Matthew Ebel

Item: Filling the Pages
Author: Matthew Williams

Filling the Pages

(2001)

Reviewed by Matthew Williams

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Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

adult contemporary ccm piano rock singer-songwriter

Filling the Pages, the second independent release by singer/songwriter Matthew Ebel, is a ten-song collection of stories and tales from Ebel's life. At times reminiscent of the late Keith Green, both vocally and musically, Ebel brings an extensive background of musical training and an honest, transparent approach to the adult-contemporary arena of Christian music.

The title track introduces the album's theme: "So what do the stories all mean?/ I try to find some common thread/I tell you it's true, Jesus cares about you and he straightens the road up ahead...I believe and I am not afraid/I'm filling the pages with stories and choices I've made." Ebel pulls no punches from the start and creates an air of realness that continues throughout the album.

"Sally Went Down" is a jazz-infused track that highlights Ebel's ability to belt out a soul-laden vocal performance, while showcasing his talent on the keyboard. Ebel's voice sounds most comfortable in this style of music, and quite honestly, he sounds like he's having more fun. Several other songs on Filling the Pages seem plagued by Ebel's extensive vocal training, as if vocal technique proves more of a hindrance than help. It's on this song, though, that Ebel's voice offers a smooth delivery mixed, paradoxically, with raw quality that may leave the listener wishing for more.

Ebel possesses a passionate delivery on the piano, which finds a perfect platform on the ballad "All I Want Is You." Spotlighting the captivating elements of love in a relationship, Ebel's piano playing and voice mix well in a performance that is both aesthetically pleasing and convincing. Lyrically, he errs toward the sappy side, but remains within the context of an unashamed love. In addition, his lyrical wanderings through the "land of love" are not too demanding of the listener, since his vocal and musical delivery take center stage.

Ebel closes the album of testimonies and stories with his own declaration in the song "I Will Follow." Again, the listener will find nothing hidden or ambiguous in the lyrics, just Ebel's own strong stance: "I will follow, I will die, I will make my stand with you/Ride with you 'till the morning sky, it's the least that I can do."

Lyrically, one probably will not find Ebel engrossing. His words are clear and honest, as is usually the case in a "storyteller" genre of music. Yet, his songs maintain depth of honesty as a whole through their message and, for the most part, there is the "common thread" that Ebel is looking for in the title track.

If you're looking to be dumbfounded and floored by theological discoveries accompanied by music, Filling the Pages is probably not for you. But if you're looking for a "piano man" with a story to tell, give Ebel a try. Either way, Ebel is a talented young artist who deserves a chance and may end up making some sonic waves in the future.