Under the Lights by Dave Murphy

But just when you think things may be getting a bit too serious Murphy belts out “My Garden State” his tongue and cheek ode to New Jersey. Murphy strives to peel away the layers and go deeper in search of that place where the truth lives, exposing it, often from a unique and unexpected perspective.

“Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Dave Murphy flavors this diva-dominated genre with the unnerving perspective of a guy, you know, the strong but sensitive type…Murphy is a natural storyteller who uses both image-rich lyrics and compelling melodies to illustrate his tale…Murphy's music at once thought-provoking and an easy listen, graciously rides the fine folk/Americana line.”

-Fairfield County Weekly

Under the Lights, released in 1998 was Murphy’s solo debut album. Honest, intimate and revealing, this collection of original tunes reflected Murphy’s personal journey up until that point. In December 1999 Performing Songwriter magazine selected Under the Lights as a prestigious Top- 12 DIY pick.

“Murphy sings in a gentle, unaffected baritone that suits his musings perfectly. He knows what he knows and he’s working on the rest. For the like-minded, Under the Lights will be illuminating, indeed.”

-Performing Songwriter

“The collection’s simple, clean production compliments his bare-bones lyrics and smooth voice. A musical Raymond Carver, Murphy taps the raw nerve so many struggling songwriters can’t seem to find, creating a tight, focused album that delivers everything it promises.”

-Twin Cities Revue

Chasing Ghosts, released in 2003 (Murphy’s second album) clearly reflects his ongoing evolution as both a songwriter and performer. Graced by a guest appearance by Grammy nominated troubadour Steve Forbert, Chasing Ghosts received significant airplay on Americana and Triple-A radio stations across the country. It was a “Top 5-most added” CD on the national “Americana Charts” and it spent over 12 weeks on the national “Top 35” Folk Airplay Charts” at one point reaching as high as number 11.

Chasing Ghosts was produced by Marc Muller who has been a member of country superstar Shania Twain’s touring band since 1995 and co-produced Steve Forbert’s latest studio CD. In addition to Muller and Fortbert a bevy of talented musicians contributed to Chasing Ghosts including David Hamburger (Joan Baez, Freedy Johnston), Graham Hawthorne (David Byrne, Paul Simon), Conrad Korsch (Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Joan Osborne), Neil Thomas (Five- Chinese Brothers) and Nicole Atkins.

“Impressive…finely crafted songs.”

-Acoustic Live

“a masterful blend of Country, Americana and Folk Rock…a wonderful triumph of the human spirit in song.”

-Tribes Hill News

In 2005 Murphy’s songwriting talents were again formally acknowledged as he was selected as a Finalist in both the prestigious New-Folk Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas and the Singer-Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Music and Arts Festival in Richardson, Texas.

At live shows Murphy most often performs as a solo act or backed by one of his talented sidemen. This allows the song and his warm whiskey tinged voice to be the focal point. Over the last several years Murphy has shared the stage with Steve Forbert, Slaid Cleaves, Alejandro Escovedo, Mike Doughty, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Vic Chesnutt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzanne Vega.

Murphy has performed at hundreds of venues including the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Wildflower Music & Arts Festival in Texas, the Living Room, Postcrypt Café, and the Knitting Factory in New York City, the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, the Acoustic Café and the SONO Music & Arts Festival in Connecticut and the Outpost in the Burbs in his hometown of Montclair, NJ.

Murphy is currently in the studio with producer and guitarist Marc Muller, working on what will be Murphy’s third full-length studio album. The much anticipated release is due Summer 2007. More fun ahead!

Contact: Dave Murphy (P.O. Box 43322 Montclair, NJ 07043) phone: 201.452.5073 email: d.murphy1@att.net

Dave Murphy is a member of both ASCAP and the Americana Music Association.

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