Tree of Life

Building on one of the most successful music distribution networks in North America, Naxos has launched a new label in its already diverse label family. Suite 28 Records was founded out of a need for up-and-coming young artists to be recognized for their great talent. Suite 28 Executive Producer Jeff Van Driel describes the label as one that "puts aside genre and cultural constraints. Suite 28 is a record label for listeners who truly love music in all of its forms."

Pianist Kory Caudill began playing melodies on the piano when he was only a toddler. Twenty-five years later, he is one of the most sought after pianists in the country. Tree of Life is his debut recording.

As with many artists who compose the music that they perform, Caudill often looks to the things around him for inspiration. The title track of Tree of Life was inspired by a quilt that was made by his grandmother. Caudill explains, "The beauty of instrumental music is that it allows for personal interpretations and is not bound to specific memories or events that are portrayed by the artist. For me, this song is about family, and the people who have given selflessly to make the world a great place for my generation. The song title comes from a beautiful quilt my grandmother, Juanita, designed. On the quilt is a tree with a limb representing each family member."

A classically trained pianist, Caudill's influences range widely from Frederic Chopin to Ricky Skaggs and from Bruce Hornsby to Yanni. Tree of Life is evidence of Caudill's diverse musical background as the album travels through many musical eras in its eleven tracks.