Paul Kelly plays Brisbane
By Lynda Hansen.
Paul Kelly played to a capacity audience at the Concert Hall at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex on July 15. Starting on time with his new band complete with double bass and keyboard, he steered his fans through the journey of human emotions as only Paul Kelly can.
Songs like "Difficult Woman" and the tongue-in-cheek "Everybody Gets a Room in God's Hotel" set the mood for the evening. Paul chose material from a vast era of his musical career. "Gathering Storm" had a great gospel sound, while "Foggy Highway" and "We Started a Fire" allowed the band to slide into a cheery country feel.
Material off "16th Floor" and "Hanged Man", his most recent releases, were surprisingly his most impressive.
Paul Kelly told Green Left Weekly "this current tour is a theatre tour, but in three months time we'll be back for a pub tour", which he is looking forward to.
Intimate songs like "Summer Rain" and "Cake and the Candle" gave the audience a romantic insight into Paul's lyrical style. The optimistic sound of "Maybe This Time For Sure" and the passion of "Just Like Animals" left the fans shouting for more. The encore was Paul doing his solo version of "To Her Door" and a finale of "Ball and Chain".
The concert was a celebration of fine musicianship and captivating storytelling. Paul Kelly can still stir an audience with his unmistakable style. He shines on through with new experiences to share on his latest CD Hanged Man. Don't miss his next tour in three months time.