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Max Murray

About Me

Bassist Max Murray began making music at the age of four. The son of a professional musician, music was ever-present in his childhood home near Boston, MA. After experimenting with brass & woodwind instruments, the double bass found him at age 13. While in high school he studied with Boston Symphony Orchestra bassist, Lawrence Wolfe. At seventeen, Max was accepted into the United States Navy Music Program, and upon high school graduation he enlisted in the Navy. After boot camp, he attended the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, VA, and graduated at the top of his class, and ahead of schedule. He then was forced to endure arduous tours of duty with Navy Bands in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Newport, RI. In 1985 Max won an appointment to the Premier United States Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, MD., where he remained until retiring from the Navy in 2000. During his twenty-plus years of service he performed a broad spectrum of music, including; top-40, rock 'n roll, R&B, plenty of marches, classical literature, show tunes, rap, country, salsa, big band & small group contemporary jazz.

Max is honored to have studied with, or participated in masterclasses with some of the finest bassists on the planet, including Paul Johnson, John Clayton, Rufus Reid, Glen Moore, Buster Williams, and Lynn Seaton.

After hearing Max play, legendary bassist Milt “The Judge” Hinton, said, “.... it ain't gonna get much better than that, that's beautiful.....!”

In addition to the many wonderful regional musicians he collaborates with, Max is honored to have shared the stage with a diverse list of major artists, including Henry Mancini, Don Menza, Mose Allison, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lee Greenwood, Neil Sedaka, Louie Bellson, Gene Bertoncini, Dave Samuels, and Poncho Sanchez.

In 2003 he and longtime partner Frank Russo released their first collaboration with pianist Doug Bickel & John D'earth, “In My Mind's Eye.” He also can be heard on recordings by Suede, Rob Vuono Orchestra, Tom Lagana Group, Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, The Fred Hughes Trio, Rob Levit, the Pete BarenBregge/Frank Russo Group, The Vince Norman/Joe McCarthy Big Band. As a member of Afro Bop Alliance he received a Latin Grammy Award for the 2008 release, “Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance.”

His most recent release,”Turning Point,” is with trio mates Alan Blackman & Frank Russo along with the brilliant saxophonist Donny McCaslin and rising vocal star Margret Grebowicz.

Max lives with his family near the Chesapeake Bay, and maintains a steady performing and recording schedule.