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.