These hands
Neil Murray
Aurora Records through Festival
Reviewed by Ignatius Kim

It must be firm evidence of the anarchic nature of the market oriented recording industry when a singer-composer like Neil Murray has difficulty obtaining a record deal.

Formerly with the Warumpi Band, Murray began recording ``These hands'', his second solo offering, in mid-1991. Yet, it wasn't until May this year that he gained financial backing from Aurora (home to Archie Roach and Chris Wilson).

So the songs here have had a performing life prior to the album release. Says Murray: ``What made it worse was trying to explain to people at gigs where my album was''.

Without a doubt, it was worth the wait.

``These hands'' translates the pains and beauties of everyday life contemplatively without angst or exaggeration. From the frankness of ``Big Truck'' to the spirited ``Holy Road'' (the first single), Murray's voice is warm and reassuring. He sings with the calm wisdom of an oldtime storyteller.

At the same time, Murray also picks a few bones, reminding us not to mistake calmness for resignation. ``Salty Ground'' is about rural environmental damage, ``Broken English'' arose out of Murray's work in an Arnhem Lander community , and ``Is Nothing Gonna Change'' was written in light of the Gulf War and the escalation of struggle in South Africa.

Yet, these statements are not empty of hope: ``In this world there's Utopian ideals, some end in despair/ but when some have the courage to dream/ we all move a little closer there now''.

Mark Moffat and Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil) have ensured that the overall production, too, is steady as a rock. Murray is also occasionally accompanied by Marcia Hines (who gives ``Holy Road'' a real lift) and Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil).

I hope Neil Murray receives the attention he deserves.

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