NORWICH – Written over a period of two decades, Richard Elam’s debut CD – Songs for a Life – was inspired by his many experiences, the people he loves and the events which have shaped him throughout his unexpected musical journey, according to the local musician.

At 66 years of age, Elam said he never thought his musical vision would see the light of day, and considered the release of his first album a dream come true.

“It really is wonderful and I never thought it would happen,” stated Elam. “It was a labor of love; it’s all about beauty and I’m proud to say it’s beautiful.”

Classically motivated and drawing inspiration from the motion picture soundtracks of the 1950s and 1960s, the wholly instrumental effort revolves around Elam’s graceful piano stylings and, in many ways, is a tribute to his musically talented father.

In fact, the album’s title track and Elam’s first original composition, “Songs for a Life,” was directly inspired by his father, according to the pianist, albeit in a dream.