Twenty years ago Jade Murphy picked up his first guitar inspired by his mentor father, Minnesota's own guitar legend, Steve Murphy. With his father's guidance, Jade was deeply involved not only learning to play guitar, but incorporating his playing and his singing and song writing skills from a very early age never stopping at a resting spot, but always striving to learn more and more, always working at honing his talents to the best of his abilities.
Former leader of local Minnesota bands Turtlepurse and The Delaineys, Jade was sought out and was asked to join the very popular Minneapolis band “Dazy Head Mazy” as their lead guitarist. Over 200+ different venues per year, Jade had the pleasure to share the stage with national acts such as: The Gin Blossoms, Seven Mary Three, Dada, Colin Hay, Josh Joplin, Martin Zellar, The Nadas, Hello Dave, O.A.R, and countless others. His succession with Dazy Head Mazy led to nominations for 'Best Pop Band' by the Minnesota Music Association in 2003 and was awarded BEST REGIONAL BAND in 2001 by the Independent Music Awards. Two records and 7 years later, his desire to record and play his own music motivated him to leave DHM and seek a solo project.
On February 23rd, 2008, Jade’s first solo record entitled “Restless” was released on the Ultimasongs Record label. “Restless” was recorded and Produced at A440 studios in Minneapolis Minnesota and mixed and mastered at Catamount Studios in Cedar Falls, IA. Some reviews of the album “Infectious, Different”, “ A Great mixture of Power Pop Love Songs with an Edge”.
“This was one record I had to mix. Jade is a hook-master who is a pleasure to work with.”
- Catamount Recording Studio owner (Grammy-nominated, Gold Record producer for Stone Sour), Tom Tatman said.
"This is another great day for the label, Jade Murphy represents the best in rock songwriting, recording, and live guitar/vocal performance. He is the real deal and a true gentleman."
Ultimasongs Record label President Steve Mcloone announced after the signing in Minneapolis.
The Jade Murphy Band includes JJ Towner (Panoramic Blue) on guitar and vocals, Brian Jentges (The Shaw Band, Badfinger, and currently Powerhouse) on drums, Justin Mishler (former bassist for Dazy Head Mazy, Medium) on bass, and Steve Mcloone (Judd, Headstone) on percussion. Look for the Jade Murphy Band coming soon to an area very near you!
Hey Jade...well the great plans I had to make sure I saw you play this summer sure fell through..Thinkin about trying to escape Wisconsin for a weekend in Sept and will try to catch a show then.. Hope all is going great! Still listen to the CD in my car and on my ipod..and truly enjoy it!
Hey for all the fans of Jade Murphy, I gat a chance to record their new tune "Avenues" live on Father's Day 2008 Solstice Music Fest in Mankato,Minnesota at the Land of Memories Park enjoy its a great song!!
Amazing show last night. I am soooo proud of you. Thanks for letting me be a part of your show. I had a great time, even if I did forget not only the words but also to grab a CD. I'll have to grab one next time I see you. You sounded amazing. I proud of you buddy!!!!!
