Chris Murphy - ​Water Under The Bridge

Chris Murphy

​Water Under The Bridge
self-released; 2017

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

I was a fan of Chris Murphy when I was first introduced to his music a couple of years back. His recent release Water Under The Bridge is just more reason to be a fan of his music. The music on this release is as good as anything I’ve heard from him which deviates from the styles you heard on his previous releases. This release certainly has a jazzy Django Reinhardt type feel where even the melancholy songs feel light and playful.

​The album gets going with “A Moveable Feast” which is like a burst of sunshine or dopamine. Probably both. I loved the loose feel that is carefree in the best way possible. The fiddle and guitar have a symbiotic relationship but that piano also sounds right at home.

I presume he is referring to Joan Crawford the classic film actress on “Joan Crawford Dances The Charleston”. The song is a serene laid back journey through the lazy river of life. Feeling sleepy? Well, “Table For Two” will put some pep in your step and have you dancing on a table with your sweetheart. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Have you ever been on Riverboat but were a little blue? I personally have not but I’m sure a human being has experienced this juxtaposition. If that's you then why aren't listening to “Riverboat Blues”. Look there's an alligator.

Shake off the blues with Grandpa’s famous elixir on “I Swear I’m Going to Learn this time” or “Spanish Lover’. I love those drums on “Spanish Lover”. I was reminded of Tom Waits on “Tomcat Blues” and L.A. Noire on “Dog Ear Blues”. Another standout was “Water Under the Bridge”.

I’m hard pressed to understand how someone could hear this type of music and not enjoy it. Murphy has the ability to make music that is emotionally resonant yet free of any pretense. The sense that their is an artist with an ego behind the music who needs your attention is absent which is something I rarely experience.

Overall, this is another exceptional release from Murphy and can wholeheartedly give it two thumbs up.

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