This is classic poetry set to music. Sung, not spoken. The poems are surrounded by a rich combination of acoustic instruments- guitar, mandolin, pump organ, violin, acoustic bass and a host of other odds and ends. The poets include Blake, Auden, Stevens, cummings, Hughes and others including one translation of a traditional pygmy chant. The whole recording is on the dark, serious side of the spectrum - the emphasis is on beauty and remaining true to the poet's intent.
Mulhollan has long been a member of the folk duo 'Still on the Hill' which has developed a solid national following over the last 10 years. While there are traces of a folk element on this CD, it is altogether different from the previous Still on the Hill offerings. This body of work is 'banjo free'. Here, Mulhollan stretches his creative, musical wings in new directions, wrapping every detail and innuendo of the poet's words into songs that lift the words from the page and allow them to fly.
Read more...