Song Writing and Music
The MP3s will open in a new window. 
They are all between 2MB-6MB, so expect long download times (especially on dialup)

     

Past Compositions

I haven't had a chance to compose music in quite a while.  I've been too busy with school and other matters.  Until I have a chance to write some new songs, check out these old ones. 

My most recent composition is the 50 minute Soundtrack to Israel is Real.  You can find out more information about this including purchasing information at the Projects page.


Songs Written, Performed, and Recorded entirely by me:
Ask of You.mp3  -  This is the song with which I proposed to my Fiancée Gabi on Valentines Day.
                               The recording was slightly rushed.  One day I'll record a better version.
Sneeze In Time.mp3 - I have this habit of writing songs and recording them, but not continuing
                                  until they are in a final version; this song is no exception. 
                                 You'll get the idea anyway.   
Now and Forever.mp3  -  This song was written and recorded in a 24 hr. period.  It turned out really well,
                                        so I never bothered to re-record it. 
Choice.mp3  -  I have to thank Ron from the days of the Olive Branch Cafe for his excellent samples. 
Pilot.mp3  -  This is a song I wrote a while ago and recent re-recorded. 
You Damn Right.mp3  -  I try to be very diverse in all aspects of my life, including song writing.
                                      This was my stab at Funk/Hip Hop composition.

Songs Written, and Recorded by me, but Performed with other musicians:
Ain't It a Cryin Shame.mp3  -  This was written by me and performed by my old band: Afterblue. 
                                               Vocals, Piano:  Michael Lester;  Guitar:  Greg Studley; 
                                               Bass:  Jon Brex;  Drums:  David Mahoney
Gorgeous Woman.mp3  -  Vocals, Piano, Bass, Soprano Sax:  Michael Lester;  Drums: Steven Rodgers
For Now.mp3  -  This is a bad recording of a older song that I wrote. 
                            I haven't had a chance to make a good recording
                            Vocals, Piano, Bass:  Michael Lester;  Drums:  David Mahoney
 

Piano Demos
These are outdated (2001), but are still more or less representative:

God Bless the Child.mp3 (not © Michael Lester)
Take Five.mp3 (not © Michael Lester)
Bags Groove.mp3 (not © Michael Lester)
Blue Bossa.mp3 (not © Michael Lester)
 
Song Writing for Other People   
Several years back while in Loyola University, I was contacted by a Law Student who had written some lyrics and wanted to turn them into songs in order to have a vocal demo, and I accepted the project.  On the following files, I wrote the music; recorded everything; and performed all parts except vocals, guitar, and drums.  A thanks goes out to Greg Studley for his guitar track, and David Mahoney for his drum track.

My Love Goes On.mp3 (© Michael Lester, except lyrics)
Midnight Melody.mp3 (© Michael Lester, except lyrics)
You've Been Had.mp3 (© Michael Lester, expect lyrics)
 
Other Music     (Coming soon!  I need more web space!!)

This is just some other random music:

Untitled.mp3  -  Sometimes I just sit down at the keyboard and play random stuff. 
                         Sometimes I pressed the record button as I mess around.  N'uff said.

This is music recorded by my old band, Afterblue:
Vocals, Keyboards: Michael Lester; Vox, Guitar: Greg Studley; Bass: Jon Brex; Drums: David Mahoney

Tore Down.mp3 (coming soon)  -  written by Sonny Thompson (not © Michael Lester)
Thrill is Gone.mp3  -  written by B.B. king (not © Michael Lester)
Long Road.mp3  -  written by Greg Studley (not © Michael Lester)
Ain't It a Cryin Shame.mp3  -  © Michael Lester
 

 


  

 

   Unless Otherwise indicated, All Songs are © Copyright Michael Lester 1997-2004
M-Lester.com