Meet Me in the Middle of the Air

Music and Lyrics: Paul Kelly
Arrangements: Paul Grabowsky
Musical Director: Paul Grabowsky
Premiere: 9th June 2006, Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Program Details

48 Angels (Paul Kelly)
Be Careful What You Pray For (Paul Kelly)
The Gift That Keeps On Giving (Paul Kelly)
Surely God Is A Lover (Paul Kelly)
Love Is The Law (Paul Kelly)
Coma (music by Paul Kelly, Peter Luscombe, Steve Hadley, Bruce Haymes)
My Way Is To You (Paul Kelly)
Glory Be To God (Paul Kelly)
God Told Me So (Paul Kelly)
Jump To Love (Paul Kelly)
Passed Over (Paul Kelly)
Meet Me In The Middle Of The Air (Paul Kelly)
God’s Hotel (music by Paul Kelly, lyrics by Nick Cave)
Gathering Storm (music by Paul Kelly, Jex Saarelaht)

Program Notes

Meet Me in the Middle of the Air features the songs of Paul Kelly, arranged for the Australian Art Orchestra and choir by jazz great Paul Grabowsky, with sister act Vika and Linda Bull on guest vocals.

Religious in theme, these 'songs about God' explore spiritual concerns both old and new. Each one tells a story and many ask a question: 'Does God like sex?' 'Can hymn singing be cabaret? '.

Roaming the borderline between body and soul, Meet Me in the Middle of the Air incorporates Cuban and Latin rhythms, gypsy and ragtime influences into it's musical arrangements, as well as dwelling on ethereal concepts.

Tour History

2006 - Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Cabaret Festival
2008 - Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Performance Artists

Paul Grabowsky Piano
Alex Pertout Percussion
Niko Schauble Drums
Iain Grandage Cello
Philip Rex Double Bass
Scott Tinkler Trumpet
John Rodgers Violin
Stephen Magnusson Guitar
Jordon Murray / James Greening Trombone
Paul Cutlan Reeds

John O'Donnell Sound

Collaborators: Paul Kelly, vocals
Vika and Linda Bull, vocals
Adelaide Cabaret Festival Cat Scratch Choir (Adelaide Cabaret Festival, 2006)
Tina Harrod (Sydney Opera House, 2008)
Duration: 1hr 30min
Interval : No

Press for Meet Me in the Middle of the Air

A Dazzling Achievement

The Independant Weekly  (David Sly)  12 June 2006

Kelly Delivers a Cabaret Revelation

Sunday Mail  (John Merriman)  11 June 2006

Risky Mix of Religion

The Australian  (John McBeath)  12 June 2006