True Blues Brother: The Legacy Of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy
Nola Blue, 2024
9/10
Listen to True Blues Brother: The Legacy Of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy
The dummer and producer Bob Christina is aligned with the guitar legend Matt Murphy, plus many guests, for this final project before Murphy’s passing in 2018.
The 2 disc set opens with the body shaking delivery of “Matt’s Boogie”, where Bruce Bears’ lively organ and Bob Worthington’s animated bass will get your limbs moving, and not too far along we’re treated to “I’m Lost Without You”, as Fran Christina’s expressive drums are complemented by Greg Piccolo’s vibrant sax.
Further into disc 1, “Way Down South” welcomes Kenny Wayne’s inimitable voice and piano to the indeed southern influenced climate, while “Matt’s Shuffle” starts disc 2 with Christina’s agile drumming that suits the soft melodies.
Moving towards the end, “Give Me Time” showcases Anthony Farrell’s warm keys and plenty of soulful backing vocals, and “You Wasn’t Doin’ Too Good” exits with Joe Beard’s eloquent voice, harmonica and guitar for the minimal but memorable finish.
Included are Murphy’s final 3 studio albums, a new song penned Tom Hambridge and songs from friends that illuminate a brilliant career that began in the late ‘40s and continued to his final days.
Travels well with: Seth Lee Jones- Tulsa Custom; Ollee Owens- Nowhere To Hide