It would seem that there is no place for the listener to hide in
SANTIAGO'S DREAM (51'08"). Kevin Keller's blend of New Age,
Jazz, Classical and even the gentler side of Prog-Rock fills the
listening space with varied and intricate conversations for piano,
cello and synthesized sound. Although one can drift away
somewhat during the slower movements, it is better to remain
engaged. Keller composes and plays at a very personal level.
This album is more than just a study of counterpoint and
harmony or the pushing around of rows of notes. The complex
task here is for Keller to make his music sound easily played.
His polished performances reveal genuine emotional content as
SANTIAGO'S DREAM moves between a number of sincere
moods. From somber elegance to playful luxuriousness and
energized dramatics, Keller presents eight distinctive and
accessible pieces. At the center of this album is Keller's
wonderful piano playing, which is augmented by the warm cello
solos of Meena Cho and compounded by acoustic guitar
samples and ornamental electronics. The overall effect is that of
a refuge as this work creates an alternate beautiful space, one
without the ironies or difficulties of reality.
Tune in to STAR'S END this weekend for new music from
SANTIAGO'S DREAM by Kevin Keller
For more on SANTIAGO'S DREAM, access:
http://www.kevinkeller.com
-
STAR'S END broadcasts every Saturday night/Sunday morning
from 1am-6am (EST) on:
88.5fm WXPN Philadelphia, PA
88.1fm WXPH Harrisburg, PA
90.5fm Worton/Baltimore, MD
104.9fm Allentown, PA
and live on the web...
-
Chuck van Zyl
Host of STAR'S END Ambient Radio
http://www.starsend.org