Putnam Murdock

Artist: Putnam Murdock
Album: Brand New Widow
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://putnammurdock.com/
Genre: Acoustic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Sounds Like: The Black Crows, Rob Thomas, Jeff Buckley
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Wages of Hope, When I Die, California Song
Weakness: A few winded songs.
CD Review: Massachusetts based singer/songwriter Putnam Murdock releases his latest CD entitled Brand New Window in 2012. I was fascinated to learn that Murdock was aiming for an old school, organic sound via a 24 track analog tape recording system at Dreamland Studios in West Hurley (not far from Woodstock in Upstate New York).
The CD gets off the ground nicely with “Wages of Hope” a smooth flowing intro piece that serves up a slamming blues rock guitar ditty against an impressive Americana groove, well placed slide guitar and soulful melody from Murdock. Track 2 “The Promise” keeps thing moving in the smooth direction with heartfelt vocal delivery from Murdock against steady flowing rhythm and hooky chorus making for an impressive follow-up ballad. Track 3 “Marshlands” is another impressive groove that dishes out slow moving rhythm, against thought provoking lyrical content and a grand slam chorus. The CD makes a great first impression dashing out 3 amazing songs in a row. The musicianship of everyone involved is above the bar. I would classify this music as classic R&B, Americana, with brief touches of psychedelic Rock of the early 70’s. Music is reminiscent of classic Led Zeppelin, Cream with brief splashes of The Black Crows and John Mayer. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like slamming Saloon Piano, impressive rhythm guitar, well placed Hammond Organ chops, thick as a brick rhythm section and lush harmonies layered everywhere. What I like the most about Murdock is how well they seem to groove together, testament to hundreds of hours of writing and rehearsal time no doubt. Now turning our attention over to Murdock - as for his vocal abilities well – he’s amazing! His voice goes down smooth and fills the space peacefully & unobtrusively with a timbre that is simply infectious. I suspect some of his vocal influences are – Chris Robinson (Black Crows), Rob Thomas, Jeff Buckley, and Kid Rock. I might add he takes some impressive vocal risks indicating to me a confident vocal ability. All songs are extremely well crafted and consistent across the board. This CD from Murdock delivers 10 solid tracks all providing musical enjoyment filled with strong musical variety & diversity. The music of Putnam Murdock has everything you would expect from a world class musical production. From compelling “When I Die” to the slamming “Butcher Dogs” to heartfelt “The Island” to smooth as silk “California Song” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Eramun” a perfect finale statement for a CD like this.
I normally dedicate this paragraph to any weaknesses discovered. As you can see I have nothing major to report. All songs over 3.5 minutes in length tend to drag you to the finish line. Overall it’s fair to say some pieces are a bit winded. Track 5 feels a bit incomplete to me logging in at 2 minutes and some change.
From start to finish Brand New Window is an amazing collection of music from Putnam Murdock. The songwriting – world class, all consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities are rock solid. The melodies, harmonies are well crafted and the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with priceless wisdom and good old fashioned R&B swagger. Last but not least the vocal presence of Murdock is breathtaking and infectious. Hats off to Murdock as well for rec - The Muse's Muse

New England singer-songwriter Putnam Murdock's lyrics are vulnerable and listeners seem to be voyerers in the 10-track CD.

The places that singer/songwriter Putnam Murdock takes his listeners go beyond the coffee house; the songs go beyond the constraining walls of a theater or small venue. His prose and his arrangements spark the imagination of some sort of grand event within Mother Nature. He's not as granola as some singer/songwriters and he's certainly not a lost soul that makes the listener feel sorrow for listening.

Putnam Murdock's songs are not fireworks, but quiet journal entries. He enters just as quietly as he exits, but his presence lingers.

Every Man Songs

Okay, okay, it's not that the world has never seen or heard someone like Murdock, but his overall presentation on Brand New Window calls for such attention. In some lyrics, certain musicians certainly allow listeners a look at their soul, an invitation to embrace the artists' point of view. Murdock's words and lyrics haunt with subtle every-man point of reference.

In "Wages of Hope" and "The Promise" (the first two tracks), first-time listeners will draw comparisons to John Mayer or a non-beach Jack Johnson (is there such a thing?). Putnam has this seasoned voice - like a broken-in leather jacket, or a favorite pair of cowboy boots. He has this cool factor. He does not even need to try - it just is.

Place of the Heart

As the CD rolls along, the way he weaves words translates into something not heard since Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Murdock's paces the listener and while the chill, laid back sounds of "Wages" and "Promise" calm the listener, he changes it up just sightly in "Marshlands" and "When I Die." These songs feel heavy - not oppressing - but remarkable for the places in the heart Murdock takes you.

These middle tracks "When I Die," the title track, "Butcher Dogs" remind this writer/listener of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska and Richard Marx' "Hazard". They stir raw emotions and have this lullaby-like quality to them. Murdock reminds listeners in everyday beauty and tips his hat to our surroundings and environments. He does it all with grace and his subtle-cool-dude vibe.

Overall CD Review is A

Overall, Brand New Window garners an A rating. This writer/listener felt at first the songs were familiar sounding, but after a second listening, the words tugged stronger. Fans of Jonie Mitchel, Neil Young, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Bright Eyes and even Citizen Cope will find something they enjoy here. Standouts include "Wages of Hope," "California Song" and the title track.

Read more at Suite101: CD Review: Putnam Murdock's 'Brand New Window' Worth Opening | Suite101.com http://melissa-kucirek.suite101.com/cd-review-putnam-murdocks-brand-new-window-worth-opening-a406961#ixzz1uTpETgY7
- Suite 101

Wages of Hope is a track that attempts to redefine what folk is as a genre. While many listeners would associate this song with traditional artists like Elliott Smith and Devendra Banhart, I feel that there is a robustness and livelier feel achieved by this track. Folk usually fades into the background, while Murdock’s work on Brand New Widow will draw listeners in by innovative arrangements and masterful production.

When I Die is a track that shatters another myth commonly associated with new folk music; that it has to be lead by a guitar. To associate this framework with When I Die is to do the song a disservice; the fullness of the instrumentation allows listeners to continually find new bits and pieces with each subsequent listen. Brand New Widow is a dense title that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; while it will do admirably in a chill party atmosphere, listening to Butcher Dogs on a Bose will be much more rewarding. The production of Brand New Widow frames each recording with a very tight and cozy style, allowing the listeners to feel as if they were in the same room as Murdock and the rest of his band.

I feel that the late-disc tracks on Brand New Widow are incredibly strong. This ascent begins with Metairie, allows listeners to stretch out to California Song, and Eramun punctuates the ending rather than fading into the night. I would love to hear where Murdock will take listeners on subsequent recordings. Make sure to pick a copy of Brand New Widow up on CD or LP whenever you can, and see whether Murdock will be coming around your neck of the woods. This is what folk should be.

Top Tracks: Wages of Hope, Brand New Widow

Rating: 8.4/10 - Neufutur Magazine

Wages of Hope is a track that attempts to redefine what folk is as a genre. While many listeners would associate this song with traditional artists like Elliott Smith and Devendra Banhart, I feel that there is a robustness and livelier feel achieved by this track. Folk usually fades into the background, while Murdock’s work on Brand New Widow will draw listeners in by innovative arrangements and masterful production.

When I Die is a track that shatters another myth commonly associated with new folk music; that it has to be lead by a guitar. To associate this framework with When I Die is to do the song a disservice; the fullness of the instrumentation allows listeners to continually find new bits and pieces with each subsequent listen. Brand New Widow is a dense title that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; while it will do admirably in a chill party atmosphere, listening to Butcher Dogs on a Bose will be much more rewarding. The production of Brand New Widow frames each recording with a very tight and cozy style, allowing the listeners to feel as if they were in the same room as Murdock and the rest of his band.

I feel that the late-disc tracks on Brand New Widow are incredibly strong. This ascent begins with Metairie, allows listeners to stretch out to California Song, and Eramun punctuates the ending rather than fading into the night. I would love to hear where Murdock will take listeners on subsequent recordings. Make sure to pick a copy of Brand New Widow up on CD or LP whenever you can, and see whether Murdock will be coming around your neck of the woods. This is what folk should be.

Top Tracks: Wages of Hope, Brand New Widow

Rating: 8.4/10 - Neufutur Magazine

Folk Singer/Songwriter Putnam Murdock is an accomplished, seasoned musician hailing from Massachusetts. With a claim to musical pedigree, Putnam cut his teeth very early on the music of his father's musical quartet, the Centre Streeters. With roots firmly established in the folk stylings of his earliest influences, Putnam has helped carried a traditional form of music forward into the new millenium via notable songwriting and performances. With credits that include nationally syndicated televison shows, motion pictures and even some precursory Grammy recognition, Putnam Murdock has seemingly already made a name for himself. As a first-time listener, Brand New Widow, his most recent full-length record, offers up ample justification for all the above.

First and foremost, what shines forward is Putnam's smooth, crystal clear vocal stylings and the songwriting talents of himself and collaborator Tom J. Carlisle. The strength of all truly impacting singer/songwriter folk is the depth of space within each individual composition; the open air in which stories are told with minimal selfishness and the upmost class. "Wages Of Hope" is one such excellent number that introduces the album, a steady piece of Americana that features intriguing vocal/slide guitar interplay and a subdued, yet aggressive, percussive push forward. "The Promise" lets loose with a little saloon romanticism, an upbeat, swinging track with some excellent piano work and warm, familiar lyrics. "Marshlands" is where one may start to realize the subtle manner in which Putnam Murdock avoids any singular approach to his songwriting; his vocals take on a wider range of melodic avenues, the piano is restrained and works to accent what is a very gritty, soulful visage of a lonely traveller. Further into the more mellow and meloncholy greys goes "When I Die", one of the album's best written tracks and a song that seemingly begs to be in rotation on modern country radio. A familiar story of a man coming to terms with his inevitable demise, yet the unique voice Putnam addresses the subject with allows for a fresh telling of an ageless tale. The title track is a relatively short bit of low-key hook-fueled melody, where Putnam sounds even more outside of himself with a soulful upper-register approach. The remainder of the album is solid as well, with the slinking, grimy Tom Waits-esque "Butcher Dogs" a personal highlight of mine.

So, as I said, Brand New Widow is nothing less than a shining set of examples of the talent and appreciation for a long-lived genre Putnam Murdock brings to the table. A lifetime of musical inclination has led him to one of the more interesting and enjoyable folk albums you're going to hear in 2012, and, perhaps, long after. At least until the next fork in this man's life leads him to his next project. Not only has this firmly put his name on my radar, but has revived in me a love for folk and Americana in general that has laid dormant for quite some time. And that just may be the highest praise I can give this fantastic album. - musicemissions.com

Putnam Murdock is an Americana singer/songwriter from South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, although his work has strong influence from blues, country, folk and rock n’ roll music. Why all the division and labelling, anyways? Being that it’s part of our accepted intellectual process, it’s necessary. After all, we need something to “say” if we’re going to talk about music, something that doesn’t require conversation. But I digress. Putnam’s new album “Brand New Window” was released in October 2011, and it was recorded live – a bold move. Co-written by songwriter Tom J. Carlisle and recorded with musicians David Cieri, Jordan Scannella, Jay Frederick and Bryan Pugh, this is his third album.

With a very blues-driven verse and an Americana chorus, Putnam shows a calm versatility and a respect for the song in the easy to enjoy “Wages of Hope”. Minimal percussion and a slide guitar that mimics the soft but urgent vocals and lyrics make this a “gather around the storyteller” type affair. You can always tell a seasoned songwriter by how much space they leave in their music – how much they allow the story to be told. Musically, the sound is unassuming and seemingly without ego. “The Promise” leads with a piano line shifting into a shuffle beat, where Putnam adopts a slightly different singer’s accent sounding influenced by very early era Tom Waits. Free flow lyrics and letting the poetry do its own thing suit him just fine, and the piano solo really takes the song up another level.

“Marshlands” is a slowly crawling, very subtle ballad with brilliant lyrics about “being where you are” rather than idealizing life endlessly and self-medicating with philosophy, beliefs, despair or hope. “I’m just here and the view is fine”, Murdock seems to say with his lyrical theme. The music is subtle enough to potentially fall into the background should people talk over it, but if you listen closely enough, this is once again, disciplined songwriting at work, and it does only what it needs to. In Buddhism this would be called a “mindful” song perhaps, and it’s the subtlely that makes it special. “When I Die” begins with the lyrics “When I die could you bury me so I could keep good company. It’s not as lonely as it seems. My dear, I’ll see you in your dreams.” Very potent and beautiful, and I don’t know if I can expand on that.

“Brand New Widow” changes the pace with atmospheric keys and a restrained falsetto. “Butcher Dogs” throws some Beatles influence, some jazz, and some lounge for good measure, and once again the narrator has changed his tune. The Tom Waits influence is here again to the artists great credit. Other moments on this release that grabbed me were the bluesy and full of personality “California Song” which maintains the laid-back feel but with a small dose of attitude, and the angelic “Eramun”, which sports some U2/The Edge type atmospheres to back up Putnam’s soulful vocals.

Putnam Murdock strikes me as a strong artist for many reasons, the most rare being that his expression is free of the shackles of ego that most artists are completely lost in. With this being taken care of, the music and lyrics themselves become vehicles for change. “Brand New Widow” is a beautiful album that I would recommend to fans of Paul Simon, Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, and John Prine.

James Moore - Skope Magazine

Jersey Whiskey won an Honorable Mention in the Americana category of the International Songwriting Competition 2009. - Candace Avery, Founder/Director, ISC

Jersey Whiskey won an Honorable Mention in the Americana category of the International Songwriting Competition 2009. - Candace Avery, Founder/Director, ISC

February 15, 2009

Although he was on the official ballot for the Grammys this year, Murdock didn't make the cut as one of the top five nominees in his categories. That's too bad, because this South Dartmouth-based singer-songwriter's latest, "Fiction," is a sturdy set of introspective folk indebted to his influence, John Prine.

James Reed - Boston Globe