MAN IN THE WINDOW

Peter Loss and Ian Charles, collectively known as MAN IN THE WINDOW, have released a new music album entitled ADALINE AVE, on April 19. Loss, of Branford, and Charles, of Guilford, CT, collaborated on this collection of 11 original songs 2 years in the making,

Loss, a retired correctional social worker and piano/guitar player, and Charles, a personal fitness trainer and musician/songwriter, met as trainer and client. The two shared stories of loss and grief, after Loss’ wife’s death in 2019. Soon the conversation turned to music, and the two began sharing a love of music from the 1960s and 70s. Loss began writing songs and began showing lyrics to Charles. This unlikely meeting led to the creation of Adaline Ave.

Loss, a native New Yorker, played the guitar since 1966 at age 12. His father was a pianist, and mother a guitar player, filling the house and neighborhood with classical and folk music. Like every kid in America, he wanted to play like the Beatles. However, the guitar lessons were book based, or jazz based, and Pete became frustrated that none could show him how to play Rock ‘n Roll like his musical idols.

Despite guitar lessons teaching him quarter notes and C notes, he still couldn’t read music. He turned to sheet music. When he played with the albums, the sheet music was in the wrong key, because at that time sheet music was designed to be played on the first 3 frets for simplicity. Sheer desperation forced him to use his ears to learn the actual chords. Such was the beginning of developing an ear for playing, and enjoying the challenge of learning so many of his favorites. He still has his first 1967 Harmony Rocket.

Loss’ father was a pianist and had left a Steinway grand piano behind. Loss’ future wife Maria came along when they were 16. Before long, at 17, with moral support from her, he learned to play the Steinway by ear in 1972. Such began a lifetime of musical enjoyment, playing for friends and family, but never in public. Maria loved Pete’s piano playing, and asked him to write her a song, but he was unable.
Charles was born in 1964 to a creative, artistic, and nomadic family in London. By 1970 he semi-settled in the United States, in Connecticut. Still on the path of familial restlessness, Charles’ security blanket was music. His supportive parents and older brother were avid listeners of a variety of albums by jazz, folk, classical, and glorious Rock ‘n Roll.

At 14, Charles began writing songs. He was being paid to play in bands, guitar, drums, vocals or all, since utility players got the most work. He also was a DJ at high schools throughout the New Haven area. Ian wielded a record collection in the hundreds (now thousands), as well as acquiring a vast musical knowledge of artists, genres, and the music business.

After years as a working musician in various fleeting bands, he finally released his debut album in 1995. Charles gained a solid following in various touring circuits around the world for 20 years, releasing 6 full length albums and 2 EP’s, and producing full albums by several independent artists. After 40 years, facing divorce, Charles went into professional hiatus to focus on family and hitting the reset button on his health, life, relationships, and work.

After Maria’s death in 2019, Loss made several attempts at songwriting that proved fruitless. Loss began working with a new personal fitness trainer at his local gym, Ian Charles. They began talking about grief because Charles, too, experienced loss in his life. As they met at Loss’ home due to COVID restrictions, the conversation turned to music. Charles finally disclosed that he was a semi-retired recording artist. They shared guitars, piano, and a love for the music of their youth.

In 2020, Loss had his 1921 Steinway rebuilt by a gifted engineer named Jude Revelley from Lowell, MA. The piano returned in 2021, simultaneously 100 years old and brand new. A grandchild was born. He retired from 40+ years as a social worker in corrections and criminal justice. Two weeks after these events, after over 50 years of love, family, and music, and deep grief for Maria, at age 67, to his astonishment lines, verses, entire songs, and music began coming. Using the Steinway, many lyrics and melodies explored the reality of romance and grief.

An instant bond developed, Loss showed lyrics and music to Charles, and the two friends began to collaborate on this first album together. The album marks Loss’ first musical venture, and Charles return to music. Along with talented musicians and engineers, and family members singing too, ADALINE AVE has become a tribute to Maria, and an unexpected conduit for grief and sadness.