Scenes From Fatherhood

After listening through your album in my car several times, I can only begin to imagine what a monumental undertaking your project must have been. First of all, I’m extremely impressed with the diversity of your music and writing! I mean everything from Choral pieces to pop. Probably my favorite was Little Rock Don’t Break as I liked the intensity of it. Other highlights for me were the string arrangements (real strings! how often does that happen these days?). The overall production was absolutely stunning. When I think about the time, focus and effort the project must have taken, I can only begin to imagine the pride you must be taking in the whole recording. Your writing is a wonderful mixture of the traditional and Avant Garde. I’ve gotten so used to the standard verse/chorus/bridge configuration here in Nashville, that it’s easy to forget that other styles even exist. Your album was a very gratifying reminder.

Finally, for something completely different… A composer of formidable technique at work

After reading the nice article on Cory in the Palo Alto Weekly I created a quiet block of time so I could actively listen — with full attention — to the music and lyrics on his CD. Wow! — I am so impressed with the musicality, variety, depth, *philosophy,* balance — talent. I marvel at his creativity, and appreciate the sheer hard work — hours, months, years — involved in the process. He had a dream and went after it! He has such beautiful blends in his music and thoughts – depth balanced with a delightful sense of humor.

It’s deep, man. I APPLAUD you big time, for your fine work. Keep it up.

I LOVE A Little Extra and My Oyster. Congrats! In fact, I have been meaning to tell you (and I am reminded just about daily) that Apple must love your songs.I fully admit that Doctor Noize entered my iPod by accident… But I definitely wanted My Oyster on there, thus both albums are on my iPod along with about 500 other miscellaneous songs. Anyway, I keep it on shuffle and Apple/iPod plays one of your songs from either album at least every third song. That’s a pretty great ratio. I’m not sure whose wheels you greased to get that to happen, but it does make me think of you fondly and often! 😉

Your openness in your music is really great-keep the faith!

I just re-listened to My Oyster and it’s kickin’, man. I’m going to scream and cry until someone gets it for me for Christmas. I heard it when I was 14, but I really don’t think I fully appreciated it at a time when I pretty much only listened to ’90s white American ska and punk. I’m all about good orchestration now, and your album has certainly got that… You were a huge influence on me getting started with recording. In fact, you were kind of THE influence. So bones to you, brother.

This is the sound of the future.

From now on, record stores will have a new category with just one artist. You crazy wacky person. I really enjoyed the CD. Broadway meets Queen meets the Beatles meets Steely Dan meets Cory meets Beethoven meets blah blah blah!

As I listened to your CD the first time, I was awe struck when I heard both of the dedication pieces! I was touched by the songs you wrote for your brother and father, and from a distant place, I wanted to say that I respect your strength to be able to write and perform these songs. Courageous, ambitious, not trivializing or being trite.