Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Fine work from young Australian fingerpicking genius.
The first thing you forget when putting on Kieran Murphy's 'Solitaire' is the fact that he's only 16. Guitarists twice his age might be jealous of the sophistication, expessiveness, and above all, listenability of his compositions. The opening track, Sassafras Rain, instantly siezes the attention and takes one on a precipitous gallop through a landscape of rolling arpeggios, sudden twists and dynamic ranges.
It's difficult enough to make an instrumental record worth listening to with a full band, digital effects and a million overdubs to boot. So it is all the more impressive when guitarists like Murphy can put together an album's worth of music using just one acoustic and keep the listener in rapt attention from start to finish.
One of the secret ingredients is undoubtedly the album's breathtaking diversity - from the frenetic medieval naunces of Firetail to the humour of Flea, to the lighthearted yet deliciously groovy take on Hart & Rodgers' Blue Moon. Murphy's love of and enthusiasm for the instrument is instantly apparent, and his ability to bring his music to life through such a spectrum of songs is certainly a talent to be applauded.
Another of the album's characteristic features is the absoluteley jaw-dropping shred (he's doing that on an acoustic?), interspersed with more fragile, tenuous moments. The breathtakingly poignant Shy is a remarkable counterpoint to the more cavalier compositions: Murphy's mastery of dynamics and delicate variations in pace makes this one of the most evocative songs on the album.
One thing that you do notice is that a fraction less flash and a touch more restraint might have been a superior choice in a couple of places. However, no doubt as Murphy's experience continues to grow, his music too will mellow out just a tiny bit in all the right places. And in fairness, there is not the slightest hint of any Ynwie-like ego expeditions anywhere on this extraordinary record.
The album features a couple of Jerry Reed covers - one of the three people alive, including Tommy Emmanuel, who hold the C.G.P. accreditation - and the nonchalant ease with which Murphy interprets them speaks volumes about both his technical ability and appreciation for the art.
Understandably, Murphy doesn't wish to have his work considered through the prism of his years, and in this reviewer's opinion, this consideration wouldn't even cross the mind of any unknowing listener. It must be said, however, that with such outstanding achievements to his credit already, one can only wonder at what Murphy will do next.
GUY ARVIDSSEN - Album of the Month - Solitaire
"...One particular highlight was ‘Crazy, Crazy, Crazy’ off Everyone Deserves Music. Supported by schoolboy guitar virtuoso Kieran Murphy, the song became something special. The young man played like a man possessed and became a crowd hero. It was the surprise package of the night and a moment not to be forgotten..."
Entire review of Michael Franti & Spearhead's show at the Forum, Melbourne, featuring Kieran as a guest performer can be found at
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/6145/ - FasterLouder
Discography
Solitaire - 2004
Not So Simple - 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Influenced by many and constantly evolving his own blend of funk, blues and contemporary music, Kieran Murphy's repertoire is a constant work in progress, show-casing intricate compositions, juxtaposed with captivating soulful ballads, infused with tight, funk-jazz overtones.
Described as having that indefinable ‘IT’, his technical ability and song-writing skills have enthralled audiences wherever he has played.
As the youngest endorsee of Maton Guitars and winner of numerous awards, comparisons have been made to Leo Kottke and the immortal Chet Atkins, yet he is constantly recognised as possessing a style completely his own. Invited to perform at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention in Nashville in both 2004 and 2005, in the words of Tommy Emmanuel - he set 'em alight.
His technical and musical excellence has elicited international performances and stages shared with TOMMY EMMANUEL, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, HARRY MANX, THE CAT EMPIRE, and JACKSON BROWNE among others. Following a highly successful concert tour of Italy in November 2004, global recognition is growing with invitations to return to Italy and other European countries, as well as a return to the US in 2007.
All this is Kieran Murphy and at just 18, the exceptional talent of this young guitarist / composer has to be heard to be believed.
‘... plays with a confidence and groove that I just look for in players.’
Tommy Emmanuel
‘... simply astonishing guitar playing.’
Geoff Achison
‘... he left the audience awe struck ... You have to hear Kieran to believe that it is just him and his guitar’
Maton Showcase
‘... plays the guitar like there is no tomorrow’
MBAS
‘... the young man played like a man possessed and became a crowd hero. It was the surprise package of the night and a moment not to be forgotten.’
FasterLouder
'... Kieran is scary good!'
Harry Manx
Career highlights:
2006
• On tour as guest guitarist with Michael Franti & Spearhead
• East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival - solo performances
• East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival - as guitarist in Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Performed with Jackson Browne, The Cat Empire, Yothu Yindi, Afro Moses, and Blue King Brown
• Opening act for Los Lobos
• Apollo Bay Music Festival
• Tamworth Country Music Festival
2005
• Melbourne International Music Festival - solo performance
• Melbourne International Music Festival - as guest with Michael Franti & Spearhead
• East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival - as guest guitarist in Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Support act for Michael Franti and Spearhead
• Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention - Nashville
• Featured in Guitarist Australia Magazine (August/September 2005)
• Guest performances with Tommy Emmanuel - Victoria dates
2004
• Melbourne International Music and Blues Festival
• Maton Guitars endorsement
• Interviewed on the George Negus Tonight show
• Frankston Guitar and Music Festival
• Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention, Nashville - July
• Italy tour - with Michael Fix
• Queenscliff Music Festival
• Guest with Tommy Emmanuel at Dallas Brooks Hall
• Featured in Australian Guitar Magazine (Volume 43)
2003
• Port Fairy Folk Festival - Winner Best Young Talent Award
• Apollo Bay Music Festival
• Frankston International Guitar Festival - Winner Australian Fingerstyle Guitar Champion 2002
• Frankston International Guitar Festival
Winner Young Guitarist of the Year Award
• Featured in Australian Guitar Magazine (Volume 29)
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