As illustrated on this reissue of a 2004 collection, Paul Mercer is a bit of a master at the violin and viola.
Paul clearly has a relationship with his instruments (he names most of the ones featured on "Ghosts"), they're not just things he "plays". Each has a distinct voice and, as each of the pieces found here is an improvisation, evokes a different mood.
Mr Mercer hasn't picked the instrument for the composition, it's as if the songs and sounds are conjured up out of the material component of the instrument.... *like the insturments are playing Paul*, not the other way 'round.
Naming this series of songs "Ghosts" makes complete sense, Mercer is the medium here for possessing spirits and voices woven into the wood of the violins and violas that come to life on this album. They each have stories to tell and Paul doesn't get in they way of their tales. Sometimes they're seductive, sometimes driving, frequently haunting.
In the end it adds up to a lovely, and unique, listening experience.
