I’m happy to present another wonderful demo recording of one of the songs from the new musical I’m writing with co-librettist and composer Norman L. Berman.

The project – entitled “Paul Jennings & The Burning of the White House” – follows Paul Jennings, the 15-year-old house slave to President and Mrs. Madison, as he navigates the horrors of war and slavery, while treasuring deep, conflicting relationships with the first couple of the land.

The demo recorded below is from the beginning of Act Two; the British have captured Washington, DC and a distraught, defeated James Madison (above), having fled the field of battle and witnessed the destruction of a country he helped build, ponders his role in the nation’s catastrophe.

The song uses the wonderful vocal talent of Luc Kleiner.

Many thanks again to my collaborator, Norman, for arranging and coordinating this effort!

Demo: “I LOOK BEHIND ME”