The Western and 3rd Worlds Come Together In Music
Growing up in Papua New Guinea, Geof Kimber was surrounded with the third world sounds of kundu drums and conch shells, bamboo pan flutes, marimbas, and jews harps.
Although his contact with the western world was limited, the budding composer also lived near a mission station where he learned to play instruments like piano and guitar. When given the option of learning an extra instrument, he jumped at the opportunity and picked up the trombone which he played in their dixieland jazz band.
The diversity of cultures he experienced as a youth has continued somewhat into his adulthood. "I was born in Papua New Guinea to an Australian father and a New Zealand mother, and married a southern belle from SC, USA. And we drive a car from Japan," quips Geof.
Not surprisingly, his music today reflects the contrasting influences of his life. "Some of the sounds I grew up around are rhythmical, and some are more airy and tranquil," explains Geof. "The music styles are both contemporary and classical. Combine them and you get - well, a little backyard Beethoven."
Intrigued with keyboards and electronic instruments, Kimber branched into the world of recording as he grew older. That interest has resulted in him putting together his own studio, headed up with an Apple computer and various instruments he has accumulated since leaving Papua New Guinea.
He has worked as a featured performer in family variety shows, "The Myrtle Beach Opry" and "The Carolina Opry" in Myrtle Beach SC, and as an independent Christian artist. Working in that capacity for 15 years, he has traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada.
Geof enjoys sitting down to play some quiet music as the end of a busy day, and his playing often results in a new tune. Recently he started arranging and recording some of them, releasing a debut CD, "Sunset," in September 09.
The music of Backyard Beethoven is recorded on Kimber's Aiyura Music label, named after the valley he grew up in. You can visit him at his website, www.backyardbeethoven.com.
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