So...here we have a perfect overview of the production process of the popular series, "Homes By Design". The series started in 1997 and we wrote an intro theme, an exit theme and all the backgrounds for the 4 season run. That's a LOT of music.

In 2007 it was dusted off and the producers wanted new music for the theme in and out, or rather, they wanted the same composition but a fresh approach with the arrangement and subsequent performance.

I have included all the cues we did until everyone was satisfied. Closing this window will disable the built-in player, so if you want to leave and still listen as you surf, then right click the mouse and use "Open In A New Window".

Original Intro Theme

An ECM/Windham Hill type piece of music featuring Rob Frayne on soprano sax. This piece served as the main intro theme from 1997 until 2007.

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1st Revised Theme

We were contracted to revise the theme and make them more current. The time line had to stay the same. Here is version 1. It didn't meet approval. Too bad too because I liked it. Oh well, on to version 2.

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2nd Revised Theme

The clients decided that they wanted something closer to the original series perhaps. Maybe something a little more understated? Ok. How's this? No? Oh well.

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3rd Revised Theme

This time we were given a specific direction to go in. A happy latin exuberance was wanted. Maybe some female vocals. Here's what we came up with. It didn't meet approval either. I liked it (especially my falsetto singing!) but no matter, on to version 4.

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4th Revised Theme

Right direction last time but too up. Maybe Bossa Nova-ish instead? Some REAL female vocals would be nice too (enter Christine Fagen). Here we go. Close...but still no go.

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5th Revised Theme <

The last was too understated, maybe more up. I decided to let Christine improvise and that was the ticket. OK. Intro theme done, on to outro.

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Original Outro Theme

Another ECM/Windham Hill type piece, only this time a little more folky and less stately but still featuring Rob Frayne on soprano sax. This piece served as the main outro theme from 1997 until 2007.

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1st Outro Revision

The idea here was to stay very very close to the original. Maybe the same vocalist (Christine Fagen) but stick to the melody. Close, but try again (I really liked this one personally but try, try again).

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2nd Outro Revision

Nice try last time but nnnn...nah. I decided to re-approach the theme and came back with this. Yep. That's the idea, and now two weeks and 6 productions later we're out! Thanks Christine...great job!

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