I think of composing more like arranging. We’re merely trying to rearrange the elements of music into something new. That said, I dig deep into my musical soul to find meaning beyond the elements. If I had to consider originality, I wouldn’t get past the first measure. My influences like Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Gershwin, Mozart, and on and on… is deeply rooted in who I am as a composer, oh, arranger. So yeah… Stop analyzing; just compose the damn thing!

John smile