Mark Murphy: Live in Athens, Greece

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Mark Murphy

Live in Athens, Greece

(Harbinger Records)

September 30, 2016

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

mark-murphy-cabaret-scenes-magazine_212There are few things in music better than a knock-out live performance. Here, the proof is in the CD that is a must-have for any jazz lover. As one of the most revered male jazz singers and as he gently slipped into his golden years, one might expect a bit less from Mark Murphy’s 2008 live recording. Not so. The jazz great, who died in 2015, flew to Athens for a three-day run at Gazarte Club with famed guitarist Spiros Exaras. Murphy outdid himself. It’s all here on this superb disc, produced by Exaras, that places you in the room with the jazz man and this roaring hot band.

With a long history of great performances and recordings, as well as six Grammy nominations and top honors from Down Beat Magazine and other outlets filling his résumé, Mark Murphy could do no wrong. Take the opening cut. “My Funny Valentine” (Rodgers & Hart) has been sung to death by some of the best (and worst) singers out there. Murphy’s ingenious treatment makes it sound like it’s brand new. His unique phrasing and skilled musicianship are at their best here. In other words, he shows why he was the master of jazz improvisation, replete with sophisticated scat and flourishes. “On Green Dolphin Street” (Bronislaw Kaper/Ned Washington) opens with him just doodling a cappella for a while before the awesome band knocks it out of the park—another triumph by a sizzling piano with Thomas Rueckert and, of course, Exaras.

Throughout this pristine collection, the 76-year-old Murphy sounds youthful and scalds on every cut. “On the Red Clay” written by Murphy with Freddie Hubbard, shows off the entire quartet, following Rueckert’s sophisticated lead. Murphy sings a bluesy “When I Fall in Love” (Victor Young/Edward Heyman) that segues into “My One and Only Love” (Guy Wood/Robert Mellin) that aches with a pain that goes with love. Murphy doesn’t hold back.

The band offers so much to the spirit of this album and to Murphy’s sweet vocals. The final track, “Inutil Paisagem”/“Dindi,” pays homage to Jobim, which echoes Murphy’s legendary 1984 album with Viva Brasil.

In the end, this is one very special album that should be heard by any connoisseur of real jazz. The excitement of a live performance such as this diamond is rare. It is also a treasured keepsake by a jazz giant who had few peers.

The full remarkable, flawlessly crafted band deserves as much praise as the singer; the other two players are Alex Dranos on drums and George Georgiadis on accoustic bass.

John Hoglund

For over 30 years, John Hoglund has been a respected entertainment writer covering cabaret, jazz, theater and recordings. His writings have appeared in numerous outlets including the Bistro Bits column for Back Stage. John moderated seminars and forums for the International Cabaret Conference At Yale. He produced many celebrity fundraisers in NYC including one of the first benefits after 9/11: “HeartSong:The Heroes' Concert” at The Bottom Line featuring 36 major stars. He co-produced “HeartSong2: The Heroes' Concert” for Katrina victims at Symphony Space and “Miracle On 35th Street” with a star-studded lineup. Other fund raising efforts include the first benefits for Broadway Cares and God's Love, We Deliver. John served on the Board of Directors of MAC for 12 years. He is well known for championing new and rising talents.