Matt “Guitar” Murpny True Blues Brother: The Legacy of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy

May 8, 2024

Matt “Guitar” Murpny

True Blues Brother: The Legacy of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy

Nola Blue Records

Matt Murphy was born in Sunflower, Mississippi in December of 1929. He was raised in Memphis and moved to Chicago when he was nineteen. Murphy’s blues career was launched by the early 1950’s and includes working with Howlin’ Wolf, Little Junior Parker, Memphis Slim and other countless blues icons. Murphy was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2012. Murphy passed away in 2018 at the age of 88.

Murphy is widely known for his appearance in The Blues Brothers movie and performing with The Blues Brothers Band. No less than 72 outstanding musicians appear on this 23 song double cd compilation. The collection is engineered by either Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Recording Studios in West Greenwich, Rhode Island; or by Andrew Cruz at The Mercury Floor Studio in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Almost all of the tracks were produced by Bobby Christina, except for one track produced by his brother Fran Christina (drummer with The Fabulous Thunderbirds); and two tracks produced by Bobby and Fran.

This outstanding compilation is a collection that can be enjoyed repeatedly as each listening will reveal something new. On the lead track Murphy on guitar is accompanied by Bruce Bears on organ and Fran Christina on drums. On Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell” you will be impressed with Dave Howard’s vocal and The Mitchfest Horns including trumpeters Dave Cafro and Doc Chanonhouse, and tenor saxophonist Klem Klimek. On Deadric Malone’s “I Feel Alright Again” it’s Brian Templeton’s vocal with sax by Collin Tilton and Bob Christina on drums. On Lewis Simkins and Peter Chatman’s “Mother Earth” popularized by Tracy Nelson, it’s the vocal and piano of Johnny Nicholas. On Peter Chatman’s “I’m Lost Without You” it’s Greg Piccolo’s saxophone, Al Copley on piano, and Maty Ballou on bass. Another listener might find other musicians even more interesting. Surprises include guitarist Ronnie Earl, keyboardist Ron Levy, and drummer Tom Hambridge. One could go on and on.

All of the 23 songs are highly danceable, so get your party on, by listening to Matt “Guitar” Murphy. And then play it again.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

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