Customer Reviews

Let's Get Started

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At last! Internationally renowned modern jazz genius, Greg Murphy, finally takes pity on jazz hungry ears with the release of Let's Get Started. After a career spanning two decades, taking him from the States, across Europe, to Japan, China and back again, Murphy offers his unique talent to the public in this, his first album recording as a leader of his own band. Starting out in Chicago and New Orleans in the 80's, where he studied with prominent pianist Ellis Marsalis after winning a National Endowment study grant, Murphy has been a part of, and worked with some of the best names in the business; Percussion incorporated, The Fusicians, The New Orleans Jazz Couriers, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman, Raphael Cruz, Archie Shepp and the unmistakable Rashied Ali. Already featured on five successful albums, including Meditations, No One In Particular, Heart-Sound, and A Mano, Let's Get Started is a delicious showcase of swinging Murphy originals, enriched by the talented Dale Robbins and the rock-steady beat of John Brown on the drums. Electrifying bass, percussion and counter-melody tease through sophisticated tunes like "Little Miss Tigerfish" or the haunting re-work of "Stranded," shaping a finger-snapping, foot-tapping feast for us all. And the icing on the Snap Happy, jazz sizzled cake? You can currently catch Greg at The Ritz-Carlton on Nanjing Lu, where he indulges the public with hot shifting tunes in the Second Floor Lounge Bar, every Tuesday-Sunday evening. Go on; treat yourself to that groovin' jazz-funk fusion.

Let's Get Started is full of driving energy and lyrical beauty. It swings and surprises. Just when you're nearing your fill of one of the trio's complex rhythms, they switch tempo or return to one of the lovely melodies that make this CD thoughtful and haunting. Just when you think this CD is about technical mastery, you notice the harmonious blend that gives each player an essential role. I can't classify Let's Get Started by style. I just know that when I listen to it I feel I'm in the hands of people (composer Greg Murphy on piano and keyboards, Dale Robbins on electric bass and John Brown on drums) who know what they're doing, and they do it very well indeed. Let's Get Started is complex but accessible to anyone who recognizes original work done with love and skill.