Ian Kelly is back in the spotlight with Long Story Short, his sixth album, which will be released by Sunset Hill Music, this Friday, August 23rd.
The singer-songwriter invites us into his rich folk universe with a collection of songs that are both melancholic and full of light. The album, which Ian considers to be his most accomplished work to date, is an exercise in pure authenticity.
The album opens with Odd Places, a song in which Ian expresses his exasperation with society, and the impossible quest for constant economic growth at the expense of everything else. Ian rallies for simplicity, to slow down and enjoy living on Sweet Times and Simple Song.
He explores the shadow times that couples go through, that ultimately make them stronger, in the songs I Need Your Love, Things Look Fine, and Digging for Love.
During the recording sessions, Ian encouraged musicians to add their own special touches to the songs on Long Story Short. "I still really enjoy working alone, but I love playing with other musicians. The impact of collaboration on a song is a wonderful thing," says Ian.
The album features Mark Nelson on drums, Morgan Moore on bass, David Laflèche on guitar, Jonathan Cayer on keyboards, Jean-François "Fafoui" Gagnon on brass, and Mommies on the Run on strings. The strings magnify the bittersweet lyrics of Let Me Go, a song that expresses the conflicted emotions of sadness and hope that are felt during mourning.
With a duet in mind, Ian has been waiting for the perfect song to join his voice with Sarah Slean’s, one of his favourite singers. He found it in Let's Just Be Together, which tells the story of a couple going through changes, only to realise that they had everything they needed to be happy.
The album ends on a positive note with the song Hopeful Mind… despite life’s trials and tribulations, the future is bright.
The album Long Story Short will be available to purchase in stores and online as of Friday, August 23rd.

IanKellysMusic.com
Download: Album Artwork (jpg) • Photo (jpg) • Crédit: Martin Girard
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