Here is the latest single from gifted violinist Chris Murphy. His performance on ‘Worn Thin’ is particularly effective and hypnotic when he plays those low notes, building a sense of urgency and rhythm. The song takes a wry look at relationships and the idea of ‘romantic fatigue’. Murphy explained the narrative to AUK: “Rain starts to pour on a moonlit bourbon night of sore bets and horses that didn’t deliver in a back alley in Downtown Los Angeles . He was out of time and luck and cigarettes. He headed down Alvarado towards a bar he knew served late and the bartender wouldn’t ask too many questions. He was worn thin.” Atmospheric music for a moody tale.
‘Worn Thin’ appears on ‘The Red Road’, Murphy’s new EP, which is due for release on 5th July 2024. Incredibly, this is Murphy’s 21st release in his relentlessly prolific music career during which he has released more than 500 songs. Previous albums have aimed for a more expansive, layered, almost-epic sound. However, ‘The Red Road’ is more stripped back; with just his voice and his violin, the LA-based virtuoso is able to deliver surprisingly rich, full music that is similar to his regular one-man stage shows. Recorded in Hawaii with the highly-regarded player-producer Ben Vaughn, Murphy captures a laid back vibe with a feeling of freedom.
Murphy was raised in an Irish-Italian family near New York, where he was inspired by the traditional music played by his neighbours. Consequently, Murphy’s music is an absorbing and timeless blend of genres. Murphy explains his approach: “To me, music is liquid. I’ll twist and turn, and hammer and mould, and shape, cut, and paste the music to create a fresh experience for my audience at all costs.” He continues: “In another era, I would have played square dances, been a court musician, or a circus fiddler, and loved every minute of it.” Essentially, he was just born to play and communicate through song. His gift for music is widely recognised and musicians from the Tom Waits band, Wilco, Elvis Costello and the Buena Vista Social Club have collaborated on his records.
Luckily, fans in the UK can catch his live performances for themselves this summer. Beginning in Kingsbridge on 2nd July, Murphy is due to travel across England, finishing in Brighton at the end of the month. Along the way, fans can see him perform at the lovely Maverick Festival in Suffolk. Get your tickets here. In the meantime, enjoy this.
