Debut albums from an unknown artist are always not only difficult to make, but also challenging to market and get decent sales. Trish Murphy is a Houston native and her father was a struggling musician as she grew up with her younger brother and older sister. Her father encouraged all three to sing background harmonies for him through their school years. Her wise father also suggested his eldest daughter find gigs to financially support herself. She started as a duo with her brother Darin and they became a successful act in the Houston area in the early nineties. She then released a self made tape of six songs she’d written and they sold out almost immediately.
Then in 1997, Murphy had amassed enough songs to go into the studio – aided brilliantly by producer David McNair – who’s worked with the likes of Chuck Prophet, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Southside Johnny, The Silos amongst many others. She started her own record label – Raven Records – and managed to get such stalwarts as Jon Dee Graham and Gurf Morlix to add some fine guitar work to the album.
And what a barnstormer of an album she made – chock full of cracking songs, all self penned and 25 odd years on, it still bristles and oozes quality and class. The opener ‘Concession Stand Song’ is reassuringly strong – with some lovely edgy guitar work and some glorious harmonica from Murphy’s brother, Darin. Track two is a bona fide classic – ‘Date With An Angel’ – about a 19 year old heading for the City Of Angels, with Cary Bowman adding some superb electric guitar towards the end. ‘She Belongs To Me’ is an acoustic shuffle with some gorgeous piano accompanying the classy guitar work. ‘Smarter Than The Devil’ has a solid Sheryl Crow feel and ‘Scorpio Tequila‘ is a superb rocker, with raw, crunchy electric guitars, riffing like there’s no tomorrow.
Album highlight though, is the astounding ballad ‘Boiling Water’, which begins with some fine acoustic guitar work – before electric sounds and a powerful drum beat are introduced. It’s a sad story of family problems – and Murphy’s powerful vocals bring it alive. It’s already a classic tune, but then we as a finale have the fantastic Gurf Morlix, who brings in a guitar solo that still almost makes me cry with joy it’s so powerful and emotive. One of Americana’s finest and least well known songs – it’s simply stupendous.
A few years after this album was released, Murphy came to the UK to promote her next release – ‘Rubies On The Lawn’ – I was working at a London radio station and she came in for a chat and asked me if there’s a song she could play. She agreed to my suggestion and, acoustic guitar in hand, she played ‘Boiling Water’. It was mesmerising.
Murphy went on to record three more great albums – the aforementioned ‘Rubies On The Lawn’, a live album ‘Captured’ and her last album ‘Girls Get In Free’. All are fantastic. She’s now in a 70’s and 80’s covers band – Skyrocket. Sadly ‘Crooked Mile’ isn’t easily available to stream now – but you can lay your hands on second-hand copies of the CD for a reasonable price.
Murphy is a great songwriter, a brilliant performer, she’s striking and has a powerful voice. Why ‘Crooked Mile‘ wasn’t a big hit is a complete mystery. It’s time more people get introduced to her music – it so deserves a wider audience.
Thanks Paul, an excellent article on a criminally underrated artist; the maxim “the world is not a fair place” personifies Trish Murphy. I was lucky enough to come across her 1st album circa 97 and acquired all her subsequent albums as soon as they were released. Yep, “Date with an Angel” is a classic and has blasted out of my car more times than I can remember. She wrote so many great tunes and she deserves whatever recognition she can get. I lost track after “Girls …”. Interesting to read she’s doing covers in a band Skyrocket. Thanks for that info Paul. I’d love it if she could get back in the studio and record some new stuff. I second the motion to all who read this – listen to her catalogue!!
I’m glad I got 3 albums of her in my collection and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to see her play live, here in the Netherlands in the 90’s.
It’s a shame that she didn’t made it big. Hope she’s doing fine…
Maup, Trish and her brother, Darin, are both doing fine. Both are healthy and making a living doing what they both love (music). I wouldn’t call myself a friend of theirs, although I just recently saw them do their annual Christmas show in Houston and talked with them after the show (I also communicate from time to time with Darin via social media). Both are kind-hearted, friendly people who love playing for people who appreciate their music. I’ve been a fan of Trish since I first saw her play in Little Rock in 1999, and have been a fan of Darin’s since 2003. Speaking of Darin, try to find a copy of his album “Haunted Gardenias.” You won’t be disappointed. Both are very talented musicians. I don’t have any inside information, but I doubt either will ever record another album, primarily because of the way the music industry is run now, but also because they both appear to be perfectly happy doing what they’re doing. God bless.
Paul, your review of Trish’s album is right on the mark. However, you didn’t mention what I think is the standout song on the album, “Relentless.” This is an incredibly beautiful song about a relationship gone bad. The 12-string accompaniment really sets the tone for the song. Also, I didn’t know if you’re aware of this, but approximately 40 seconds after the end of “Blue Tattoo” is an Easter egg–“Old Sayings,” an acoustic folkish number Trish does with her brother, Darin. The song was written by their father years ago. Excellent tune!
If you find the time, review Trish’s “Rubies on the Lawn” and “Girls Get in Free.” In my opinion, both are just as good as “Crooked Mile.” Cheers!