Margaret Murphy
In Full Bloom
© 2007 Earthtone Enterprises
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A tantalizing mix of jazz, blues and R&B done only how Margaret can do it in her signature contralto. A must have for music lovers.
tracks
- 1 I'm Walkin'
- 2 Misty
- 3 Do You Wanna Dance
- 4 I Got My Mojo Workin'
- 5 Pieces Of A Dream
- 6 Pearls
- 7 Distracted
- 8 Stolen Moments
- 9 Night In Tunisia
- 10 Can't Help Lovin' That Man
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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” album. Margaret has shared the stage with numerous Chicago musicians, among them, vocalists Kurt Elling and Dee Alexander; guitarists Henry Johnson, George Freeman and Roland Faulkner; bassists John Whitfield, Larry Grey, Mike Manson and Chuck Webb; pianists “Young” John Young and Ken Chaney; 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 performed at the 1998 Chicago Blues Festival in the Petrillo Band Shell. As leader of her own quartet, she opened for piano greats Joe Sample and Chick Corea at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock Jazz Festival. Margaret was featured at Chicago’s legendary Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel, and recently performed at a banquet honoring Senator Barack Obama. She has also performed on Chicago’s premier cruise ships, The Odyssey and The Spirit of Chicago. Margaret’s band was added to the Navy Pier Beer Garden 2005 and 2006 line-up and has performed there to rave reviews. 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 is currently in distribution through-out the United States and Europe. In April, 2007, Margaret produced and appeared in the widely acclaimed show, 3 For Jazz, at the famed DuSable Museum of African American History. Her newly released CD, In Full Bloom, has already been added to the playlist of independent radio stations across the United States and England, Germany, Australia, Italy, The Netherlands and Switzerland.
reviews
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A Fantastic Collection!
author: Margaret MurphyInspired 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 her “In Full Bloom.” This 10-song collection celebrates everything from traditional New Orleans feel and flavor 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 purists” and rhythm and blues fans. The festivities begin with Webb’s walking bass line that soon segues into Murphy’s voice – a dusky, controlled 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 ably add to the song’s bright, bouncy tempo, which serves as the leader’s call for everyone to drop the stress while she’s at the mic. Guitarist Peter Lerner then joins the party and helps Murphy introduce “Misty.” After Murphy’s interpretation – tender and deliberate at first, before leaping out with understated urgency – Lerner delivers a tasteful solo that organist Michael Logan then follows seamlessly. Murphy and Lerner conclude “Misty” by returning to the top, where the leader emphasizes “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-acknowledging rhythms and Murphy’s voice makes this the most enjoyable, accessible sound from this first “baby.” Murphy later applies her interpretation to “Pearls,” co-written by Sade Adu and Andrew Hale. Here, Murphy’s 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, which serves as the album’s best feature for her voice and emotional range. or “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 album’s 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 to her and everyone who ever entered his musical laboratory, wherever it may be: “Express yourself.” Twenty-plus years later, this student has recorded a CD that shows she has listened, learned, and expressed everything from the heart.
In Full Bloom
author: Margaret AndersenMargaret's voice resonates with her passion to create her own rendition of old favorites. Her album is sexy, enchanting making you thirst for more of her sultry voice.
EASY LISTENING, RELAXING, GREAT CD
author: TONI STRONGEXCELLENT CD...DON'T TAKE MY WORD... GO AND GET IT FOR YOURSELF YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!!!!
smooth, silky and rich...all that music (and life) should be!
author: max elliottI've been following Margaret for several years now and this CD is every bit the representative of her magnificent talent and artistry. Growing up on jazz, listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Candi Staton, Sarah Vaughn and other greats, I know good voice and good work when I hear it, and it's on this CD.
- author: Ollie Ulmer
No kidding, it really was awesome. I found it so enjoyable it makes it hard for me to wait to see what comes next!! Keep'em comin!!
a MUST have
author: ramelIt amazes me how artist like Margaret are not in the mainstream of music today. If you don't have "In Full Bloom" your not "In Tune" to good honest music.
Excellent jazz/female vocal CD. Pick up a copy today!
author: Xavier P. and RadioIndy“In Full Bloom” by the talented Margaret Murphy is a flavorful assembly of enchanting jazz tunes. Igniting this album’s flame is the groovy “I’m Walking,” which wastes no time in showing off the amazing instrumentation, namely jazz piano leads, that defines all of this record. With romantic lyrics arranged to unforgettable melodies, the appeal of this record goes far beyond just great musicianship. Margaret’s powerful, soulful, and effortless vocal performance outshines every other aspect of this album. The emotionally touching “Pearls” slows the pace a bit, and allows Margaret’s vocal ability to shine with its full potential. Polished with unrivaled production, if you are a fan of soulful, smooth jazz, you will thoroughly enjoy “In Full Bloom.”
Mellow, smooth, it takes me back...
author: Marc JohnsonMellow, smooth, it takes me back... Put's me mood of summer in the city with good friends chilling playing cards into all hours of the night back in the day. This is music to chill by.
Great listening alone or with that special someone
author: Ted JohnsonThe delightfully chosen vocal selections in this CD entitles it truly the right to be named IN FULL BLOOM. Great CD for listening alone or sharing with some special company, and a welcome addition to my collection as a favorite.
Loved Do you wanna Dance and
author: Angela BrownI had a few favorites on this CD.......Do you wanna Dance Pieces of a dream ,Distracted Night in Tunisia to name a few.
easy on the senses and good for the soul
author: KashMargaret Murphy’s sound on this CD is like a blend of my 2 favorite things –dark, melted chocolate, and deep, rich brandy. Easy on the senses and good for the soul! Nobody can phrase a song quite like MM.
A great CD!
author: Gail RutkowskiWhat a great CD! Margaret has really put it out there on this one. The duet on Pieces of Dreams is wonderful. I found myself hitting replay a number of times so I could enjoy it one more time.
Ms. Murphy at her brilliant best
author: Christine DavisA vibrant compilation of classic and original music. Need to feel good? Listening to this CD takes all the stress away. A five star recording!
Versatile,Entertaining, and Good Listening.
author: Otis C. Blue Sr.This CD reminds me of a night in a swank nightclub, prime rib, champagne, and your special girl sitting across from you! Buy it.
A wonderfully talented vocalist. World class CD!
author: C. CrawfordThis is my new favorite CD! Margaret was able to mix acoustic jazz, soul, and R&B seamlessly. Some of my favorite jazz standards are here along with timeless tunes from Al Jarreau and even Bette Midler. Margaret's voice is rich and full of subtile nuances that keep surprising me with each listen. The production & sound quality are A+. I highly reccommend this CD.
You need this CD
author: David KapusIf you like Jazz, you need to get this CD. No collection would be complete without it.
This is great!!!
author: TheedaSultry, sexy & sassy. I really enjoyed it. It's a good CD to relax with after a long day.