koanesce
ko·an·esce (kō-ə-NES) verb
[blend of koan and coalesce]
Come together in the common misunderstanding of Life's riddle.
To koanesce is to find unity in the shared space of unknowing, where individual threads of misunderstanding weave together into the fabric of collective revelation. Koanescing happens when people come together and realize they're all confused about life in the same way. True understanding can arise from the shared recognition of our collective uncertainty. Use it in a sentence. “It wasn't through asserting their own beliefs, but through koanescing around their shared doubts, that the group finally found a path forward.”
8/29/25 Common Roots
In Season
Vermont has distinct seasons that ring true in describing Life’s journey. The journey itself is said to be the best part. This trip continues to bring so many rewards in the people I’ve been blessed with. Some songs are the same, some are new. koanesce, in its most recent form, sees Ryan Spooner continuing to provide violin with genuine personality and emotional weight. Dan Gray on drums is a Vermont multi-instrumentalist and producer, he brings high energy to every song and sees to it that our “sound” is always on point. Through Dan, I met Chris Kinnick, a bassist with a constant flow of musical ideas that keep a solid pulse that never fails to vary with the mood of the piece. Then there is Abbey B.K., a local singer/songwriter with a flair for satisfying wordplay and catchy hooks. This last show had songs of mine, songs of Abbey’s, and some fun covers. Hoping to play again with these folks soon. Stay tuned for some video snippets!
August 29 4-6:30
1100 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont
September 13
Champlain Island Farmer’s Market
185 US Route 2
Grand Isle, VT 05458
October 25
Return to RI
TBD
NEW MUSIC!
New Original Music
A descent into desire that, despite its initial allure, ultimately leads to a painful reckoning with self-loss, heartbreak, bitter regret, and a deep sense of abandonment, not just by the one they love but by a former, trustworthy version of themselves, leaving them alone and afraid. Music is powerful because it lets you inhabit a memory and release it. We all have this universal, yet deeply personal, journey through the anger, passion, and disillusionment that come with the unfairness of love. While this experience may be in my distant past, it’s one that everyone has had, is having, or will have.
Spring Leaves live performance
Streaming everywhere
Modern sonic interpretations of Leonard Cohen's themes of mortality, love, loss, and introspection. From synth-driven soundscapes to ethereal arrangements offering a unique perspective while remaining true to the emotional depth of Cohen's lyrics.
Rebound
Full on Country! The first official koanesce studio release! More to follow stay up date with the twists and turns to follow.
She Keeps her house no cleaner than her conscience
Letting no one but him by that door
At the end of the day, she still wants that face
She saved for the one that she swore
She’d always be true to, and always she’d do
But she couldn’t do any more
HEROES
The guitar riff and vocals of the original are the most powerful parts of Heroes. Distill the sound to find the words. This song resonates so much with me. “Heroes” sees all the potential wrapped in futility. Yet it knows that now is all that matters, and now can always be different
I, I will be king.
And you, you will be queen.
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be Heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day.
KOAN
"You Want It Darker" is reimagined as a powerful, synth-driven exploration of mortality. With a voice that is more than reminiscent, the vocals feel like a continuation of Cohen's, and the haunting lyrics are delivered with a renewed intensity. A complex layering of intricate synth arrangements creates a modern soundscape that amplifies the song's dark and introspective nature.
Michael Nault
KOAN:
a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment.
Click and join the riddle
A storyteller at heart, Michael Nault wields an authoritative yet varied tone that spans from commanding to vulnerable. With a classically informed piano approach, his style effortlessly traverses the realms of riff-driven rock, country, jazz, and electronic music. Forever hungry for new sounds, he is a passionate writer who continually searches for his unique voice. Each song evolves from heartfelt life experiences, weaving together evocative lyrics that leave ample room for the listener's imagination.
His Musical journey is marked by diverse collaborations, from rocking in the Southern California desert to R&B and pop in L.A. and jazz musicians in New York. This breadth of experience has nurtured a layered approach to song structure, allowing his music to be appreciated both on a surface level and with profound emotional depth.
His latest musical incarnations The KOAN, and koanesce draw inspiration from the enigmatic riddles of Zen philosophy. With an initial focus on the later works of Leonard Cohen, the KOAN project is ever-evolving, seeking to expand into increasingly original and varied musical explorations. The present is all there will ever be. “Now” never changes, only the urgency to embrace it.
Stories, Memories, and Viewpoints
"Do you want to be Paul Bunyan or Neil Armstrong? As long as there’s been a gap in generations, the younger one has heard “it’s different now.” But man, is it different now. Change remains a constant, the velocity is what's new."
Listen
“The more you love music, the more music you love.”
Tom Moon
The Random
(Emergent Patterns)