Paul Kelly Records Funeral Songs, Will Tour Them In Churches

Respected Aussie musician Paul Kelly has announced a unique new album and tour this morning — he and Charlie Owen have recorded an album of funeral songs and will be taking the record out on the road to a selection of churches and cathedrals.

The album, aptly titled Death's Dateless Night, is said to be "live and sparse", with Kelly and Owen only enlisting family members such as Kelly's sister Mary Jo and daughters Maddy and Memphis for occasional vocals.

"Charlie and I had talked over the years about making a record together but had never got around to it," Kelly explains. "Driving to a friend’s funeral last year and discussing the songs we’d played at other such occasions, separately and together, finally gave us our frame. Songs mostly written by others  – Cole Porter, Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen, Hank Williams, Lennon/McCartney  - and some traditional.

"I stuck to singing and playing acoustic guitar. Charlie was the swing man, playing dobro, lap steel, electric guitar, synthesizer and piano. I managed to talk him into singing some harmonies too.