Even if one's not really keen on Broadway musicals, there is no reason not to like Inspiration, the debut album of piano girl Cathy Wiegand, aka Keyboard Cathy. Obviously, this is a one-woman show and it's basically a showcase of her wealth of musical talents. She also produced the album herself. 

For me, "Golden Child" is a standout track and remains a top favorite. The tempo, together with the piano accompaniment contributes to the song's beautiful and steady flow. The tune itself is just plain catchy and offers some hooks here and there. Melodically, it's also hypnotically repetitive. In "Sushi Lover", the spoken lines delightfully remind 
me of the spoken lead-in to The Divine Comedy's "Something for the Weekend" while " Rachel Falls in Love" is pure Broadway stuff. I found it especially easy to visualize a short play in my mind based on the story told in this song. 

Apart from the Broadway influence, much of the album is pop-driven, found in some tracks such as "Eternity", "Penny for Your Thoughts" and "Give a 
Little More" (whose intro, really does remind me of Bread's "Lost without Your Love".) Cathy's cover of "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish" is 
thoroughly enjoyable and it will surely provoke one to tap-dance to its light and easygoing melody. 

There are also two instrumentals included on this album: "Dwarves" and "Reflections". The former could set a perfect musical background for one "Lord of the Rings" films. (After all, it was inspired 
by a chapter of a J.R.R Tolkien novel.) The latter's poignant, introspective music really does give justice to its title. 

Keyboard Cathy's vocals exhibit a wonderful range. With a female twist she presents a hybrid of Neil Hannon and Scott Walker (if you note the vocal timbre and brightness.) 

Even though Keyboard Cathy's music is obviously Broadway-inspired, (and more recently influenced by The Divine Comedy and Scott Walker), her music is otherwise original, and it shows. That means Cathy wants to establish her own musical identity this early in her career, and she achieves it with aplomb. 

All in all, Inspiration is a terrific, clever album, filled to the brim with lots of delightful and often exuberant tunes--of course, not perfect in some angles but still a joy to listen to. Everyone who genuinely loves good music (and loves life as well!) will definitely have no problem liking this awe-inspiring debut.
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Love this album. Funny, original, tuneful and clever. I woke up this morning with Golden Child running through my head. Highly recommended for anyone who loves real music, with a quirky feel.
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