Composer Keith Kenniff started playing drums, guitar and bass at an early age. His musical path eventually led him to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with honors in 2006 with a B.A. in percussion. In 2001 Keith began writing ambient electronic music under the moniker Helios, and he also released a number of full length albums over the years influential imprints Merck Records and Type Records.
Kenniff also records and performs music for solo piano under the name Goldmund for which he has four releases on Type Records and Western Vinyl, including the forthcoming All Will Prosper, set for release on December 6th on Western Vinyl. The new full length 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.
His music as Goldmund, and under his own name has been featured in many films, such as "Mister Lonely" by acclaimed indie filmmaker Harmony Korine and can be heard regularly on programs produced by NPR, and the BBC.
