Richard Murray

About 30 years ago Richard Murray was born in Northern Ireland. After a few other ventures he arrived in London where he has played all sorts of musical roles, from session musician to producer to finally end up at the point where, full of zeal and courage, he has recorded and released his debut CD Desert Wind. At the same time he plays bass with the group of English singer Eden James. His album has quite a diverse sound, from acoustic ballads to bluegrass to upbeat country rock whereby he displays his outstanding abilities with song and soulful sound. You won't find any complex songs but a great musical variety in the 13 songs on Desert Wind. All the songs stem from his inspiration and writing talent. Musically he is supported on the record by The Pickers, and special mention must go to the outstanding vocals of Mandie Barnett, who supports Richard vocally on a few numbers. This record is infused with a fair chunk of Nashville but also pure Americana. Murray himself plays guitar, mandolin, harmonica and percussion on this CD, which earns him the tile of multi-instrumentalist. The CD, over 60 minutes long, begins with the strong and swinging Mexicana rock song Forgive Me Sera, on which the insistent pedal steel of John Davis keeps the tempo high. The same goes for Thinking of Christina and the straight county rock songs I'll Never Learn and DT's Roadhouse Shake, which have a Spingsteen-esque undertone. Bluegrass forms the basis of the song 1931. Enlighten Me, Blueberry Wine and Down In This Town are quiet ballads, as is the 7 minute plus Burning Silver... The Wind and The Rain is a superb song in pure Nebraska style. With pleasure I give 8 / 10 to Richard Murray's debut album Desert Wind. Hopefully he'll be satisfied enough with that, and quickly be spurred on to begin work on a follow up.
(Translation by Richard O'Neill)
- Rootstime (Freddy Celis

“Desert Wind” by the experienced Richard Murray is a beautiful and pure folk rock album. The CD is the complete package of excellent musicianship, production, and songwriting. Richard's warm, soothing vocals are a highlight of the CD, and have a pleasant yet raspy tone that reminds us of Edwin McCain and Del Amitri. The songwriting shines with highly refined lyrics and memorable melodies. The acoustic guitar on the CD, such as on "Down in this Town" and "1931" has a very beautiful tone that allows Richard's skillful guitar work to cut through the recording nicely. Moreover, this CD showcases a wide range of musical diversity – from the slow-paced, teary acoustic ballad “Enlighten Me” to the upbeat folk-with-a-hint-of-Celtic-flavor “Thinking of Cristina” and the radio-friendly country-rock anthem “I’ll Never Learn.” With all of these appealing traits, “Desert Wind” is sure to cause a scene in the folk rock music scene.
- RadioIndy (Xavier)

Richard Murray, a singer / songwriter born in NI and living in London, has, with Desert Wind, delivered an American sounding album that couldn't be more American if it wanted to. What sparse information there is on Murray indicates that till now he has worked mostly as a session musician for a diverse range of bands, but has also gathered songwriting and production experience.

Desert Wind is his first solo project, in which he naturally takes on the composing, production and playing of different instruments himself, complemented in a relatively small part by his supporting musicians. With 13 songs and a running time of almost 70 minutes, the CD covers a broad range.

What you get is a very appealing mix of Country (with occasional subtle bluegrass touches and light Tex-Mex flair), sparsely accompanied recitals (generally supported by acoustic guitar), slightly rootsy Singer/Songwriter material (with occasional Story Teller ambitions), but also a few unexpected rockier songs thrown in - and all supported by beautiful melodies. Hal Ketchum and Del Amitri are approximate signposts, but the whole thing plays out between these in the broadest sense.

Murray knows above all how to score points with his incredible dulcet flowing voice, which sounds very American and reminds me of John Kilzer, but also plays excellent acoustic and electric guitar as well as mandolin. An occassional mouth organ trails off in one or 2 songs, but the always subtle and well suited female harmonies of Mandie Barnett are excellent.

My favourites on this continuously relaxed sounding record are the country-esque Forgive Me Sera (with a light Tex-Mex flair, steel guitar and mandolin); the breezily arranged I'll Never Learn (almost a little mainstream country; electric guitar, organ fills, steel, very catchy); Burning Silver, with its piano underlay that recalls Bruce Hornsby, and long electric guitar passage; the melodic Midnight Oil (jaunty acoustic guitar, electric guitar fills, beautiful harmonica solo and changes of tone); and the rocking Valley of the Unforgiven (excellent electric guitar solo).

And shortly before the end Richard shakes things up with DTs Roadhouse Shake, a furious rhythmic country rocker with screeching harmonica and thrumping piano up its sleeve that even Dan Baird couldn't have played better.

All in all I have been very pleasantly surprised by Richard Murray, a complete unknown to me up to now. The CD's appearance fits well with the title, all earthy greys, greens and blacks, and all lyrics are included.

Richard Murray is without doubt the most American Northern Irish man that I have musically encountered so far. From my point of view, a very highly recommended musician.
(Translation by Richard O'Neill)
- RockTimes (Daniel Daus)