Orientation by Greg Murphy

Two fusion numbers dominated by keyboards and electric bass, “Puffin Land” and “Alternate Voices”, form a break between the acoustic sections, while on two fine solo piano standards, the ballads “I Thought About You” and “What’s New”, Murphy carries the melodies firmly yet fluidly on top of full, ten-fingered textures.

-Brian Lonergan

June 2006 ALLABOUTJAZZ-NEW YORK

GREG MURPHY

"Orientation"

Some recordings get me within the first seconds of listening, that’s the case with Greg Murphy’s Orientation. The first cut, Triple Dipple, opens with a creative energy which is surged by multiple time feels and meter changes. The groove is positive and engaging. The solo’s are masterful, which leads me as a listener right through the entire disc of music. I was thoroughly entertained and the music created an eagerness in me to want to see this band “live” the next time I was in NYC!

Murphy is truly fine keyboardist with [an]excellent background. As many great instrumentalists, Murphy is drawn by the keyboard masters from various era’s. I know this because the nature of his compositions [displayed] this on this recording. He is as comfortable on grand piano as a multitude of keyboard instruments. Many people try to perform in many contrasting genres, but few attain to convincing performances. Murphy and gang do this in convincing style.

Quality recordings have the necessary contrasts that draw their listeners to their music. Murphy’s other compositions include Trane’s Mode” which is a minor blues, which has a strong post-bop flavor. The variety continues as Murphy shows several different sides of his musical personality. Two fusion numbers dominated by keyboards and electric bass, “Puffin Land” and “Alternate Voices”, form a break between the acoustic sections.My favorite tracks are Murphy’s solo piano standards, ballads “I Thought About You” and “What’s New”. He displays fine touch and sensitivity. Most impressive, he show’s that he is at home in these traditional mainstream styles as well as the more modern modal music.

There are other fine performances by the other instrumentalists on this disc. It is a fine ensemble. All the players are fine soloists and ensemble musicians. The group plays with a passion and groove which draws the audience into each performance.

It’s refreshing to hear musicians who play and perform in a manner that reflects the natural evolution of Jazz, without losing originality, while creating their own voice in music! Murphy is one of those people.

- Rick Holland

Jazz Radio 24 seven

“…A brilliant new jazz LP,

Orientation, by *Greg Murphy* from NYC

with some glorious piano led

Latin jazz dance tracks”

-Off Limits Radio with Raggy (UK)

Danceandsoul.com

“Incredible New York City pianist

Greg Murphy brings new tracks to radioioJazz...

his album 'orientation' is absolutely amazing...”

-Dr. Mike

RadioioJazz.com

“The CD is killin. Really…This is great.”

-Matt Merewitz

Music Director

WRCT Pittsburgh, PA

“Niiiiiiice!…It sounds great!”

-Tom Hunter

Music Director

KNTU, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

“Great record!!!!! Will be adding it for our jazz program.”

- Peter Solomon

WCVE, Richmond, VA

“I second Peter [Solomon’s] opinion. I will sure give this CD more spins.”

- Joost van Steen

Jazz & Blues Tour, The Netherlands

“Very impressive release.”

- Larry Dane-Kellogg

WHCJ, Savannah, GA

“…A terrific album…wonderful work.”

-Lise Avery

Executive Producer

Anything Goes!! With Lise Avery

Internationally Syndicated Radio

“A breath of fresh Air”

- Bobby Jackson

Music Director

WCPN, Cleveland, OH

“Pianist Greg Murphy’s new release, “Orientation” is hot stuff! Greg demonstrates his considerable keyboard style with a mix of straight ahead, bop, funk/fusion and for good measure, throws in a couple of very tasty ballads (‘What's New’ and ‘I Thought About You’).

“All done very nicely and very listenable, but the straight ahead/bop arena is where Greg really cooks (would you expect anything less with song titles such as ‘Triple Dipple’, ‘Cedar Salad’ and ‘A Strain From Wayne’?).

“If this one isn't on your shelf, sell your CD player!”

- "Dr. Bob," Modernjazzclassics.com

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