Music
Press
“In Full Bloom” by the talented Margaret Murphy is a flavorful assembly of enchanting jazz tunes. Igniting this album’s flame is the groovy “I’m Walking,” which wastes no time in showing off the amazing instrumentation, namely jazz piano leads, that defines all of this record. With romantic lyrics arranged to unforgettable melodies, the appeal of this record goes far beyond just great musicianship. Margaret’s powerful, soulful, and effortless vocal performance outshines every other aspect of this album. The emotionally touching “Pearls” slows the pace a bit, and allows Margaret’s vocal ability to shine with its full potential. Polished with unrivaled production, if you are a fan of soulful, smooth jazz, you will thoroughly enjoy “In Full Bloom.”
- Radio Indy
...........With “In Full Bloom,” Margaret Murphy has indeed heard and fulfilled Vonski’s two-word command to her and everyone who ever entered his musical laboratory, wherever it may be: “Express yourself.” Twenty-plus years later, this student has recorded a CD that shows she has listened, learned, and expressed everything from the heart.
- Corey Hall/Chicago Defender
......I promise you I am not exaggerating when I say that she is every bit the equal of the Cassandra Wilsons and Diana Kralls of the world. We don’t hear a lot of female jazz vocalists singing in Ms. Murphy’s register these days, and it brings back the aching allure of chanteuses like Peggy Lee and Julie London with something extra – an emotional letting-go that takes her skills to the limit but never beyond. Pipes like these deserve a national audience. Man.
- Michael Horton, Exec V.P. Universal Records
"A night of jazz with bassist Chuck Webb was all the more spectacular with the addition of his beautiful and talented wife Margaret Murphy....with a voice that matches her fantastic stage presence, she held the standing room only crowd captive....it was a treat to see this talented couple share their love for music and one another with the audience......"
- Cliff Kelley - WVON
Discography
Produced and featured on "Moment's Notice" - The Charlie Johnson Quartet
Debut CD - "In Full Bloom", currently played all over Europe and on Chicago Jazz Stations
"Chicago Southside Jazz" -Compilation
"Von Freeman LIVE at the Jazz Showcase"
Soundtrack, "Pieces Of A Dream"
Photos
Bio
Margaret has been performing in the Chicagoland area for over twenty years. She developed her unique vocal style and showmanship under the tutelage of world renown tenor saxophonist Von Freeman with whom she shared the stage at The Taste of Chicago, The Jazz Showcase, The Chicago Jazz Fest, Andy's and many other popular Chicago venues.
Margaret was featured at Chicago's legendary Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel for a six month engagement and as lead vocalist for the Grammy nominated Mississippi Heat Blues Band, Margaret opened the 1998 Chicago Blues Festival in the famous Petrillo Bandshell. She has headlined the popular ETA Mondays and performed with her quartet at famous Navy Pier Beer Garden for the Summer 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons as well as performing in many Chicago Park District sponsored festivals throughout the summer of 2009. Margaret has performed for both Presidents Obama and Clinton as well as Ambassadors from Russia and Poland. She opened for piano greats Joe Sample and Chick Corea and performed with the legendary Milt Trenier of the Trenier brothers. She appeared as Billie Holiday in the musical production “Legends in Heaven,” and as Phyllis Hyman in the production of “Somewhere In My Lifetime.” In April, 2007, Margaret produced and performed in the widely acclaimed show "Three For Jazz" at the DuSable Museum of African American History with jazz vocalists Tecora Rogers and Marc Courtney Johnson. From 2007 through 2009, Margaret's band was featuring monthly at the popular Carnivale Restaurant. Margaret released her debut solo CD entitled “In Full Bloom” in September, 2007. Produced by her husband, bassist Chuck Webb, it has been added to the playlists of independent radio stations throughout the United States, England, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Portugal and Macedonia. The CD is a combination of straight ahead and smooth jazz favorites by Dizzy Gillispie, Al Jarreau, Sade, Bette Midler and other jazz greats. In December, 2007, Margaret was awarded a Grindie, (independent radio's Grammy) for her cover of the Sade song "Pearls." Margaret is recognized as a RadioIndy Gold Artist for outstanding vocals and production on a jazz CD.
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