Big Leather Couch

As a follow-up to yesterday review, I had sent Mr. Koelbl a list of questions and received his answers late last night.

I also wanted to share "Little Drummer Boy" as Dianne mentioned wanting to hear it in her comment.

Can you tell my readers what drove you to be a musician? Was it a specific moment when you realized you had to become an artist or was the 'need' born within you?

I always loved to sing and participated in all the school shows. But growing up in a small midwest town, I didn't really think that a career in music was a reality - until I went to high school and was mentored by my choir director, Judy Kuble. She really opened my eyes up to the possibilities out there and gave me the confidence to pursue a music career.

Do you support any charities and in what way?

I do support charities - mainly Aids Project Los Angeles. They have been around a long time - unfortunately - and have done some amazing work. I am also trying to give back with my new CD by participating in some Benefit concerts. There is always more to do though!

In your bio you talk of your love of Christmas and family...will you be home this holiday season?

Yes, I always head back to Wisconsin at some point during the Holidays. Growing up the youngest of 7 kids - Christmas was always a big event. This year when I go back, I will be doing a benefit concert at my high school with proceeds going to the Judy Kuble Music Scholarship Fund. After the show my family will all get together to celebrate the season - we always have a great time.

Are you working on new material to follow up this CD and your debut, "Somewhere In Time"?

At the moment I'm just focusing on promoting this CD and getting ready to enjoy my favorite season of the year! I have thoughts about another CD - but that's about as far as it is right now.

If you could collaborate with one musician, who would it be and why?

I would love to do a duet with Trisha Yearwood - she has the most incredible voice! She's the reason I started listening to country cross-over.

What song is getting the most play on your i-pod this week?

Well - this week I have to say - the most plays are the rehearsal tracks of my CD for my upcoming show here in LA on Nov. 20th. But a friend just turned my on to an a cappella group called Sonos - and I love their version of the Fleet Foxes song, "White Winter Hymnal." This is what I have been listening to to take a break from rehearsing.

Thanks again Kevin and good luck.

Here is "Little Drummer Boy"...have a great weekend y'all and wish my bride Nancy luck as she takes her Insurance License test tomorrow...

OOPSIE - forgot to add the song last night...

I told you there were two CDs waiting for review. This is a total 180 degrees from our last artist.

Our guest's name is Kevin Koelbl (pronounced cable), and after receiving his degree in Vocal Performance, he began appearing in regional theater productions of Carnival, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Fantasticks, A Little Night Music, Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, Anything Goes and ShowBoat.

A love of musical theater and its songbook has led to is worldwide touring and performing in places as diverse as Tokyo Disneyland, both the Royal Viking and Princess Cruise Lines, the Rose Tattoo, the Gardenia Room, Debbie Reynold‘s Hotel & Casino, the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Cinegrill, and long-term engagements in Switzerland and Japan.

When Michael Crawford left his headlining role in EFX at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, Kevin stepped into Mr. Crawford’s role and received critical acclaim. Showbiz Magazine said: “Koelbl’s deep voice and dark features add a haunting quality to the show.”

In 2001, Mr. Koelbl released his debut CD, Somewhere In Time which was pre-nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal for the 44th Annual Awards.

Now, Mr. Koelbl is releasing his next endeavor, a CD entitled This Is Christmas Time, a collection of holiday standards, done with a fresh take.

On this CD he duets with Heidi Godt (direct from the Broadway cast of Mama Mia) and Tami Tappan Damiano (star of Miss Saigon).

A true Holiday CD from Broadway. On the CD he covers the Irving Berlin songs "Count Your Blessings" and "Snow", as well as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Sleigh Ride" and the title track, an original written by Steven Santoro, as well as 9 other standards.

It is evident from the opening notes, Mr. Koelbl is one heck of a singer. A deep robust voice with a silky quality to it he attacks (can you attack a Christmas song?) these standards with vigor.

There are a few kinks along the way...not in Mr. Koelbl's vocals but in the arrangements selected. I was not real impressed with "O Holy Night", nor did his version of "Silent Night" move me at all. It staggers along and then becomes something that it was never intended to be...a jarring swirling uncomfortable rendition and is probably the one cut I disliked the most.

But when he and the band rip into the above mentioned, "Sleigh Ride", well you can feel the wind on your cheeks and the snow in your hair.

"Little Drummer Boy" transports you to another space - the drums and bass lay out almost a reggae feel for this timeless classic.

There are so many great Christmas songs out there...this is probably one of the most difficult albums of music for any artist to succeed with, as they will always be compared to the standards we grew up with as children.

But I think Mr. Koelbl does himself proud with this release.

I will send it along to one person, based upon your comments.

This is "Snowfall/White Christmas"...enjoy

There are three dates on Mr. Koelbl's schedule...
Friday, November 20, 2009
Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 8:00pm
Kevin Koelbl with Matt Harris on piano, Trey Henry on bass, Ray Brinker on drums
M Bar & Restaurant 1253 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038
To Reserve a Table Call (323) 856-0036

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Show at 2:00pm
Performing Arts Society of Nevada Christmas Benefit Concert
Kevin Koelbl with Greg Bosler on piano
Clark County Library 1401 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Saturday, December 19, 2009
Show at 2:00pm
This Is Christmas Time CD Release Concert
Kevin Koelbl with Tom Ditzler on piano, Kurt Stein on bass, Mike Underwood on drums
Proceeds to benefit the Judy Kuble Music Scholarship Fund
Lourdes High School Bill Behring's Commons, 110 N Sawyer St, Oshkosh, WI 54902