I do the best I can to sound like ME....BUT I believe I hear a little bit of these divas influence when I listen to my recordings: Sarah, Betty, Carmen, Diane Reeves, Dee Bridgewater and Phyllis Hyman. Of course I can't forget the women that I would sneak into the clubs to see when I was underage....The great Paula Greer and Ms. Showmanship herself, Charlotte Foster. Mr. Chicago, the fantastic Lenny Lynn, taught me never to back down from musicians and drive the band with ENERGY! Last, but never least, I have to give one man praise and credit for teaching me how to command MY stage and that phrasing can take the same old song to new heights! THANKS VONSKI! I'm Walkin"
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REVIEW OF "IN FULL BLOOM"
Inspired most by the musical men in her life – tenor saxophonist/mentor Von Freeman, and bassist, producer and husband Chuck Webb – vocalist Margaret Murphy has finally delivered her first “baby” and named it “In Full Bloom.”
This 10-song collection celebrates everything from traditional New Orleans rhythms to romantic tales that, as the leader learned from “Vonski,” “tell a story with a song.” “In Full Bloom’s” strength is that it offers solid substance for the “jazz purist” and the rhythm and blues fan.
The album begins with Webb’s walking bass line that is soon followed by Murphy’s voice – a dusky, confident instrument that reveals an excitement that is always controlled – on the Fats Domino standard “I’m Walkin.’ ” Here, drummer Charles Heath and pianist Miguel De La Cerna enhance the song’s bright, bouncy tempo, which serves as the leader’s call for everyone to drop the stress while she’s leading the band.
Guitarist Peter Lerner then helps Murphy introduce “Misty.” After Murphy’s interpretation – tender and deliberate at first, before leaping out with understated urgency – Lerner delivers a lively solo that organist Michael Logan follows seamlessly. Murphy and Lerner conclude the song where they started, together, with the leader emphasizing “I’m in love” with a simplicity that reveals nothing but sincerity. Murphy and friends then embrace “I Got My Mojo Workin’. ” A duet, of sorts, between drummer Khari Parker’s second-line, New Orleans-flavored rhythms and Murphy’s voice makes this the collection’s most enjoyable, accessible track.
Murphy later applies her interpretation to “Pearls,” co-written by Sade Adu and Andrew Hale. Here, her voice is accompanied by Webb’s electric bass. As Murphy’s voice paints a portrait about a lone/lonely woman “dying to survive,” Webb offers support that complements the song’s ethereal, poignant atmosphere. With one word, “Hallelujah,” Murphy sustains the closure for this song, the best feature for her voice and emotional range.
For “Stolen Moments,” Murphy is joined by fellow vocalist Carolyn Whitfield. The two songstresses share and show their respective ranges, with Whitfield’s higher-pitched (but not high-pitched) range blending with, not below, Murphy’s slightly deeper delivery.
Murphy begins “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine,” the closer, a cappella. She is soon joined by Logan, whose ability to support the song’s space and singer’s pacing within that space, reveals her true desire to please that man…and us as well.
With “In Full Bloom,” Margaret Murphy has indeed heard and fulfilled Vonski’s two-word command – “Express yourself!” -- to her and everyone who enters his musical laboratory, wherever it may be.
Twenty-plus years after joining Freeman’s “laboratory,” also known as The New Apartment Lounge, this student has produced a recording that shows she has listened, learned, and lived.
-- Corey Hall
A native of Chicago, Margaret began her singing career at the age of eleven starring in the PBS Channel 11 production of the “Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy. The influences of Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn enticed her into the world of jazz where she met legendary tenor saxophonist Von Freeman. Under Mr. Freeman’s tutelage, Margaret quickly blossomed into one of the city’s most prominent jazz performers. She has performed with Mr. Freeman at many venues, including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Andy’s “Tribute to Billie Holiday,” Green Dolphin Street, Pete Miller’s, The New Apartment and The Green Mill as well as being featured on his “Live From The Jazz Showcase” CD.
Margaret has shared the stage with numerous Chicago musicians, among them, vocalists Marc Courtney Johnson and Tecora Rogers; guitarists Curtis (The Doctor) Robinson, George Freeman and Roland Faulkner; bassists John Whitfield, Larry Grey, Mike Manson and Chuck Webb; pianists “Young” John Young, Ken Chaney and Charlie L. Johnson; the great Eldee Young, Ari Brown, Mike Logan, The Grady Johnson Quartet, Lonnie Baker Brooks, The Associates and many others. As vocalist for the Grammy nominated Mississippi Heat Blues Band, Margaret opened the 1998 Chicago Blues Festival in the Petrillo Band Shell.
As leader of her own quartet, Margaret was the featured performer for six months at Chicago’s legendary Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel. She is also a favorite on Chicago's premier cruise ships, the Odyssey and The Spirit of Chicago. In the April, 2007, she toured the Caribbean and the Virgin Islands and upon arriving home, was honored to be asked to perform at a banquet honoring Senator Barack Obama.
Margaret’s band was added to the Navy Pier' Beer Garden 2005, 2006 and 2007 entertainment line-up and has performed there to rave reviews. The band was also featured in Navy Pier's 2007 salute to African Americans, in the famous Crystal Garden. Her voice, in a duet with Michael Logan, is featured on the theme song of the feature film “Pieces of A Dream” which debuted at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and will be shown in select theatres Fall, 2007. Also, in Spring of 2007, Margaret produced and performed in the show "3 For Jazz" staged at the DuSable Museum of African American History.
As vocalist for the Charlie Johnson Quartet, Margaret acted as executive as well as co-producer of their CD, “Moment’s Notice.” She has released her solo debut CD titled “In Full Bloom” which is receiving airplay on independent radio stations throughout the United States and Europe. In December, 2007 Margaret received a "Grindie" award for her vocal performance on the Sade song "Pearls" She is also recognized by Radio Indie as a Gold Artist for excellence in production and vocals on "In Full Bloom."
Hi Princess!thanks for your support!your music sounds great,very cool and tasty!I am also honored by your add and so much fairness!from Argentina!best wishes and keep in touch!
Shalom Ms. Murphy! thx 4 listenin' u sounding pretty good urself.. stay "tuned" ;) ________________________ Peace, Luv & Thanx 2 all my friends around the world. I hope y'all continue 2 listen and share my music. YAH bless!
שלום, אוהב, והודות לכל הידידים שלי בעולם. אני מקווה שאתה ממשיך להקשיב ולחלק את המוסיקה שלי.
السلام و الحب و الشكر لجهة كل أصدقائي في العالم. أمل استمر بأن أصغى و أشارك موسيقىي. يبارك الله أنت كل!
Frieden, Liebe und Dank zu all meinen Freunden in der Welt. Ich hoffe, dass Sie fortsetzen, zuzuhören und meine Musik zu teilen. Gott segnet Sie alle!
Paz, el amor, y gracias a todos mis amigos en el mundo. Espero que continúe escuchar y compartir mi música. Dios bendiga a todos!
Paix, amour, et grâce à tous mes amis dans le monde. J'espère que vous continuer à écouter et de partager ma musique. Dieu vous bénisse tous!
Pace, amore, e grazie a tutti i miei amici nel mondo. Spero che lei continui ad ascoltare e condividere la mia musica. Dio vi benedica tutti!
Мир, любовь и благодарность всем моим друзьям в мире. Я надеюсь, вы продолжаете слушать мою музыку и разделять свои впечатления с другими. Да благослови вас Бог!!
Pokój, kochają, i dzięki całym moim przyjaciołom w świecie. Ja ufam wam dalej ciągniecie posłuchać i dzielić moją muzykę. Bóg poświęcacie was wszystko!
Just Came By To Say Hi And Thanks For The Friendship, Margaret. Feel Free To Drop In Anytime. You're ALWAYS Welcome. Hope You're Having A Great Weekend.
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