Embarking on a literary journey alongside the likes of Ernest Hemingway may seem audacious, but when the words of a master craftsman like Hemingway serve as your muse, that’s nothing short of brilliance.
P.J.M. Bond, in a quest for artistic inspiration, retreated to the seclusion of a log cabin to craft his debut album, In Our Time, a heartfelt tribute to Hemingway’s legendary short story collection bearing the same name.
Bond says this as Hemingway as his inspiration,
“Accepting Hemingway as my guide was liberating on the one hand, because I did not have to think of a track listing, the moods were already there, and the themes and directions of my lyrics to each song were already contained within the stories. On the other hand, this way of writing proved to be quite restrictive and alienating, because you cannot make a song fit if the story is unaccepting of it.“
On the collection of In Our Time, Bond says,
“I quickly realized that the short story is a perfect vehicle for the song form, and especially Hemingway’s writing, which despite its seemingly simple prose, is characterized by intricately crafted stories.”
Seventeen stories translated into seventeen tracks, no small feat, even for seasoned artists. Yet, Bond’s creative fervour demonstrates that raw inspiration can propel one farther than any accolades or established status ever could.
His debut single, “The End of Something,” garnered applause from both ardent fans and discerning critics, who revelled in the harmonious marriage of literature and folk music, resulting in a profoundly moving fusion of lyrical prose and musical melody.
Building on that success, Bond unveiled the Big Two-Hearted River: Part II EP, featuring three additional tracks: the evocative title track, “Indian Camp,” and “Mr. and Mrs. Elliot,” each an ode to the stories within In Our Time.
Is it necessary to be a Hemingway aficionado or familiar with his tales to appreciate Bond’s musical interpretations of In Our Time? Absolutely not. However, those who hold Hemingway’s work close to their hearts will undoubtedly find a deeper connection with Bond’s artistry.
As the music unfolds, it becomes clear that In Our Time is like its inspiration, a poetic narrative, a sonnet of the heart, and an ode to the human spirit. It’s a reminder that music, at its core, is poetry in motion, a form of expression that transcends mere words and melodies, reaching into the very essence of our existence.
Like Hemingway, Bond has created a lyrical masterpiece that weaves together human experience, love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning and Bond’s words resonate with a depth that will linger in the soul, inviting introspection and contemplation.
With In Our Time, P.J.M. Bond has masterfully fused literature and music, creating a soul-searching odyssey that yearns for liberation from the familiar shackles of life. His prose exudes poetic resonance and heartfelt depth, while his music offers solace and companionship in the unending pursuit of dreams. Bond’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of creative synergy between words and melodies.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “The Battler”, “End of Something”, “Cat in the Rain”, “Out of Season”, “My Old Man”, “Big Two-Hearted River Part II”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “The Battler”, “End of Something”, “My Old Man”
