Exceptional Miracles
F. Barton | Newport, WA USA | 03/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album by Ken Keating is exceptional in many, many ways. First of all, his glorious voice, which goes from a masculine baritone to that of an Irish tenor, without effort, or ever changing his vibrato or tone. Some will like comparisons, but I feel that is unfair to Mr. Keating. Just click on any track and listen. You can draw your own conclusions.
"I Believe in You and Me" seems to be the focus track of this CD. It's delivery, words and music are flawless and will draw you back for many listenings. It should really be placed in a current film, as the "love theme", as it would make any film better by its presence.
"For You" is a song that any man or woman should learn, and sing to the one that they love. You will be guaranteed a night of bliss. Take my word!
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" is a true vocal achievement. Unfortunately the music arrangement sometimes overshadows Mr. Keating's tremendous vocals. This can be easily rectified by a few clicks on a modern amplifier, however.
"I'll Forget You" completely takes over as the next track. It envelops you, with it's tremendous saxophone solo, and takes you into a smoke-filled nightclub. You seem to see Bogart and Bacall through his vocal, making this one of the truly great tracks on the album.
"One True Friend" brings the masculine, sexy vocals of Mr. Keating full front, and he hurdles the many key changes with incredible ease. In fact, the listener is totally unaware of the vocal challenges he faces, which is as it should be. The listener should be swept away by the voice, and never notice technical vocals at all.
"Just One Lifetime" again has intricate key changes, handled deftly by Mr. Keating. His vibrato never changes, even when singing octave jumps. How I long to hear him sing this live, and in person.
"We Can Be Kind" is another standout, which has to be heard several times to really appreciate its beauty. Like potato chips, I dare you to listen to it just once.
"Smile" is the closing number. Beautiful -- but I would have preferred it with just a piano, and the closing to go to the high notes that Mr. Keating does so incredibly well.
The entire album is not only beautifully sung, but FELT as well. Every note comes from his heart -- not just sung -- and that makes this a true find. It is incredibly rare for me to find a male singer who puts his heart and soul into a vocal, let alone an entire CD.
I hope and pray that the next release will be a live album, with a few songs with only a piano. Ken Keating is the kind of vocalist we need today. Not one made out of a cookie-cutter to fit some kind of mold. Rather a tried and true, real talent, who puts his heart into every note that he sings.
Highly recommended!!!
"
Ken Keating The Voice
Peggy C. Guice | 11/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A great CD, Once in a Lifetime, will put you in a mood above all others. It will lift your spirits about love, caring, sharing. I bought it and it is great relaxing music for the soul."
Wow.. what an amazing voice!
Joan Edwards | California | 10/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken Keating is a truly gifted vocalist. I highly recommend this album."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1