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Keith L. Cooper
“The Hymns”
Reel Loud Records
12 tracks @ 40:08
Grade = A/B
Keith Cooper is one of my all-time favorite performers. It is not hyperbole to say that he is one of the best guitar players on the face of the earth.
You can imagine then my excitement upon seeing Keith before his recent show at Lifest 2008 and he told me that his new record literally arrived that day.
I kept my eye on Keith’s table at the back of the Café stage and as soon as his helper ripped open the boxes I was able to purchase the very first copy of the new CD. Once again Keith’s show, where I sat in the front row, was one of my Lifest highlights. His interpretation of “Holy Holy Holy” really moved me as it was one of the last songs I sang to my dying father during my very last visit.
These are traditional hymns. The arrangements are generally understated and tru-to-form. The musicianship is exquisite.
As much as I love Keith and his music, there are two drawbacks here; first, four of the songs are included on his “Sacred Dance” record. Second, having seen Keith in concert at least six times, I know that he is a very solid vocalist. Keith sings on “I Surrender All” but the vocal is very subdued and electronically noodled.
Keith was in Israel this summer and that trip really lit a fire in his Lifest performance. In spite of the drawbacks, I was more than willing to buy this record and support Keith and his ministry.
- Rob S.