Goldmund - All Will Prosper

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4...according to our Clinton on Fri 04 Nov, 2011.

As I trudged into work this morning, worn down by the overbearing November bleakness I was immediately cheered by the loving sounds on this collection of very very nice music from Goldmund. Its a collection of 'Civil War' era songs done in his trademark kind of tinkly piano/music box style. At times its hard not to think of Richard Clayderman's candelabra but at others its enormously affecting. Some of the tunes will be familiar - 'Amazing Grace, 'Dixie' 'The Yellow Rose of Texas' others less so. I don't mean this in a derogatory way but you could imagine this pumping out the stereo in an old peoples home with all the old folk singing along. I know for sure my grandmother would have loved this. The version of 'Dixie' is so beautiful with its simple piano melody and understated guitar accompaniment that I think I want to weep. The songs are recorded in a really natural way and so the piano notes ring out with just the right amount of natural reverb. Certainly not a 'cool' release and some may find it a little cloying but its lovingly executed and some of these old tunes have never sounded better.

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All Will Prosper, Keith Kenniff's latest album under the Goldmund moniker, is a collection of 14 traditional Civil War-era folk songs and one contemporary track "Asoken Farewell." Kenniff has always been a student of Civil War history and culture. From the Ken Burns documentary series on PBS to Bill Carothers' solo piano album The Blues and The Greys, he has studied and enjoyed the music that tied friends and families together in a time when the nation was being torn apart. Recorded over a period of 5 years in various houses in Massachusetts, Oregon, and North Carolina, Kenniff's arrangements feel fresh and intimate, while retaining the wistful charms and timeless appeal of the originals. In part the album's intimacy is created by his recording technique. With the top of the piano left completely open, microphones were placed close enough to capture the mechanical movement of the keys being pressed and the pedals squeaking. Similarly the acoustic guitar is close-mic'd, tracing the sounds of his fingers scraping and plucking the metal strings. The result creates a rich, almost hyper-real environment, where the tiniest details are magnified and brought to the surface. More than capturing the pain, struggles, and loss associated with war, Kenniff's arrangements shine with the hopefulness, and enduring strength and determination of individuals, and the nation as a whole, after the war. Despite the loss and obstacles that lie ahead, these are songs to accompany the healing and rebirth of a nation full of potential and moving forward. Goldmund’s past two album Corduroy Road and Malady of Elegance received massive critical acclaim and continue to sell well throughout the US and Europe. Goldmund will be playing one-off dates in 2011 and 2012 in support of this release. PRESS QUOTES : "This gracefully timeless minimal music bears the weight of his historical associations." Other Music // “…plays like a film score, with an emphasis on unusual textures…” Gorilla vs. Bear // "...another striking set of solo piano pieces…a rich and varied set, and one that, for its spare elements and quiet stillness, ends up delivering its own brand of expansiveness." Pop Matters // This music is so so so beautiful!! Ryuichi Sakamoto //

Tracks: The Death of General Wolfe, Ashoken Farewell, All Quiet On The Potomac, Amazing Grace, Dixie, The Flag of Columbia..., The Ballad of Barbara Allen, Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier, Battle Cry of Freedom, Shenandoah, Who'll Save the Left, Just Before The Battle Mother, The Yellow Rose of Texas, Bonnie Blue Flag, When Johnny Comes Marching Home

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