Michelle Murray

Genre: Acoustic
Secondary Genre: Folk Olney, Maryland USA Contact

An accomplished performer and lyricist, Michelle Murray's songs combine the sounds of folk, country and a touch of the blues. Michelle combines strong song writing with a sweet voice and an energetic stage personality.

Artist Information

Biography

Singer/Songwriter Michelle Murray has been playing guitar and composing songs for over 20 years. An accomplished lyricist, her songs combine the sounds of folk, country, and a touch of the blues.

Throughout her years of performing, Michelle has opened shows for popular folk artists such as John Gorka and David Massengill.

A Washington D.C. area resident, in the local area she has performed at various venues and festivals, including the Austin Grill, Kensington Coffeehouse, Jammin Java, Caribou Coffee, College Perk, Mayorga Coffee Factory, the Riverdale Bookshop, the Berwyn Cafe, the New Deal Cafe, Mountain Stage New Song Festival, Washington D.C's Fete De La Musique, and the Artomatic Arts Festival in Washington D.C.

Michelle is a member of the trio Chapter Three, which also consists of Andrew Coupe and Rick Callender. Chapter Three's latest CD, "Unabridged" was nominated for best Contemporary Folk Recording, and the trio was also nominated for best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group in the 2009 Wammie Awards. The the trio also received a 2008 Wammie nomination for best Contemporary Folk Recording, and for best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group.

Michelle's CD, "Collection of Songs" received a 2006 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording, and the trio she performed with, Murray, Crump & Hatley, (Michelle Murray, Rick Crump and Les Hatley) was nominated for best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group.

Michelle's song "Married Women" was selected as an Editor's Pick on Washington Post MP3's web site in the summer of 2005.

She has also been a guest on Damien Einstein's show on WRNR-FM, (along with singing partner Anne Sucher) and her music has also been aired on WETA-FM. (on the "Traditions" show).

She plays with several area musicians including Rick Kanton, Midnite Bob, Rick Callender, Andrew Coupe, and Scott Geshen

Michelle also performs with Greg Vickers in a duo called "Only Restin"

In addition, Michelle currently serves on the board of and hosts an open mike for the Songwriter's Association of Washington.

Michelle also hosts an online radio show called The Open Stage on BlogTalk radio. The show features the best of the local singer/songwriters, including members of SAW and BSA. This live, online radio show is broadcast on blogtalkradio.com. Past shows have featured such notable musicians as Jon Carroll, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, and Laura Baron.

For several years, Michelle was a member of the Keshet Chorale of the DCJCC. With the choir, she had the opportunity to sing at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage.

Originally from NJ, Michelle has also performed at many clubs and coffeehouses in the NY/NJ Metropolitan area, including the Turning Point, the Hurdy Gurdy Coffeehouse, the Mine Street Coffeehouse, and various clubs in Greenwich Village including the Speak Easy.

While in New Jersey, she also hosted a folk radio show on WFDU-FM in Teaneck. The show featured interviews with many well-known performers, including Dave Van Ronk, Rod McDonald, Rory Block and David Massengill. In addition, was the emcee and one of the founders of the Hilltop Coffeehouse in Englewood N.J.

Michelle has recently finished a full-length CD, Water's Edge: "Make a Choice", with Anne Sucher. Sadly, Anne passed away recently (February 2006) but her music will always be remembered.

The Water's Edge CD received a 2005 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.

Michelle has also released a sampler CD "This Life," and 10-song collection of original tunes: "Michelle Murray-Collection of Songs."





Instrumentation

Michelle can be booked as a solo act, duo, or trio. Michelle performs with various musicians including Andrew Coupe & Rick Callender (as the trio of Chapter Three), Rick Kanton, Midnite Bob, and Greg Vickers. Recently, Michelle, Rick Callender and Andrew Coupe have formed a trio called "Chapter Three."

Michelle Murray-vocals and guitar
Andrew Coupe--percussion, guitar, vocals
Rick Callendar--guitar, percussion, vocals
Rick Kanton--lead guitars
Greg Vickers--banjo, harmonica, vocals


Discography

"Chapter Three: "Unabridged" received a 2009 Wammie nomination for Best Contemporary Folk CD.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chapterthree

"Michelle Murray: Collection of Songs" The CD recently received a 2006 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michellemurray

"Make a Choice"--Water's Edge," featuring Michelle Murray and Anne Sucher--the CD recently received a 2005 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording.



"This Life", 4-song EP, Michelle Murray

Links

Audio

Lyrics

Video

Photo Gallery

  • Michelle at a SAW coffeehouse in Reston

  • Michelle at the Caribou Coffee open mic

  • Michelle and George Hardman, singing our favorite tune at the SAW Caribou open mic

  • Michelle Murray and Greg Vickers, otherwise known as the Only Restin Band

  • The trio, Chapter Three, left to right: Andrew Coupe, Rick Callender and Michelle Murray

  • Jack Couldn't Make from left to right: Michelle, Rick Kanton and Midnite Bob

  • Michelle and the Knaves, felllow songwriters and performers. Bottom right: Michelle Murray, Midnite Bob, top right: Rick Kanton, Anne Sucher

  • Murray, Crump & Hatley performing at Caribou Coffee

  • Michelle Murray with lead guitarist and frequent music partner Les Hatley

  • Michelle Murray (right) with former singing partner Anne Sucher. Anne passed away in February 2006.

Press

  • Michelle Murray receives 2006 Wammie Nomination [+ Show ]

    Michelle's CD, "Collection of Songs" was nominated for best Contemporary Folk Recording, Murray, Cru...

  • 2005 Washington Area Music Association [+ Show ]

    The Water's Edge CD "Make a Choice," featuring Michelle Murray and Anne Sucher, has just received a ...

  • Washington Post MP3 Editor's Picks [+ Show ]

    “Michelle Murray expresses the friendly tones of folk through a metallic-ting of acoustic guitar plu...

  • Song of the Year Critique Staff [+ Show ]

    Michelle's song "Wandering Heart" won an Honorable Mention in the October 2005 Song of the Year Cont...

  • Joseph Isaacs [+ Show ]

    “Michelle combines strong song writing with a sweet voice and an energetic stage personality. She is...

  • Damien Einstein, Host of Damien's Diner

    "Beautiful, fantastic! You have wonderful harmonies together." (Water's Edge Review)

Setlist

Typical set can range from 60-90 minutes and inlcudes original music by Michelle and friends, as well as some covers. Songs include:

This Life
Ocean City Breeze
Steady on the Wheel
Tucker's Song
Married Women
Find a New Way
Wandering Heart
The Same Eyes
Different Story
Water's Edge
Edge of Smooth
East Texas
Eight Days a Week
Bye Bye Love
Passionate Kisses
When Will I Be Loved

Basic Requirements

Calendar

There are no upcoming dates at this time.