Golden Guitar winner Norma O’Hara Murphy has released a new album, Freedom Road, dedicated to everyone out on the road, living the nomad life, and exploring the country.
The album mixes new songs with favourite older tracks. It was launched at Ms O’Hara Murphy’s Bony Mountain Festival in September.
It follows her recent single, an Aussie take on the country classic Tennessee Waltz, which was her first new release in several years.
“At my time of life I realise this could well be my final album, but God willing there will be more,” Ms O’Hara Murphy said.
“I like to keep looking ahead and planning ahead, and I’m very grateful to still be able to pull this off.”
“I am excited for the future, and I am excited for Freedom Road.”
A bush kid at heart, the Warwick singer-songwriter fell in love with the poems and stories of Banjo Paterson as a child. She has always seen the country she grew up in through his eyes, and that love of the outback, real country folk, and the Aussie way of life runs right through the album.
She plans to join the travellers herself next year.
“I intend to join you and explore some of the places I’ve been before but never had the time to just take my time and really soak it all in,” she said.
The album features several new songs written for the project, along with older tracks to introduce her music to new listeners.
The title track and Riding with the Wind are both philosophical songs about chasing the open road.
Focus single Depot Hill shares a piece of history from Rockhampton, a pioneer town still standing today whose history was very nearly lost.
The Drum & the Bell, written by Kelly Dixon, recalls the boxing tent and the legendary Fred Brophy. The Unknown Soldier was inspired by the story behind Australia’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Lead single Tennessee Waltz was written by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King in 1946 and made famous by Patti Page. Recorded with saxophone, Ms O’Hara Murphy’s version brings back memories of the old country halls she grew up around, with the dance band playing and sawdust on the floor.
“I reckon I can do this song justice and do a really good Aussie version,” she said.
Physical copies of Freedom Road can be ordered from Ms O’Hara Murphy’s website.
“It is totally a Norma O’Hara Murphy album, and my fans know what to expect from me,” she said.
“I think that’s always the thing that people love about my music: it’s very honest and it’s very real.”
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