Like the original Native Tongue enhanced CD (2001), this is a project through which Kam Falk has documented his musical journey and the unique writing and playing collaborations that he's had the privilege of sharing with his highly respected close musical friends through the years. As this project has been underway, Falk has made musical strides in several other areas. First, in 2007, he completed a score for a three movement symphony entitled, "The Belliger Symphony." Its title is a Latin term meaning, "State of War," which is the theme that surrounds this entire piece. In one respect, it is a commentary on the current state of international affairs. On the other hand, it is a piece that is intended to encompass all wars - past, present and future - conveying all of the emotions involved in the wartime consciousness of humanity. The first movement, entitled, "Para Bellum" means, "Prepare for War." Here, the thematic material employed throughout the entire symphony is introduced. The second movement, "In Memoriam," is a tribute to all of the lives lost in battle. Finally, the third movement, entitled, "Judicium," suggests that all wars and wartime activities are subject to God's judgement - warriors must realize that they face death before dishonor. In 2007, Falk also enrolled in the graduate school at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. His degree program was Commercial Music Composition and Production, and he graduated Summa cum Laude, having recorded the CD, "Retro-Respect" as a thesis. The project also included a formal dissertation about the arranging and production process, as well as the scores, which amounted to 320 pages. The songs on Retro-Respect are unique arrangements of classic cover songs. First, ten artists were chosen, based upon their undeniable impact upon music and culture throughout the last generation. These artists all remain active and vibrant members of the music industry and community. Then, eleven songs were hand-picked, arranged, orchestrated, performed, mixed and mastered in the studio with 11 stellar musical guests. The following songs are featured on Retro-Respect: 1. Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith 2. Aint Nobody - Chaka Khan 3. I Can't Help It - Stevie Wonder (This song is dedicated to the memory of its original performer, Michael Jackson, who suddenly passed away during its production) 4. Aja - Steely Dan 5. Nick of Time - Bonnie Raitt 6. Shape of My Heart - Sting 7. One of These Nights - The Eagles 8. Badge - Eric Clapton 9. Mainline Florida - Eric Clapton 10. Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting) - Elton John 11. Rebel Rebel - David Bowie 2010 marked another year of musical milestones. Kam released a solo piano CD project entitled, "Wedding Day," featuring ten songs, several of which had never been previously arranged or recorded for solo piano. Four of the ten pieces are original compositions and date back more than two decades. They have been searching for a home all these years, with no recordings having been released. Finally, after contemplating and even attempting arrangements for every imaginable instrumental configuration, they have come together in this compilation of solo piano pieces in their original, organic form. Falk achieved another important step in his musical career in 2010. He became co-founder of an organization called, "Bigtime Tributes." This core group of musicians has traveled the world performing tributes to such artists as Journey, Bon Jovi, Frank Sinatra, The Carpenters, Paul McCartney & Wings, Barry Manilow and many more. In 2014, Kam left his post on the faculty at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale after 17 years to travel and perform with Bigtime Tributes on a full-time basis. The bands have since performed in such venues as the Sunrise Amphitheater, the Calumet Theater, Roger Dean Stadium, Digital Domain Stadium, The Ritz, the Daytona Beach Bandshell and many more. All the while, production on Native Tongue Ii has been taking place in the background, and this CD has been a labor of love for Falk and his collaborators, and it was finally completed in early 2016. In the tradition of his original Native Tongue enhanced CD, Kam has employed the talents of 16 special guests, including: Gary Bivona-co-composer, guitar, vocals Alex Dean-alto sax, tenor sax, vocals Julio Diaz-trumpet Jorge Dubal-trombone Chad Eisinger-drums Clint Ettorre-guitar David Gregorisch-guitar Wade Judy-trombone Sasha Lo Medico-drums Marcel Morejon-co-composer, vocals Drew Preston Kushner-guitar Jerry O'Malley-drums Jose Ortiz-vocals David Torre-co-composer Dorian Vaz-co-composer, guitar Ismael Vergara-tenor sax Falk's objective is to continue to arrange and produce original music with integrity around touring and teaching privately at his Falkreations Music Studio. The next step is to continue developing his library of music and keep new material accessible and cohesive enough to establish a signature sound, even though genres are all over the map. This project ranges from soulful R & B to contemporary jazz, fusion, traditional jazz, pop and even progressive rock. The next leap will be to begin performing the material from the Falkreations Music catalog in a live setting.