The Red Road
Tea House, 2024
8/10
The violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy returns with a largely solo affair, where his strings and intimate voice guide us through 5 heartfelt tracks.
“Never Learned To Drive” starts with Murphy’s playful strings alongside his warm voice that’s instantly memorable, and “Worn Thin” follows with a flowing beat amid the rich violin playing and vivid storytelling.
The title track and “The Complete Works Of Edgar Allen Poe” occupy the middle spots. The former is rhythmic and harmonic, while the latter involves his self-described ‘romantic fatigue’, where his fiddle illuminates the personal storytelling.
Landing at the end is the upbeat and dance floor ready “Tara McKinley”, where a worldly demeanor is much appreciated and won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Coming off a couple of full band records, Murphy proves how impactful he is in bare climates, too, with these sincere, Celtic influenced and jazz and groove filled gestures.
Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Road The Stars; Morningbird- Echoes In The Meadow