OFFICIAL: http://chrismurphymusic.com/
VIDEO: (“Cape Horn”) http://chrismurphymusic.com/video/
Written
by Raymond Burris, posted by blog admin
The
musical and personal experiences of a lifetime coupled with sharp skills and
the discipline to do what it takes to create and get his music out there
defines Chris Murphy’s artistic journey. It’s a trip that’s carried him from
his New York City beginnings to the sunny climes of Southern California, appearances
on television and film, and a growing discography of original compositions
that, frankly, entitles him to consideration among the nation’s best
songwriters. The latest release Hard Bargain was recorded in front of a live
audience and it’s obvious from the start that Murphy drew a very live,
enthusiastic audience for these songs. The songs are, uniformly, quite
excellent. Murphy is one of the rare talents who can revisit familiar musical
vehicles and appropriate the language of traditional music without sounding
like a hamfisted dilettante. He comes across as the real deal here, without
question, one man holding an audience spellbound with his voice, words, and
precious little instrumentation.
The
title song is the first moment that leaves a mark on listeners. The song has a
very simple structure and Murphy lights it up with his tale of bad luck and woe
. It draws deeply from the blues tradition and Murphy nails those time-honored
changes with head-down energy that sparks the audience to life. “Ain’t No Place”
and “Bugs Salcido” temper the mood considerably. The first track is a gospel
influenced number that inspires Murphy to a soulful instrumental and vocal
performance. This is a near perfect example of how Murphy sounds utterly
convincing adopting the language and tropes of traditional music – this song
could easily be confused with a half dozen fine gospel numbers from the early
20th century and its obvious Murphy knows his stuff, but he never
makes a great show of those moments and always uses them in clearly personal
contexts where they assume added resonance.
“Holcombe
Creek” definitely pursues a more Appalachian style and has an intensely
cinematic quality in its violin playing common to Murphy’s best work. “White
Noise” and “Last Bridge” are high points on the album thanks to their
accessibility – rarely has Murphy written such undeniable hooks for his songs
and they hang together so well that they are pleasures to hear from first note
to last. Murphy seems to sense this, as well, and delivers one of his most
inspired vocals on Hard Bargain with his turn on “Last Bridge”. “Trust” is
another gut wrenching number with a mood ranging from despairing to stormy.
Murphy really understands how to pare his musical and songwriting language down
to the essentials to really get to the heart of what he wants to say. Things
don’t noticeably brighten with the finale “Friend” but a close listener will
take heart from the fact that the “I” behind all these songs is searching,
never throwing in the towel, engaged with life. These songs are engaged with
life – they examine how we spend our days alive without sparing punches and
treating us to a dramatic musical experience. Hard Bargain is an often searing
musical journey you won’t regret taking.
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