma, WA. This time period was definitely tumultuous at work (not at home) due to an unexpected change in leadership and the hiring of a new boss that sucked the life out of everyone in the office. At the same time people in society were growing weary of what was happening in the Middle East, the threats hanging over the U.S. , and the economy. At home our family had experienced a series of unanticipated deaths over a 3-month period...many spirits were broken due to a number of losses endured, e.g., loss of two parents, loss of an unborn child, broken relationships, loss of one's mental health.

This new album includes 8 new original songs, and 5 songs are provided for you to sample.

"Lookin' for Good Changes" was written after I made the decision to leave my job due to the conditions I encountered. As the saying goes, "there is light at the end of the tunnel...and it's not a train!". This song celebrates our decision to move on to something better - and it was a good decision.

"My Secret About Life" channels my father once again. I had a dream about him one night in which he left me and my brothers an incredible message that I needed to share. The timing of the dream could not have been better.

"Why Couldn't We Have Tried" is a song about lost love and broken relationships. It's tough to witness this when one of your own is suffering through this type of ordeal.

"Your Spirit Is Broken" is about reminding the ones you love know that you are always there for them when their spirit is broken.

"Can't You Hear the People Cryin'" is a message to our politicians to wake up and hear the voices of the people they are supposed to be serving - hear the frustration, see the weariness and the tears, and listen to the desires they have to end this craziness.

Additional Songs:

I Can't Keep On Living This Way (4:04) - another song about healing broken spirits and a plea to pause, reflect, and find the path to heal the wounds together.
I'm Comin' Home (4:41) - a tribute to those soldiers that were torn from their loved ones and their families to fight in a senseless war that has no ending...and who are tired, who just want to leave and come back home again.
It's About Control ( 4:04) - a message for all who find themselves tormented at work by bosses who are diminishers. You do not have to endure them or appease them. You have the permission to not play their game and have the right to leave. Trust me...you'll be better off in the long run!