Michelle Murray
Olney, Maryland, United States
Music
Press
“Michelle Murray expresses the friendly tones of folk through a metallic-ting of acoustic guitar plucking and welcoming vocals. Her lyrics aren't quite as "day in the life" as the likes of Randy Newman but they are just as light-hearted.” - For the song "Married Women." Published July 2005
Michelle's song "Wandering Heart" won an Honorable Mention in the October 2005 Song of the Year Contest.
Michelle also got a mention in the March 2005 Song of the Year Contest. She was listed as a suggested artist for her songs This Life and Married Women.
Comments on Wandering Heart: "A good song, and it is even better when you listen to it a second time. Memorable...Very good ideas and songwriting in your song." Song of the Year Critique Staff
“This Life” is a wonderful song that makes for a powerful anthem about moving on with life. Your lyrics are poignant and very descriptive of the pain left by open wounds of the heart." Song of the Year Critique Staff - VH1 Song of the Year Contest
Michelle's CD, "Collection of Songs" was nominated for best Contemporary Folk Recording, Murray, Crump & Hatley were nominated for best Contemporary Folk Duo/Group, and Les Hatley was nominated for best Contemporary Folk instrumentalist! Very exciting news! - WAMA
The Water's Edge CD "Make a Choice," featuring Michelle Murray and Anne Sucher, has just received a 2005 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) "Wammie" nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. - WAMA
“Michelle combines strong song writing with a sweet voice and an energetic stage personality. She is a songwriter with an eye for detail, an eye for the big picture, but alway with her eyes planted solidly on the road.” - host/promoter of Music Matters Showcase
"Beautiful, fantastic! You have wonderful harmonies together."
(Water's Edge Review) - on WRNR-FM 103.1
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
Photos
Bio
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."
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