Dave Ogilvie
Cello and voice are two words which are not normally used in a sentence describing a musical genre, but those who attended the Cornell’s barn concert last Wednesday (Aug. 5) learned first-hand, that recording artist and composer Kevin Fox has indeed created a unique and captivating style which magically combines the traditional cello with the modern sounds of pop music.
Kim Cornell opened the evening’s entertainment by welcoming the capacity crowd to another concert “in the barn.” As well as outlining some of the house rules to those who had never attended a concert on the farm, Cornell offered a special welcome to several notable guests including Gerald Graham, host of the CBC radio show “Voyage North.”
Cornell’s final task, before vacating the stage, was to introduce the opening performer; a local singer-songwriter that has become well known across the district.
“I first heard this local star when she was a young girl singing in church,” he commented.
“She opened her mouth and this fantastic voice literally blew me away,” he added. “Please welcome Sarah Hebert!”
A warm round of applause greeted Hebert as she took to the stage and settled behind the keyboard.
“My first piece will be a song I wrote for a friend’s wedding,” she announced and immediately launched into her first song with the apparent ease of a seasoned professional.
Hebert then offered several selections from her cd entitled “The Fall,” which is available at various locations around the district. On stage to assist her, were friends Mike McCaig (guitar) and Shannon Darby and Scott Barker (violin).
The audience continued to show their appreciation as this talented group introduced songs such as “Broken Record,” “Mascara,” “You’re Gone,” and the CD’s title track, “The Fall.”
Then Kevin Fox joined the local musicians on stage for one more song.
“When he heard us practicing this afternoon,” announced Hebert, “Kevin said that he would like to join us for a song.”
Together, they performed one more song from Hebert’s album, entitled “Frozen.” The audience gave them all an extremely warm round of applause.
While sound man Ryan Wood set up the stage, Kim Cornell invited those in attendance to enjoy some refreshments.
Finally, Kevin Wood, cello in hand, returned to the stage and everyone settled back into their seats.
“Just like Sarah,” began Fox, “I’m going to begin with an instrumental that I wrote for a friend’s wedding. Hopefully, it will introduce you to my cello and introduce my instrument to this wonderful venue.”
When those first few notes filled the barn, everyone knew, including Fox that his cello had found a new home. The audience literally sat transfixed as Fox began to play songs from his debut album “Come Alive” and from his recent CD, “Songs for Cello and Voice.”
Kevin Fox spent most of the last three years composing arrangements for performers such as Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries) and Kathleen Edwards, recording with major stars such as Celine Dion, and touring extensively with musicians Chantal Kreviazuk and Tom Cochrane.
“I had been talking for four years about doing music that combined cello and voice,” explained Fox, “but I just couldn’t seem to get around to writing anything.”
To force him to get to work, Fox’s wife, who also happens to be his manager, scheduled an album release date for the following year.
The results have been literally amazing. Fox skillfully bows, pluck and taps his cello, combining it with his charismatic voice, to create a melodic and captivating musical tapestry of cello-driven folk/pop.
His new and unique style fuses classical instrumentation into original popular music creating pieces of intense beauty.
The spellbound music lovers in the barn were introduced to Fox’s eight original compositions and two imaginative covers of Kate Bush’s “Army Dreamers” and the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” which are featured on his new release “Songs for Cello and Voice.”
So much has been written about this amazing Canadian musician and so much more good be said, but those in attendance at the concert in the barn said it all with a thunderous standing ovation.
Fox’s enthusiasm for pop/classical fusion is obviously contagious. Many left the concert with the desire to hear more “cello and voice.” CDs will be available soon at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market or at www.kevinfox.ca
