OUT OF THE GRAY

A new solo CD of instrumental compositions

 Out of the Gray is now available! You can hear sound clips and download the complete album from this site (below). There’s also a limited number of physical CDs available for those of us not quite ready to surrender to the internet.

When our son Taylor asked me if I would make a recording of some of my instrumental music, I really had no choice but to make this album. 

I’ve had a scrapbook of melodies floating in my head for 40 years and have long dreamed of fleshing them out in a more orchestrated form.  I wrote them in my early 20’s when I was deeply immersed in classical music.  A time of discovery.  I was falling in love with certain composers and much under their spell.   

Finally, after 40 years of procrastination, I was ready to start recording--and the pandemic hit!  I fell into a dark state where I just wanted to sleep.  I eventually managed to drag myself into my studio to start on what is now Taylor’s Suite.  Beginning to feel the light again, I pressed forward.  With each piece, the very process of making this recording lifted me from that gray place. 

It was important to me to include tributes to some of my favorite composers who have guided my musical journey.  I chose Monteverdi, Rameau, Ives, and Satie.  This is my humble attempt to walk in their shoes and utilize their melodic language.  

I worked with the instruments that I have and can play.  Kind of an odd folk chamber ensemble.  With my nylon string guitar at the center, my precious ESTEY pump organ is almost an equal partner.  The ESTEY is an old 1940’s organ that folds into a suitcase for graveside services.  Next comes the recorders (tenor, alto, and soprano), then upright bass (plucked and bowed).  That’s the core of my ensemble, my quartet.  Beyond that, there are many other elements as listed in the track notes.  My wife Donna contributes violin on three cuts and our friend, Stephen Coger plays trumpet on Busker’s Waltz.  

Gray Hale is a lifelong friend and musical companion who I must mention.  Gray was a bandmate in my high school/college years and together we discovered the composers that continue to inspire our work.  Gray knows my old melodies as well as I do.   He was invaluable in helping to guide this project forward over the telephone.  Thank you Gray.

Finally, I want to thank Donna for believing in this music and encouraging me to put it out into the world.  Thank you Donna. 

- Kelly Mulhollan