Two years ago I met the Reed family at Montana Fiddle camp. Bud Reed and his two sons Ralph and David attended camp. They were the family of the late Ola Belle Reed, who was an amazing banjo playing mother, composer, and led an active life on stage and on the radio. She wrote many well-known banjo pieces played to this day.

Click Link to play a 30 second demo of Inspire

My first impression of the Reed family was love. They were raised playing music together, actively discussing politics, religion and music. They loved people of all backgrounds, and they loved music. Ralph made a statement to me in one discussion about how music should be your heart opening for all to see. I was impressed by the entire family how open and willing they were to share, teach, and enjoy music with people of all levels. It is how I feel music should be used- leaving out the ego, and letting in the love.

Sadly, last year, both Bud Reed, the father, and Ralph Reed, one of the sons passed away within weeks of each other. I didn’t get the opportunity to see them again like I thought I would. I will cherish that short time I had listening to their stories, and feeling their love.

The piece INSPIRE was written for the Reeds, who inspired me to be bold in sharing my heart, love and my music, even if it isn’t perfect. Because Ralph taught me that the imperfections show you are real and bring you closer to letting love in for all to enjoy.