The Valley’s own Ed Peekeekoot is offering tunes from his latest CD Island Man in a special show Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mercury Theatre in Duncan.
He’s teaming up with Gabriola-based cellist Corbin Keep for a CD — and an evening of music — that celebrates their island homes.
Their collaboration began when Peekeekoot first heard Keep playing at the Islands Folk Festival in 2010. Both are seasoned performers and have had successful solo careers in their own right but they shine as a duo, too.
After a long creative gestation period, they are presenting their first collaborative CD, Âtayôhkan, a tour de force of gorgeous, deeply felt native flute and cello compositions.
While Peekeekoot has lived on Vancouver Island since 1989, he maintains strong roots with the Âhtahkakoop Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan, where he was born.
The title of this CD is a Plains Cree word, Âtayôhkan: ancient ones, who, their earth lessons completed, now work with the Creator.
This disc was recorded at Zak Cohen’s studio (woodshoprecording.com) in Duncan and on Gabriola at Keep’s studio using instruments made in the Cowichan Valley from mostly local wood by Cowichan Lake-area artisans.
The flutes were carved by Rommey Verlaan (heartsongflutes.ca), the cello was built by Zak Stolk (zakviolins.com), and Corbin’s cello bow was made by Reid Hudson (reidhudson.com).
The stunning cover art was created by Duncan artist Icebear (icebearstudios.com) who drew on his past background as a graphic artist to honour the deep friendship he and Peekeekoot share.
Tickets are $10 each at door.