Over the past thirty years, Paul Kelly’s influential career has seen him release nineteen studio albums, several film soundtracks and two live albums. Soul and Gospel music has been one of his long-standing loves as evidenced in the work he’s done with Renee Geyer, Christine Anu, Emma Donovan and Vika and Linda. But he’s never done a whole album along those lines. Until now, and to accompany the release of The Merri Soul Sessions recordings, Paul is delighted to announce a national metropolitan city tour in January 2015.
Paul will perform alongside fellow artists and close friends on lead vocals – including Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, Vika Bull and Linda Bull – as well as his long-serving touring band: Peter Luscombe on drums and percussion; Bill McDonald on bass; Ash Naylor on guitar; Cam Bruce on piano and organ, and Vika & Linda Bull on harmonies.
Opening for The Merri Soul Sessions at selected headline shows will be Grammy-nominated neo-soul quartet, Hiatus Kaiyote.
Paul Kelly has an enduring place in the Australian psyche, his stories synonymous with our landscape, history and lifestyle. It seems fitting for the new chapter in this influential career to include collaborations with the next generation of Australian musicians.
The Merri Soul Sessions, Paul Kelly’s 20th studio release, will be available for pre-order from www.paulkelly.com.au from Friday October 31st with the official release date slotted for Friday December 12th.
Paul Kelly Presents – The Merri Soul Sessions Tour Dates
Fri 9 Jan – Sydney Festival, Parramatta Opening Party, Parramatta NSW
Sat 10 Jan – Summer of Soul Festival, Mossvale VIC
Fri 16 Jan – MONA FOMA, Princes Wharf, Hobart TAS
Sat 17 Jan – Sundown Sessions, Scarborough Park WA (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Wed 21 Jan – Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Thu 22 Jan – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD (seated, with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Fri 23 Jan – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD (standing, Hiatus Kaiyote)
Sat 31 Jan – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide SA (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Fri 6 Feb – Taronga Zoo, Sydney NSW (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Sat 7 Feb – Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne VIC (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Tue 10 Feb – Darwin Entertainment Centre (with Hiatus Kaiyote)
Wed 11 Feb – Darwin Entertainment Centre (with Hiatus Kaiyote)