Dave Murphy

Pure vocals and intricate guitar work characterize the work of singer/songwriter Dave Murphy. The key here seems to be simplicity, which is found in abundance on his debut CD Under the Lights. Most of the tracks deal with common/universal themes such as love, loss and isolation, but in stark, refreshing ways.

On one excellent track entitled “Planet of Pain,” Murphy croons: “your face it appears / more than once in a while / I hold on to the dream / and the thought of your smile / I thought I was through with this time that I’ve served / but we make our own choices to forget what we’ve learned.” Another tune called “The Bottom” is a powerful examination of addiction. The array of emotions explored on this disc is astonishing, though not heavy handed.

By Susan Polese
- n/a

Pure vocals and intricate guitar work characterize the work of singer/songwriter Dave Murphy. The key here seems to be simplicity, which is found in abundance on his debut CD Under the Lights. Most of the tracks deal with common/universal themes such as love, loss and isolation, but in stark, refreshing ways.

On one excellent track entitled “Planet of Pain,” Murphy croons: “your face it appears / more than once in a while / I hold on to the dream / and the thought of your smile / I thought I was through with this time that I’ve served / but we make our own choices to forget what we’ve learned.” Another tune called “The Bottom” is a powerful examination of addiction. The array of emotions explored on this disc is astonishing, though not heavy handed.

By Susan Polese
- n/a

“DIY TOP 12”

Dave Murphy
Under the Lights

In his liner notes, Dave Murphy writes, “Most if not all of these songs speak of personal struggle. Thankfully we’re all given the opportunity to change.” He makes that point much more eloquently in his lyrics: “Something is lost and something is gained/Smile through the sorrow and dance in the rain.”

If struggle is the main theme of the bulk of Murphy’s songs, he manages to convey it with an easy-to-swallow, folk rock approach. He’s also been around long enough to know that the answer to the struggles usually lie within. “I thought that you would save me/But I know I need to save myself” he sings in “Save Me.” More hard- earned wisdom informs “The Bottom” as he tells a friend, “even at the bottom there’s still a little light.” “Planet of Pain” alludes to the fact that most personal struggles are actually universal.

Murphy sings in a gentle, unaffected baritone that suits his musings perfectly. He knows what he knows and he’s working on the rest. For the like-minded, Under the Lights will be illuminating, indeed.
- Neil Fagan

“DIY TOP 12”

Dave Murphy
Under the Lights

In his liner notes, Dave Murphy writes, “Most if not all of these songs speak of personal struggle. Thankfully we’re all given the opportunity to change.” He makes that point much more eloquently in his lyrics: “Something is lost and something is gained/Smile through the sorrow and dance in the rain.”

If struggle is the main theme of the bulk of Murphy’s songs, he manages to convey it with an easy-to-swallow, folk rock approach. He’s also been around long enough to know that the answer to the struggles usually lie within. “I thought that you would save me/But I know I need to save myself” he sings in “Save Me.” More hard- earned wisdom informs “The Bottom” as he tells a friend, “even at the bottom there’s still a little light.” “Planet of Pain” alludes to the fact that most personal struggles are actually universal.

Murphy sings in a gentle, unaffected baritone that suits his musings perfectly. He knows what he knows and he’s working on the rest. For the like-minded, Under the Lights will be illuminating, indeed.
- Neil Fagan

Dave Murphy
Under the Lights
(Phoenix Night Productions)

Too often, musicians who sizzle onstage are overproduced, sanitized and laminated in the studio. When their fans hit the store to buy a new release, they get a cartoon version of their hero, rather than the raw performance quality they expect. Not so with Dave Murphy. To paraphrase Clause Debussy, this New Jersey local’s debut album exemplifies the fact that “the music is the stuff between the notes.” Hands-off production and sparse instrumentation leave plenty of room for the listener to fall into the tracks and enjoy the elbow room here, rather than having to fight crowds of horns, bass drums, feedback, and backup singers.

Murphy’s pure vocals and intricate guitar work stand front and center on this album. The intimacy of his tales makes common subject matter compelling; even the most warn subjects (say, falling in love) seem surprisingly fresh, thanks to Murphy’s gift for uplifting melodies and sparse backing vocals. The extraordinary musicians he’s mustered for this album know when to shine and when to dim, depending on the mood of the piece. Their occasional flourishes, often reminiscent of Santana and Blues Traveler, add just enough texture but never distract.

Though it makes the album shine, the stuff between the notes would mean little if Murphy couldn’t deliver the goods. The collection’s simple, clean production compliments his bare-bones lyrics and smooth voice. A musical Raymond Carver, Murphy taps the raw nerve so many struggling songwriters can’t seem to find, creating a tight, focused album that delivers everything it promises. (Smith)
- Chris Smith

Dave Murphy
Under the Lights
(Phoenix Night Productions)

Too often, musicians who sizzle onstage are overproduced, sanitized and laminated in the studio. When their fans hit the store to buy a new release, they get a cartoon version of their hero, rather than the raw performance quality they expect. Not so with Dave Murphy. To paraphrase Clause Debussy, this New Jersey local’s debut album exemplifies the fact that “the music is the stuff between the notes.” Hands-off production and sparse instrumentation leave plenty of room for the listener to fall into the tracks and enjoy the elbow room here, rather than having to fight crowds of horns, bass drums, feedback, and backup singers.

Murphy’s pure vocals and intricate guitar work stand front and center on this album. The intimacy of his tales makes common subject matter compelling; even the most warn subjects (say, falling in love) seem surprisingly fresh, thanks to Murphy’s gift for uplifting melodies and sparse backing vocals. The extraordinary musicians he’s mustered for this album know when to shine and when to dim, depending on the mood of the piece. Their occasional flourishes, often reminiscent of Santana and Blues Traveler, add just enough texture but never distract.

Though it makes the album shine, the stuff between the notes would mean little if Murphy couldn’t deliver the goods. The collection’s simple, clean production compliments his bare-bones lyrics and smooth voice. A musical Raymond Carver, Murphy taps the raw nerve so many struggling songwriters can’t seem to find, creating a tight, focused album that delivers everything it promises. (Smith)
- Chris Smith

Rick's Picks / CDs of the Month

Dave Murphy
Chasing Ghosts

Though I've had this CD for a couple months, it wasn't until I awoke recently one morning hearing Dave's familiar songs playing in my mind that I knew with certainty what a powerful body of work he had created. Sure, the CD resonated with me on first listen and stayed in my player for a couple weeks. But I lost it somewhere in my chaotic day to day business of life. Yet those damn songs kept calling out to me...find me, if you can... I stumbled through the piles of CDs and found amongst Buffalo Tom and Natalie Merchant a couple earlier CDs by Dave Murphy. Ahhh...these are so good too. I play his earlier CD "Under the Lights"...yes...this is great...hmmm... but where is "Ghosts"? I finally find the CD in the car behind my seat with a pile of others I meant to listen to as well.

Like his title song "Chasing Ghosts" suggests, this CD is both compelling and haunting. The songs are a masterful blend of Country, Americana and Folk-Rock that carry a meaningful message as well as a memorable melody. There is no doubt that Dave's influences include the likes of Steve Earle yet the songs are genuine and personal. He successfully translates his experiences into songs that we all can relate to. Though this is only his second LP, it has all the qualities one would expect from a seasoned artist. The guest musicians include Nicole Atkins, Steve Forbert, David Hamburger, Graham Hawthorne, Marc Muller and Tina Vero. With the help of co-producer and fellow New Jersey native, Marc Muller, a gifted multi-instrumentalist and performer himself, Dave's CD is a wonderful triumph of the human spirit in song.

Rick Rock
Tribes Hill News
May 2003
- Rick Rock

Rick's Picks / CDs of the Month

Dave Murphy
Chasing Ghosts

Though I've had this CD for a couple months, it wasn't until I awoke recently one morning hearing Dave's familiar songs playing in my mind that I knew with certainty what a powerful body of work he had created. Sure, the CD resonated with me on first listen and stayed in my player for a couple weeks. But I lost it somewhere in my chaotic day to day business of life. Yet those damn songs kept calling out to me...find me, if you can... I stumbled through the piles of CDs and found amongst Buffalo Tom and Natalie Merchant a couple earlier CDs by Dave Murphy. Ahhh...these are so good too. I play his earlier CD "Under the Lights"...yes...this is great...hmmm... but where is "Ghosts"? I finally find the CD in the car behind my seat with a pile of others I meant to listen to as well.

Like his title song "Chasing Ghosts" suggests, this CD is both compelling and haunting. The songs are a masterful blend of Country, Americana and Folk-Rock that carry a meaningful message as well as a memorable melody. There is no doubt that Dave's influences include the likes of Steve Earle yet the songs are genuine and personal. He successfully translates his experiences into songs that we all can relate to. Though this is only his second LP, it has all the qualities one would expect from a seasoned artist. The guest musicians include Nicole Atkins, Steve Forbert, David Hamburger, Graham Hawthorne, Marc Muller and Tina Vero. With the help of co-producer and fellow New Jersey native, Marc Muller, a gifted multi-instrumentalist and performer himself, Dave's CD is a wonderful triumph of the human spirit in song.

Rick Rock
Tribes Hill News
May 2003
- Rick Rock

Dave Murphy’s Lyrical New Jersey
Dave Murphy, “Chasing Ghosts” (Phoenix Night) 3 ½ Stars

North Jersey singer-songwriter Dave Murphy is a master of the telling detail. In his second full-length album, Murphy sings of “the way she kissed me when I was trying to drive” and dancing “naked on the porch so we could feel the evening breeze.”

Though sadness haunts his mellow baritone, Murphy is not a wallower. “My Garden State” belongs in the Ode to Jersey pantheon alongside John Gorka’s “I’m from New Jersey” and John Pizzarelli’s “ I Like Jersey Best.” Murphy’s take is unsentimental: “ A thousand miles away and there’s sulfur in the air / It smells just like New Jersey but I’m so far from there.” There’s no doubt, though, where his allegiance lies. “I never thought I’d miss her how was I to know / If I see one more cowboy hat I think I’ll lose my load.”

Instrumentation tends towards the countrified, with plaintive pedal steel guitar. Twangy baritone guitar, a bit of hill-country mandolin and banjo, and some soaring backup singing from Nicole Atkins and Tina Vero. “Quarter Moon Missing,” featuring Steve Forbert’s whiskey-tinged support singing, is actually a little hillbilly: “You got my heart and I got the slamming door.” In the “Ballad of Rue Lafayette” – a song so good he has recorded it for the third time – Murphy chronicles lovers so at ease that they “slept the day away in Paris / Never thinking about what we might have missed.”

Murphy, who co-produced with Marc Muller, has created characters with more than a few miles on the odometer who nevertheless feel salvation is around the next corner. “Chasing Ghosts” is a sophisticated, lyrical work meant for grown-ups, or listeners traveling that road.

- Bob Ivry
Staff Writer
- Bob Ivry

Dave Murphy’s Lyrical New Jersey
Dave Murphy, “Chasing Ghosts” (Phoenix Night) 3 ½ Stars

North Jersey singer-songwriter Dave Murphy is a master of the telling detail. In his second full-length album, Murphy sings of “the way she kissed me when I was trying to drive” and dancing “naked on the porch so we could feel the evening breeze.”

Though sadness haunts his mellow baritone, Murphy is not a wallower. “My Garden State” belongs in the Ode to Jersey pantheon alongside John Gorka’s “I’m from New Jersey” and John Pizzarelli’s “ I Like Jersey Best.” Murphy’s take is unsentimental: “ A thousand miles away and there’s sulfur in the air / It smells just like New Jersey but I’m so far from there.” There’s no doubt, though, where his allegiance lies. “I never thought I’d miss her how was I to know / If I see one more cowboy hat I think I’ll lose my load.”

Instrumentation tends towards the countrified, with plaintive pedal steel guitar. Twangy baritone guitar, a bit of hill-country mandolin and banjo, and some soaring backup singing from Nicole Atkins and Tina Vero. “Quarter Moon Missing,” featuring Steve Forbert’s whiskey-tinged support singing, is actually a little hillbilly: “You got my heart and I got the slamming door.” In the “Ballad of Rue Lafayette” – a song so good he has recorded it for the third time – Murphy chronicles lovers so at ease that they “slept the day away in Paris / Never thinking about what we might have missed.”

Murphy, who co-produced with Marc Muller, has created characters with more than a few miles on the odometer who nevertheless feel salvation is around the next corner. “Chasing Ghosts” is a sophisticated, lyrical work meant for grown-ups, or listeners traveling that road.

- Bob Ivry
Staff Writer
- Bob Ivry

On the title track of his expertly produced brand new CD "Chasing Ghosts," DAVE MURPHY's opening line says it all: "Dylan on the jukebox it’s quarter past two." While not nearly as cerebral or deliberately obtuse as Dylan, this offering displays remarkable fidelity to the country and folk roots Dylan himself was accused of betraying. A warm and delicate arrangement fits the song's theme to a tee, and Tina Vero's haunting, breathy backing vocals add the perfect finishing touch. MURPHY has truly arrived as a solo artist and "Chasing Ghosts" is scintillating in its sparseness and simplicity.

Andrew Gesner, ArtistAmplification.com November 2002
- Andrew Gesner

On the title track of his expertly produced brand new CD "Chasing Ghosts," DAVE MURPHY's opening line says it all: "Dylan on the jukebox it’s quarter past two." While not nearly as cerebral or deliberately obtuse as Dylan, this offering displays remarkable fidelity to the country and folk roots Dylan himself was accused of betraying. A warm and delicate arrangement fits the song's theme to a tee, and Tina Vero's haunting, breathy backing vocals add the perfect finishing touch. MURPHY has truly arrived as a solo artist and "Chasing Ghosts" is scintillating in its sparseness and simplicity.

Andrew Gesner, ArtistAmplification.com November 2002
- Andrew Gesner

Guitarist Dave Murphy To Enjoy Hometown Fans In Outpost Show
By Mark S. Porter of the Montclair Times

“I’ve lived in Montclair about eight years,” said Dave Murphy, tall and bald and quick to flash a winning smile. “It’s no coincidence that, for the time I’ve lived here, I’ve been really working hard on my music and gigging all over.”

Perhaps it’s the ambience of the town. Perhaps it’s the proximity of Montclair to Manhattan and Hoboken, New Brunswick and the Jersey Shore – beehives of musical activity. Perhaps it’s the cups of coffee imbibed at the Starbuck’s on Valley Road, where Murphy often hangs out, “honing songs and hashing them out.”

His insightful, gripping lyrics are delivered in a charismatic baritone, with a shade of huskiness. Often the saddest lyrics are carried along with propulsive enthusiasm on anthems that lay out scenes of sadness and breakdown and then soar into sunlight. He’s written numerous down-to-earth songs of avowal and aloneness, boasting well-turned phrases, basted with epiphanies and seasoned with insights.

“You always write from yourself,” Murphy said. “But you write from a universal perspective.”

David E. Murphy has released three CD’s, described on his website, www.murhyworld.com, and he’s performed live on WFUV, the preeminent “new folk” FM radio station in the New York City area, which is also playing cuts from his new release, “Chasing Ghosts.” Murphy has opened shows for Steve Forbert, who provided backing vocals on the tune “Quarter Moon Missing,” from the new CD; the Continental Drifters at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick; and twice for Slaid Cleaves.

He has every intention of becoming the headlining act before another year or two passes.

Murphy opens the show tomorrow night at Outpost in the Burbs, performing a bevy of original songs before headliner Ray Wylie Hubbard takes the stage.

It’s the third time Murphy has played at Outpost, the musical venue here in Montclair that has become a nationally prominent performance site for acoustic and “new folk” musical artists. He’ll be accompanied by Neil Thomas on accordion and harmonica, who also performed on “Chasing Ghosts” and was a member of the band 5 Chinese Brothers. The album’s co-producer and multi-instrumental player Marc Muller, who is in Shania Twain’s touring group and was in the regional band, the Surreal McCoy’s, sometimes joins Murphy for live performances.

While his music resounds with sounds that could have derived from Texas or Tennessee, “My Garden State” from the new CD kisses goodbye to both those states as he voices his affirmation of New Jersey.

He’s absorbed music from plenty of musicians, ranging from the Flying Burrito Brothers and Gram Parsons to Wilco and Son Volt. “It’s this kind of osmosis,” Murphy said. “I grew up on the Allman Brothers and Neil Young and James Taylor. Someone I really love is Steve Earle. Lucinda Williams is right up there with Steve Earle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Townes Van Zandt.”

Murphy records his music and plays it live on a Collings CJ acoustic guitar and instrument handmade in Austin, Texas, by Bill Collings. “He builds them modeled after the old Gibson and Martin guitars from the 1930’s, the golden age of lutherie,” Murphy said. “This one’s a keeper.”

Murphy’s fans would eagerly say the same about him.
- Mark Porter

Guitarist Dave Murphy To Enjoy Hometown Fans In Outpost Show
By Mark S. Porter of the Montclair Times

“I’ve lived in Montclair about eight years,” said Dave Murphy, tall and bald and quick to flash a winning smile. “It’s no coincidence that, for the time I’ve lived here, I’ve been really working hard on my music and gigging all over.”

Perhaps it’s the ambience of the town. Perhaps it’s the proximity of Montclair to Manhattan and Hoboken, New Brunswick and the Jersey Shore – beehives of musical activity. Perhaps it’s the cups of coffee imbibed at the Starbuck’s on Valley Road, where Murphy often hangs out, “honing songs and hashing them out.”

His insightful, gripping lyrics are delivered in a charismatic baritone, with a shade of huskiness. Often the saddest lyrics are carried along with propulsive enthusiasm on anthems that lay out scenes of sadness and breakdown and then soar into sunlight. He’s written numerous down-to-earth songs of avowal and aloneness, boasting well-turned phrases, basted with epiphanies and seasoned with insights.

“You always write from yourself,” Murphy said. “But you write from a universal perspective.”

David E. Murphy has released three CD’s, described on his website, www.murhyworld.com, and he’s performed live on WFUV, the preeminent “new folk” FM radio station in the New York City area, which is also playing cuts from his new release, “Chasing Ghosts.” Murphy has opened shows for Steve Forbert, who provided backing vocals on the tune “Quarter Moon Missing,” from the new CD; the Continental Drifters at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick; and twice for Slaid Cleaves.

He has every intention of becoming the headlining act before another year or two passes.

Murphy opens the show tomorrow night at Outpost in the Burbs, performing a bevy of original songs before headliner Ray Wylie Hubbard takes the stage.

It’s the third time Murphy has played at Outpost, the musical venue here in Montclair that has become a nationally prominent performance site for acoustic and “new folk” musical artists. He’ll be accompanied by Neil Thomas on accordion and harmonica, who also performed on “Chasing Ghosts” and was a member of the band 5 Chinese Brothers. The album’s co-producer and multi-instrumental player Marc Muller, who is in Shania Twain’s touring group and was in the regional band, the Surreal McCoy’s, sometimes joins Murphy for live performances.

While his music resounds with sounds that could have derived from Texas or Tennessee, “My Garden State” from the new CD kisses goodbye to both those states as he voices his affirmation of New Jersey.

He’s absorbed music from plenty of musicians, ranging from the Flying Burrito Brothers and Gram Parsons to Wilco and Son Volt. “It’s this kind of osmosis,” Murphy said. “I grew up on the Allman Brothers and Neil Young and James Taylor. Someone I really love is Steve Earle. Lucinda Williams is right up there with Steve Earle. Maybe there’s a little bit of Townes Van Zandt.”

Murphy records his music and plays it live on a Collings CJ acoustic guitar and instrument handmade in Austin, Texas, by Bill Collings. “He builds them modeled after the old Gibson and Martin guitars from the 1930’s, the golden age of lutherie,” Murphy said. “This one’s a keeper.”

Murphy’s fans would eagerly say the same about him.
- Mark Porter

Dave Murphy
Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Dave Murphy flavors this diva-dominated genre with the unnerving perspective of a guy -- you know, the strong but sensitive type. Whether he's weaving a tale of woe over a lost love or simply fondly reminiscing, Murphy is a natural storyteller who uses both image-rich lyrics and compelling melodies to illustrate his tale. With the addition of tight vocal harmonies and creative instrumentation, Murphy's music -- at once thought-provoking and an easy listen -- graciously rides the fine folk/Americana line.
Terri Lagerstedt
- Terri Lagerstedt

Dave Murphy
Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Dave Murphy flavors this diva-dominated genre with the unnerving perspective of a guy -- you know, the strong but sensitive type. Whether he's weaving a tale of woe over a lost love or simply fondly reminiscing, Murphy is a natural storyteller who uses both image-rich lyrics and compelling melodies to illustrate his tale. With the addition of tight vocal harmonies and creative instrumentation, Murphy's music -- at once thought-provoking and an easy listen -- graciously rides the fine folk/Americana line.
Terri Lagerstedt
- Terri Lagerstedt

Dave Murphy -
Time is Fleeting, but This Time He's Ready
by Richard Cuccaro

Flash back to this past January 12th, 2003. It's Sunday at 10 o'clock in the morning. I'm streaming John Platt's City Folk Sunday Morning Breakfast show on WFUV. His "live" in-studio guest is Dave Murphy, a local singer/songwriter from Montclair, New Jersey.
I'd seen him before, at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. He was playing an impromptu showcase in front of the Outpost in the Burbs booth on the midway. His husky baritone was impressive. It remains impressive and he wasted no time that morning in displaying its power.

Time was a recurring focal point during that show, and the precious regard for its fleeting nature. It hangs over Dave Murphy's recent work. "Red," is the first track, on his latest CD, Chasing Ghosts. The second verse goes:
I spent half my life playing in the rye
I had so many reasons for wasting so much precious time
But everything has changed like the end of a song
I don't know what it was but I know that it's gone
The song, with it's sense of a recaptured value of each moment
we're here on this earth, is in particular, his reaction to 9/11.
The first verse delivers us back to that day of stunned shock:
What would you expect me to do in this state of mind
Stare down at my feet or up at the darkening autumn sky
Come a little closer now and look me in the eye
Twilight has come my friend and I've been crying
The chorus nails it, perfectly:
I opened my eyes and it isn't a dream
All I see is red and red is all that I see
Red is the color that we all bleed
One question posed within the belly of the song asks the listener to examine the daily state of affairs beyond the tragedy:
You look in the mirror and you're getting older
You say that you love her but when's the last time you told her?
Dave was born in New York, in Flushing, Queens. During his early years, His family moved around, so he lived in Buffalo, Rochester, Westchester and then New Jersey. His parents moved to Chicago when he was around 20-21 years old, but Dave
decided to stay in this area. He made a trip to Florida but then returned to live in New Jersey. As a youngster, he remembers sitting in the living room with his dad, listening to Herman's Hermits on radio singing "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "Henry the Eighth." His mom bought him a guitar when he graduated high school. He did
Neil Young covers in college. He says "It's been a long, slow evolution."

The heartland sound of his work was influenced by listening to country music on WHN in the mid 80's. Along with the country, he'd hear some of the newer "outlaw" stuff from Emmy Lou Harris and Steve Earle. He still marvels at how he got to hear Earle's
"Guitar Town" on that station. He had a turbulent two-year marriage. Texas was where she was from, so they honeymooned in Houston. She introduced him to
some of the "grass roots" music she liked and Dave absorbed it. There were gains and losses. His ex-wife threw his first guitar out a 3rd-story window after an argument. Win some, lose some.

By his own admission, Dave has several "black holes" in his past. Running around, drugs and alcohol, took their toll and big chunks of time. He stated to John Platt that "you only have a finite amount of time on this wonderful, or not-so-wonderful planet." About ten
years ago he decided it was time to take things seriously. One of the black holes was the aforementioned marriage. Dave had married in his early twenties, just out of college. During his college years in the late 70's, in West Virginia he'd partied, and played guitar with friends, learning covers, such as Neil Young songs (always a great learning experience - especially for a novice songwriter). He began writing the odd piece here and there ."Pretty mellow," he recalled. Once the marriage disintegrated he began looking to the guitar for more than just kicks and began writing more. He described coming into
New York City in the mid and late 80's to play in open mics and showcases at places like Sun Mountain (now The Baggot Inn) and the now-defunct Speakeasy, where so many now-famous contemporary singer/songwriters played.

As he became more serious about the music. He formed alliances with other musicians and gigged more often. He's opened for artists such as Slaid Cleaves and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He began recording his songs of self-discovery and introspection, finally publishing his first CD, the independently produced Under the Lights in 1998. This CD was chosen as a prestigious top 12 DIY (Do-It-Yourself) pick in the December 1999 issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine.

Dave feels that the new CD has a more mature world-view than its predecessor. Less "look what I'm going through," and a more wider range of perception. He certainly showed that in the song "Red." While the new CD has its share of looking back, it combines the wisdom of years of observing himself and the world wit - Richard Cuccaro

Dave Murphy -
Time is Fleeting, but This Time He's Ready
by Richard Cuccaro

Flash back to this past January 12th, 2003. It's Sunday at 10 o'clock in the morning. I'm streaming John Platt's City Folk Sunday Morning Breakfast show on WFUV. His "live" in-studio guest is Dave Murphy, a local singer/songwriter from Montclair, New Jersey.
I'd seen him before, at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. He was playing an impromptu showcase in front of the Outpost in the Burbs booth on the midway. His husky baritone was impressive. It remains impressive and he wasted no time that morning in displaying its power.

Time was a recurring focal point during that show, and the precious regard for its fleeting nature. It hangs over Dave Murphy's recent work. "Red," is the first track, on his latest CD, Chasing Ghosts. The second verse goes:
I spent half my life playing in the rye
I had so many reasons for wasting so much precious time
But everything has changed like the end of a song
I don't know what it was but I know that it's gone
The song, with it's sense of a recaptured value of each moment
we're here on this earth, is in particular, his reaction to 9/11.
The first verse delivers us back to that day of stunned shock:
What would you expect me to do in this state of mind
Stare down at my feet or up at the darkening autumn sky
Come a little closer now and look me in the eye
Twilight has come my friend and I've been crying
The chorus nails it, perfectly:
I opened my eyes and it isn't a dream
All I see is red and red is all that I see
Red is the color that we all bleed
One question posed within the belly of the song asks the listener to examine the daily state of affairs beyond the tragedy:
You look in the mirror and you're getting older
You say that you love her but when's the last time you told her?
Dave was born in New York, in Flushing, Queens. During his early years, His family moved around, so he lived in Buffalo, Rochester, Westchester and then New Jersey. His parents moved to Chicago when he was around 20-21 years old, but Dave
decided to stay in this area. He made a trip to Florida but then returned to live in New Jersey. As a youngster, he remembers sitting in the living room with his dad, listening to Herman's Hermits on radio singing "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "Henry the Eighth." His mom bought him a guitar when he graduated high school. He did
Neil Young covers in college. He says "It's been a long, slow evolution."

The heartland sound of his work was influenced by listening to country music on WHN in the mid 80's. Along with the country, he'd hear some of the newer "outlaw" stuff from Emmy Lou Harris and Steve Earle. He still marvels at how he got to hear Earle's
"Guitar Town" on that station. He had a turbulent two-year marriage. Texas was where she was from, so they honeymooned in Houston. She introduced him to
some of the "grass roots" music she liked and Dave absorbed it. There were gains and losses. His ex-wife threw his first guitar out a 3rd-story window after an argument. Win some, lose some.

By his own admission, Dave has several "black holes" in his past. Running around, drugs and alcohol, took their toll and big chunks of time. He stated to John Platt that "you only have a finite amount of time on this wonderful, or not-so-wonderful planet." About ten
years ago he decided it was time to take things seriously. One of the black holes was the aforementioned marriage. Dave had married in his early twenties, just out of college. During his college years in the late 70's, in West Virginia he'd partied, and played guitar with friends, learning covers, such as Neil Young songs (always a great learning experience - especially for a novice songwriter). He began writing the odd piece here and there ."Pretty mellow," he recalled. Once the marriage disintegrated he began looking to the guitar for more than just kicks and began writing more. He described coming into
New York City in the mid and late 80's to play in open mics and showcases at places like Sun Mountain (now The Baggot Inn) and the now-defunct Speakeasy, where so many now-famous contemporary singer/songwriters played.

As he became more serious about the music. He formed alliances with other musicians and gigged more often. He's opened for artists such as Slaid Cleaves and Ray Wylie Hubbard. He began recording his songs of self-discovery and introspection, finally publishing his first CD, the independently produced Under the Lights in 1998. This CD was chosen as a prestigious top 12 DIY (Do-It-Yourself) pick in the December 1999 issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine.

Dave feels that the new CD has a more mature world-view than its predecessor. Less "look what I'm going through," and a more wider range of perception. He certainly showed that in the song "Red." While the new CD has its share of looking back, it combines the wisdom of years of observing himself and the world wit - Richard Cuccaro

Appeared in THE AQUARIAN WEEKLY (November 11, 2009) Vol.2-529
and EAST COAST ROCKER.

DAVID MURPHY- “Music From A Different Perspective” by Hal B. Seltzer

Stories From Snake Hill is the 2008 release from a true New Jersey troubadour, David
Murphy. The lead-off track, “Chesapeake,” has already been awarded first place in the Great American Song Contest (acoustic/folk category), and David was a finalist in the Mountain Stage New Song Contest (Northeast region). The album follows two previous CDs that garnered similar critical acclaim and made him an underground favorite in the Triple-A radio and touring circuit.

Snake Hill is an actual place not far from where David lives. “Snake Hill is in Secaucus,
NJ,” he explains. “You can see it from the New Jersey Turnpike. It’s right off of exit 15X on the eastern spur. It sits on the former grounds of a large and very notorious mental asylum. It’s really quite a story. They actually buried thousands of people there in unmarked graves. Just recently they dug up several hundred bodies and re-interned them at a cemetery in Hackensack. There’s been a lot of controversy associated with Snake Hill and more than one recent documentary film has been made. Also, as it turns out, my father’s father was actually institutionalized there for a while for alcoholism. I’d say a pretty appropriate CD title. “

The album was completed with the help of such stellar musicians as co-producer/guitarist
Marc Muller (Steve Forbert, Shania Twain), the world class rhythm section of Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Saturday Night Live) on drums and Zev Katz (Roseanne Cash, Suzanne Vega) on bass, Rob Clores (Black Crowes) on keyboards and David Henry (Guster) on cello. Musically, David paints a landscape draped in singer/songwriter Americana sounds. “I leave it to the listeners and the critics to categorize my music,” David says. “When I get in the studio I need to figure out how to best support the song in terms of instrumentation and arrangements. I’ve done this with the help of my co-producers. My overall philosophy is simpler is better and less is more in terms of production. For me it’s never about the big solo, it’s about the song, honesty and authenticity.”

That honesty comes out in David’s songs, some of which are personal, and many of which tell stories. “I write songs when they come to me and I have to be open to them,” he relates. “To me it’s kind of a real magical and spiritual process. Songs usually come to me when I’m experiencing a strong emotion, struggle or conflict, or when I’m feeling very peaceful. A happening in our world, or things that I notice, that I need to speak out about will often inspire me. A lot of my songs, especially the old stuff, is incredibly raw and introspective. I also like to tell stories in my songs, observations from afar. Now, I often write songs from a different perspective and through a different lens. For
example, in ‘My Friend Paul’ from Stories From Snake Hill, the narrator of the song is actually dead. I believe I’m doing my best work right now and to the best of my ability I always come from a place of honesty and integrity. I try to leave the bullshit out of it.”

David has had some success, as far as making it in onto the Americana charts. “John
Platt of WFUV in New York really has been a big supporter and has played my stuff quite a bit,” he says. “There are some random stations all over the country that have really embraced both records. Some in tiny markets and some in reasonably large markets.” He also tours quite a bit, and has become a staple in many of the festivals catering to Americana music, as well as in the local area. He performs mostly acoustic, but there are occasional forays into the electric world. “I’m always playing my acoustic, but I plug in,” he laughs. “I often play as a duo either with Marc Muller or Scott Moore.
Usually they will be playing electric guitar and other things. Lately it’s been rare, but I do the full band thing now and again. It’s a blast but it can get pretty expensive. For a couple of years starting in 2000 I had a full-on rock band. We called ourselves Dave Murphy And The Hamilton Electric. We played in places like Maxwell’s and the Court Tavern. But it got to be a pain in the ass lugging amps and cases around at 2 a.m. I needed to get it out of my system.”

While the accolades and increased exposure continue to build for David, he’s just happy to have the opportunity to keep performing and recording. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be a household name,” he confesses. “I just want to keep writing good material, improving and hopefully always play to a growing audience. A Triple-A radio hit or a song placement in a hit movie wouldn’t hurt either. I just want to keep playing and making music.”

For further information about David and his upcoming appearances, check out
www.davemurphy.net, www.myspace.com/davemurphy, and www.sonicbids.com/davemurphy.

- Hal B. Seltzer

Appeared in THE AQUARIAN WEEKLY (November 11, 2009) Vol.2-529
and EAST COAST ROCKER.

DAVID MURPHY- “Music From A Different Perspective” by Hal B. Seltzer

Stories From Snake Hill is the 2008 release from a true New Jersey troubadour, David
Murphy. The lead-off track, “Chesapeake,” has already been awarded first place in the Great American Song Contest (acoustic/folk category), and David was a finalist in the Mountain Stage New Song Contest (Northeast region). The album follows two previous CDs that garnered similar critical acclaim and made him an underground favorite in the Triple-A radio and touring circuit.

Snake Hill is an actual place not far from where David lives. “Snake Hill is in Secaucus,
NJ,” he explains. “You can see it from the New Jersey Turnpike. It’s right off of exit 15X on the eastern spur. It sits on the former grounds of a large and very notorious mental asylum. It’s really quite a story. They actually buried thousands of people there in unmarked graves. Just recently they dug up several hundred bodies and re-interned them at a cemetery in Hackensack. There’s been a lot of controversy associated with Snake Hill and more than one recent documentary film has been made. Also, as it turns out, my father’s father was actually institutionalized there for a while for alcoholism. I’d say a pretty appropriate CD title. “

The album was completed with the help of such stellar musicians as co-producer/guitarist
Marc Muller (Steve Forbert, Shania Twain), the world class rhythm section of Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Saturday Night Live) on drums and Zev Katz (Roseanne Cash, Suzanne Vega) on bass, Rob Clores (Black Crowes) on keyboards and David Henry (Guster) on cello. Musically, David paints a landscape draped in singer/songwriter Americana sounds. “I leave it to the listeners and the critics to categorize my music,” David says. “When I get in the studio I need to figure out how to best support the song in terms of instrumentation and arrangements. I’ve done this with the help of my co-producers. My overall philosophy is simpler is better and less is more in terms of production. For me it’s never about the big solo, it’s about the song, honesty and authenticity.”

That honesty comes out in David’s songs, some of which are personal, and many of which tell stories. “I write songs when they come to me and I have to be open to them,” he relates. “To me it’s kind of a real magical and spiritual process. Songs usually come to me when I’m experiencing a strong emotion, struggle or conflict, or when I’m feeling very peaceful. A happening in our world, or things that I notice, that I need to speak out about will often inspire me. A lot of my songs, especially the old stuff, is incredibly raw and introspective. I also like to tell stories in my songs, observations from afar. Now, I often write songs from a different perspective and through a different lens. For
example, in ‘My Friend Paul’ from Stories From Snake Hill, the narrator of the song is actually dead. I believe I’m doing my best work right now and to the best of my ability I always come from a place of honesty and integrity. I try to leave the bullshit out of it.”

David has had some success, as far as making it in onto the Americana charts. “John
Platt of WFUV in New York really has been a big supporter and has played my stuff quite a bit,” he says. “There are some random stations all over the country that have really embraced both records. Some in tiny markets and some in reasonably large markets.” He also tours quite a bit, and has become a staple in many of the festivals catering to Americana music, as well as in the local area. He performs mostly acoustic, but there are occasional forays into the electric world. “I’m always playing my acoustic, but I plug in,” he laughs. “I often play as a duo either with Marc Muller or Scott Moore.
Usually they will be playing electric guitar and other things. Lately it’s been rare, but I do the full band thing now and again. It’s a blast but it can get pretty expensive. For a couple of years starting in 2000 I had a full-on rock band. We called ourselves Dave Murphy And The Hamilton Electric. We played in places like Maxwell’s and the Court Tavern. But it got to be a pain in the ass lugging amps and cases around at 2 a.m. I needed to get it out of my system.”

While the accolades and increased exposure continue to build for David, he’s just happy to have the opportunity to keep performing and recording. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be a household name,” he confesses. “I just want to keep writing good material, improving and hopefully always play to a growing audience. A Triple-A radio hit or a song placement in a hit movie wouldn’t hurt either. I just want to keep playing and making music.”

For further information about David and his upcoming appearances, check out
www.davemurphy.net, www.myspace.com/davemurphy, and www.sonicbids.com/davemurphy.

- Hal B. Seltzer