He's spent years researching the life and times of Ned Kelly and now Cowra singer and songwriter, John Dreverman has released a solo CD recording the life of the infamous bushranger.
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After the executive producer for the 2003 blockbuster, 'Ned Kelly', featuring Heath Ledger spent time at Mr Dreverman's health retreat, the opportunity to write a song for the film's soundtrack arose. With the movie in pre-production, Mr Dreverman penned 'The Ballad of Ned Kelly', and while the film took a different turn with its musical genre, the inspiration for the CD, titled 'The Ballad of Ned Kelly' had taken place.
After two years and many hours of research, Mr Dreverman's CD, featuring seven songs is now complete.
"I think I read every single Ned Kelly book there is," Mr Dreverman said.
"I tried to use Ned Kelly's own words as much as possible, the majority of the 'Ballad of Ned Kelly' is things he said."
Mr Dreverman recorded the album over a period of eight weeks, filling up his Thursdays with song and guitar. Both the bass guitar and slide guitar, along with Mr Dreverman's vocal talents feature throughout the seven songs.
Mr Dreverman said the songs cover a wide range of Ned Kelly's life.
"It's not sure whether he had a girlfriend or if he was married but 'Ned's Girl' is about his mum or his various girlfriends," he said.
"'Just Cause (Jerilderie Letter)' takes the core of that well-known letter and puts it into music."
A second CD for Mr Dreverman, 'The Ballad of Ned Kelly' is now available for purchase on iTunes and in local CD shops.
