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Blues Underground Network Chris Murphy "Hotwired" (Canada) |
 Chris Murphy has been a celebrated
Canadian Bluesman, Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalists for many
years now. Based in London, Ontario, Chris has been the frontman in his
own band since 1985.
Accolades
have certainly come his way over the years with no less than 11 Maple
Blues Award Nominations gathered already, and that was in a span of 12
years, in the category of Horn Player of The Year. Chris tours extensively
and has been called "by the London Free Press as "one of the busiest
musicians in South-Western Ontario." In addition
to touring with his band, you can also catch him performing
with "two time Juno Award Winning Guitarist,
Jack de Keyzer, Alberta Adams (Detroit’s Queen of the Blues), The Maple
Blues Revue (Canada’s 11 piece All Star Blues Ensemble)." "Hotwired"
marks Chris Murphy's 3rd Solo release and his 7th release, as a
bandleader.
"Hotwired" consists of 12 great Tracks, split
evenly between originals and covers. Of the 6 originals, all were written
by Chris Murphy. Fellow Canadian Blues and Roots artist Mike Clark
is featured on Track 3 with his cover "Forget About You", a blazing
bar room guitar fused tune. Other interesting covers included Track
5, "Funkalishus" a Dr. John instrumental, and "Just My Imagination", a standard
by the Legendary Soul group, The Temptations. In addition
to "Funkalishus", "Hotwired" contained 2 other great instrumentals,
which included Track 2, the title Track and Track 8 "Burnin'
Rubber", both of which were Chris Murphy originals, and both of which
not only show off Chris's exceptional Sax playing, but also the band as a
whole, especially Guitarist Teddy Leonard and Lance Anderson on
Organ and Piano.
In addition to Teddy Leonard, whom is Canada's Iconic Band Fathead's Guitarist
and Producer, and Lance Anderson, whom also Produced "Hotwired", this
album also features Garth Vogan (Bass), Tim Tyler (Drums/Background Vocals),
Howard Moore (Trumpet), Amoy & Ceceal Levi (Background Vocals),
and Ryan Spong (Background Vocals on Track 9 "Hold It Right
There"). Special Guest Jack de Keyzer makes an appearance on Tracks 1 &
9 "Something Else"/Hold It Right There", in the capacity of
Guitar Solo's, and simply sizzles.
"Hotwired" has no problem showing us that Chris
Murphy is not only an accomplished Singer, Writer,
and Saxman, but it also shows us his skill as a seasoned Frontman, whom seems to effortlessly guide
his troupe of amazing artists through the many textured layers
of this amazingly good album.
With the
release of "Hotwired", Chris Murphy not only follows in the styles of
Canadian greats, Downchild, Powder Blues Band, and Fathead, but he
also takes his style to a creative and unique level.
"Hotwired"
is a rare treat...
Review by
John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
Listen To Samples
Here...
Additional Artist
Info...
http://www.chrismurphysax.ca/
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