Songs for Claire is intended to portray a life journey, with all the joys and trials that may be encountered. From a personal point of view, it was written in memory of my childhood best friend, Claire, who sadly died of cancer aged 10. I think most people will be able to relate to the moods of the three movements, and draw from their own life experiences in order to create the expression desired.

Flying Free is similar in feel to Living Life. You will see that the initial theme is reversed. In the first movement, we see the theme very introverted, probably as we often look inwards in life. In 'Flying Free' the theme has been opened up to see the bigger picture as it were. Again, we should feel a real sense of freedom and purity, but this time accompanied by a strong sense of peace. Phrases should be started with mainly just air from the saxophonist, and the pianist is aiming for a gentle continuously rocking movement. There are still moments where past emotions are briefly revisited, but by the end of the movement we are able to let go fully and literally float away...