“Prelude” (Blue Notes #4) Playlist

Taking a break from finishing my review of the Prelude galley to post a bit about the music in the novel.  And boy is there a lot of music in this novel!  More than any of the other Blue Notes Series books, by a long shot.

Prelude is probably the most music-centric book of the entire Blue Notes Series, and that’s due in no small part to the character of Alex Bishop, the crossover violinist who jars conductor David Somers out of his complacement and lonely life.  Alex is just as much at home playing the Dvorak Violin Concerto as he is improvising on the Rolling Stones or offering up his own take on classic jazz.  Interested in taking Prelude for a listen?  Click here for links to YouTube vids of the music (scroll down to the “Extras” tab).

There’s a lot of music in Prelude that’s entirely in my (and David Somers’s) imagination.  And that’s the real focus of the novel:  David’s deep emotional connection to music.  When David feels something, his feelings are often accompanied by music (his own).  David associates people with particular melodies.  And when David meets Alex, the melody that he hears rocks his world.

Stay tuned for more excerpts from the book and for insights into David’s unique musical connection.  I’ll also have more giveaways to celebrate the May 6th release!  -Shira

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Summary: World-renowned conductor David Somers never wanted the investment firm he inherited from his domineering grandfather. He only wanted to be a composer. But no matter how he struggles, David can’t translate the music in his head into notes on paper.

When a guest violinist at the Chicago Symphony falls ill, David meets Alex Bishop, a last-minute substitute. Alex’s fame and outrageous tattoos fail to move David. Then Alex puts bow to string, and David hears the brilliance of Alex’s soul.

David has sworn off relationships, believing he will eventually drive away those he loves, or that he’ll lose them as he lost his wife and parents. But Alex is outgoing, relaxed, and congenial—everything David is not—and soon makes dents in the armor around David’s heart. David begins to dream of Alex, wonderful dreams full of music. Becoming a composer suddenly feels attainable.

David’s fragile ego, worn away by years of his grandfather’s disdain, makes losing control difficult. When David’s structured world comes crashing down, his fledgling relationship with Alex is the first casualty. Still, David hears Alex’s music, haunting and beautiful. David wants to love Alex, but first he must find the strength to acknowledge himself.

Now available for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3798&cPath=54_673

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