Paul Kelly – Conversations With Ghosts
Eastside Radio’s album of the week is Conversations With Ghosts by Paul Kelly.
The twelve tracks that comprise this album explore themes of death and mortality, but what would generally be deemed a grim topic is transformed into an enchanting and compelling collection of beautifully constructed and unearthly sounds.
With the songs co-written by Paul and one of Australia’s most compelling composers James Ledger, Conversations with Ghosts’ subject matter is drawn from the poetic brilliance of Les Murray, W.B Yeats, Judith Wright and Lord Alfred Tennyson and others. With the help of recorder extraordinaire Genevieve Lacey, as well as a selection of musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music, this album is a multi-layered feast of instrumentation including strings, woodwind and the occasional note of brass.
The sound of the album is majestic yet eerie, and contains moments that hold you in anticipation with the mesmerising yet distant voice of Paul and the suspenseful ambiance created by these talented musicians. Yet be prepared for a complete 180 degree change, when the emphatic poetic voice transforms into the unmistakable baritone of Paul Kelly.
A magical album that is great for relaxing at home or companionship on a long drive, Conversations With Ghosts is beautifully soulful, and our feature album here at Eastside Radio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-re4gMt7Vo