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Artist: Corbin Keep
Album: 'Call of the Wild Cello'
CD Review: Label: Independent
Tracks: 9
Released: 2003
For Fans Of:: the cello, Bruce Cockburn
Fav Tracks: Pulse Of The Forest, Aliens, Free The Beast In Me

'Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail'.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think that Corbin Keep, hiding himself away on Bowen Island, just west of Vancouver, is all too familiar with both Emerson, and Emerson's forest. His debut CD is nothing less than completely unique and engaging. As he is basically creating his own genre of music here, there really is nothing and no one to compare him with, and that's the beauty of what he has created.

Corbin's music and his perspective are very refreshing, and the musical moods that he creates, starting with his Cello, are amazing. Add to this Corbin's unique vocal stylings, which is a worthwhile acquired taste, and you have plenty to contemplate as you listen. You will be challenged both musically and lyrically. One moment, we are seduced into a beautiful world where we all could get along as in 'Common Thread' (with the lines 'we are woven of a common thread, indivisible but for our heads'), and the next we are contemplating the bizarreness of our existence through the words and lyrics of the very catchy 'Aliens'. And, just like with aliens, you're going to have to hear to believe.

I always knew I like the cello, but now, as it is pushed to knew heights, I like it even more. It's beautiful to hear what one man can do with one instrument. The songs are decorated with other instruments, but it is always the cello masterminding the songs. That, and Corbin's words, insights and humour, make each song an all around delight.

It's hard to not recommend this CD to just about anyone, but what it does best is offer a shining example of what fun it is to discover what it's like to do your own thing, with no apologies to anyone. Keep it up Corbin, we could use some more of you down here.

Contact: www.wildcellist.com