CD Review & Giveaway: Corneille - The Birth of Cornelius

Thanks to Music Moms, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the new album, The Birth of Cornelius from the rising star Corneille.

Once again, I admit this is not my usual style of music - what intrigued me the most was Corneille's story, and I want to share it with you. Corneille was born in Germany while his parents were studying there. When he was seven, they returned back to their home country of Rwanda.

His father nurtured his interest in music. When he was 16, he made his first recording and was a finalist in a music contest sponsored by Rwanda's state-run television. It looked like he was on his way.

But in 1994, as most of you will remember, Rwanda entered into a horrible time. Over 800,00 people were unjustly killed, and Corneille's parents and other family members were among the victims. Corneille managed to escape and found his way back to Germany, and eventually to Montreal.

He formed a band called O.N.E. and in 2002 released his first studio album, Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin, which while it didn't take off in Canada, caught attention in France.

Corneille received a Felix Award after he achieved platinum status back in Canada after the re-release of his album.

The Birth of Cornelius, released March 10, 2009, is his third studio album, and his English language debut. It has elements of acoustic driven R&B. Corneille reminds me a lot of Eagle Eye Cherry (remember him?) I think if you love that style of music, you're going to love The Birth of Cornelius.

"Sweet Dependency" is a great song to have playing during a romantic dinner.

I give Corneille bonus points because not only is he a spokesperson for Red Cross Canada, he is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

If you visit Corneille's website, and click on over to the Amazon link, you'll see a link for a free download of "Too Much Of Everything".

Win it! Corneille has autographed a copy of The Birth of Cornelius for one of my lucky readers! (Thank you Corneille!) To enter, visit his website, go on over to Amazon, and listen to some of the tracks. Let us know what you favorite one is! (not mentioned in this review)

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US only (sorry!) Contest ends March 28th at 11:59 PST. Please leave your email address if you want me to tell you that you won, otherwise please remember to check back.