Greg Murphy
Let's Get Started
Murphasaurus Records
Greg Murphy, piano, keyboards; Dale Robbins, electric bass; John Brown, drums

The title track (first on the CD) took me back to the days of Weather Report. Wonderful work by Dale Robbins. It is really his show with Greg Murphy's support. "Little Miss Tigerfish" (both takes) was an opportunity for Greg Murphy to showcase his piano talents and he did.

The liner notes state that Greg Murphy has studied with Ellis Marsalis and has toured with Rashied Ali and worked with a host of major musicians. All of that polish is demonstrated on this CD. Even though many of the musicians he performed with are considered on the forefront of the Avant Garde, I found that Greg was able to take the listener out there and safely bring you back, something that all Avant Garde musicians don't bother to do. I think John Brown's contribution could have been more creative.

I look forward to more offerings by Greg Murphy.

Reviewer: Haybert K. Houston (Jazznow.com, May 2005)

CD Reviews West

Greg Murphy Let's Get Started

At last! Internationally renowned modern jazz genius, Greg Murphy, finally takes pity on jazz hungry ears with the release of Let's Get Started. After a career spanning two decades, taking him from the States, across Europe, to Japan, China and back again, Murphy offers his unique talent to the public in this, his first album recording as a leader of his own band. Starting out in Chicago and New Orleans in the 80's, where he studied with prominent pianist Ellis Marsalis after winning a National Endowment study grant, Murphy has been a part of, and worked with some of the best names in the business; Percussion incorporated, The Fusicians, The New Orleans Jazz Couriers, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman, Raphael Cruz, Archie Shepp and the unmistakable Rashied Ali. Already featured on five successful albums, including Meditations, No One In Particular, Heart-Sound, and A Mano, Let's Get Started is a delicious showcase of swinging Murphy originals, enriched by the talented Dale Robbins and the rock-steady beat of John Brown on the drums. Electrifying bass, percussion and counter-melody tease through sophisticated tunes like "Little Miss Tigerfish" or the haunting re-work of "Stranded," shaping a finger-snapping, foot-tapping feast for us all. And the icing on the Snap Happy, jazz sizzled cake? You can currently catch Greg at The Ritz-Carlton on Nanjing Lu [Shanghai], where he indulges the public with hot shifting tunes in the Second Floor Lounge Bar, every Tuesday-Sunday evening. Go on; treat yourself to that groovin' jazz-funk fusion.

Reviewer: Natalie Hunt (QUO magazine, January 2005, p.49 ) Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China

Let's Get Started is full of driving energy and lyrical beauty. It swings and surprises. Just when you're nearing your fill of one of the trio's complex rhythms, they switch tempo or return to one of the lovely melodies that make this CD thoughtful and haunting. Just when you think this CD is about technical mastery, you notice the harmonious blend that gives each player an essential role. I can't classify Let's Get Started by style. I just know that when I listen to it I feel I'm in the hands of people (composer Greg Murphy on piano and keyboards, Dale Robbins on electric bass and John Brown on drums) who know what they're doing, and they do it very well indeed. Let's Get Started is complex but accessible to anyone who recognizes original work done with love and skill.

Reviewer: Dan North (Freelance Journalist, Editor, September 2004)