Here's a gentle, rhythmic, and lively one I made specifically for background music. Like my sentimental Daytime TV track, this one has a very benign sound, but this time there's a little percussion and even a bit of voice added to the mix.

This sorrow-tinged strain came about almost by accident. I stumbled upon an Irish "bouzouki" guitar whilst searching for an accordion. I liked its somber quality quite a bit and quickly came up with this minor-chord improvisation. I never got around to extending the piece, but this short, gloomy bit seems to stand well enough on its own.

I put this together after watching a very unsettling documentary called The Bridge. This is pure ambient piano fare with subtle, moody keyboard plinks and string drone. Although my inspiration was a sad one, this track could be looped for a number of calm, reflective, even positive situations.

*This clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Here's my more lighthearted take on Regal Strings I (a sparse, noble-sounding symphonic piece). This revision includes bass pizzicato and bells, adding a little magic and dazzle. A violin duet at the end gives it an even more Disney-esque vibe.

Here's a sparse, noble-sounding piece in a vein similar to The Journey Ahead. I was going for an atmosphere and pace along the lines of a lush Disney ceremony or perhaps a monarchal wedding, but whether or not I achieved that "royal" sound is up to the beholder! [For a more lighthearted take on this one, check out my bell & pizzicato revision.]

Here's a nice soft-pop ditty for feel-good situations. This mild, Rhodes-heavy number is poppy and positive with just a hint of Man in the Mirror-style muscle. Light percussion and a guitar overlay help bring the track to a very subdued "arena rock" climax complete with amped guitar solo. I was going for a Michael Jackson vibe here, but this thing ended up in a goofy somewhere-else, didn't it?

Here's a charming Mexican love song on classical guitar. This plucky, stringy, sweet minor-chord lament was originally written for an old man named Ernesto. A certain quirky sadness is balanced by an almost hopeful vibe.

The quirky quartet that could! This eccentric little number features chamber solo strings and percussion in a slow but steady refrain. An almost comical determination characterizes this one with its wonky cluster harmonies and uncertain goals. Still, it somehow delivers a heroic charm to be reckoned with. I can imagine Frodo Baggins humming this one whilst saving the world!