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Mark Murphy: Memories of You
ByIt's not so much Murphy's voice, which is fine, if a little thin, as it is those intangibles that separate a singer from the pack: timing, delivery, confidence, and that unique ability to make everything swing. Over the years, Murphy has honed those skills to the point where he can swing almost effortlessly, conveying more with a whisper than most singers can with a shout. Just check, for example, his hushed approach to Ellington's "Just Squeeze Me" here. Less, with Murphy at the mic, is definitely more.
Murphy's particular brand of beatnik bebop has little in common with Williams' deep Basie blues, and he's wise to shake up his interpretations of Williams' best-known tunes, like "In the Evenin'," which he takes at a slower than slow pace, and "Everyday (I Have the Blues)," which he gives a full-on funk treatment. With backing by an exceptionally sympathetic quartet (Norman Simmons on piano, Paul Bollenbeck on guitar, Grady Tate on drums and Darryl Hall on bass), Murphy delivers a master class in jazz singing and one of the best albums of his career.
Track Listing
1. The Comeback (Chatman) - 5:21 2. In the Evenin' (Carr/Raye) - 6:38 3. Everyday (Chatman) - 5:02 4. Memories of You (Blake/Razaf) - 5:59 5. Just Squeeze Me (Ellington/Gaines) - 4:29 6. If I Were a Bell (Loesser) - 3:06 7. Close Enough to Love (Mandel/Williams) - 4:34 8. Love You Madly (Ellington) - 3:23 9. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) (Ellington/Webster) - 5:20 10. Sposin' (Denniker/Razaf) - 3:05 11. A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry (Gimbel/Reid) - 6:25
Personnel
Mark Murphy
vocalsBill Easley - Soprano and Tenor Sax; Mark Murphy - Vocals; Norman Simmons - Piano; Grady Tate - Drums; Paul Bollenback - Guitar; Darryl Hall - Bass.
Album information
Title: Memories of You | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Unknown label
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