Just in time for Christmas, the Territory’s own Murry Rhodes has released his debut album Silhouettes of Song.
Murry is a relative newcomer to the music industry, having worked most his life as an electrician in the Outback. He honed his craft traveling across the country for the last two years, playing everywhere from cocktail bars to caravan parks. This album draws on that experience. When you’re there to entertain a crowd that doesn’t know who you are, you typically play covers, and they make up the bulk of this release.
I was drawn in from the first song, a flawless cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind.” Some covers reminded me of all that I loved about the original, like his take on “Hallelujah.” So many people have covered this song over the years, but his version was every bit as good as the best I’ve heard. I haven’t listened to “Seven Spanish Angels” in years; this version brought tears to my eyes. Other tracks made me see the songs in a new way. For example, I don’t think I’d heard the pain and struggle in “Drift Away” before. There were a couple of missteps for me though. “Makin’ Whoopee” and “Hey Good Lookin’” probably went down a treat in the country’s piano bars. They seem effortless, perhaps too effortless. There’s nothing to fault per se, but they don’t quite stir me in the same way as some of the more unconventional choices.
Murry has included two original songs here, and they really showcase his gift as a songwriter. These two numbers are as powerful as any of the more established songs included on this release. “Lifetime,” which reflects on the impact of depression as the years pass, is particularly moving.
Murry Rhodes has a voice that is so rich and beautiful. It’s not a perfect voice, but one that drips with emotion. It adds extra weight to this already stellar collection of songs. I love that this is a minimalist album; with just a man and his piano the songs have the right amount of room to breathe. The instrument isn’t just used as accompaniment either. There are moments where his skills on the keys shine, as they should. Murry Rhodes is a complete artist, not just a singer that plays a little piano. He might be late to the music game, but I’m thrilled he’s downed electrical tools and decided to share his gift with us.
Silhouettes of Song is out now. Murry Rhodes will play Darwin at the Hub in Palmerston on December 23 and 30.
Wow, Lauren your review moved me as much as my music moved you.. Thank you so very much for using such an eloquent pen. My music being appreciated like that is the pinnacle of why I play and sing and all the hard work that gone into the last 18months. I feel so very appreciated and that it is a nice little accomplishment.. Thank You so much.. 🙂 After reading your Bio, I know that you’re really gonna love the next album that I’m putting together… SOS #2.. 🙂
Any time Murry! It’s always a pleasure when music like yours lands in my inbox 🙂
Awesome Murry. Keep your eye on the path ahead and you’ll never look back. So pleased for you. Cheers, BruceL
Awesome…so proud of your achievements bro!!!
Ahh beautiful… Thanks guys.. I only just revisited this site now 22nd June 2020.. It has been a long journey since this album and now 7 more albums later I have just started to work on the marketing into the USA.. Fingers crossed the work leads to more work. 😀 .. Anyone can find my newer songs at http://www.murryrhodes.com/new-songs or follow the story some more at my face book group.. http://www.facebook.com/groups/murryrhodes Take Care… Cheers MuzZ 🙂
Thanks for checking in MuzZ!