One of my favorite male vocalists. For me, it's not the tone of his voice but the audacity of his interpretations that gets me. Such an exciting and adventurous singer! ❤
Yup... I have posted before... but every damn time I listen to this interpretation I find something new. LOVED Mark from the moment I heard him as a college student (1985)... Had a great conversation with him during a set in a jazz restaurant in Seattle in 1996 (I think). Told him how much I loved his music and his fascination with Jack Kerouac . In his next set, he performed Ding Walls just for me.... I was thrilled. MISS HIM so much.... this is such a FABULOUS recording. Wish there was more.
I first heard Mr. Murphy literally the week after he passed. This remains a life lesson in listening to more “new” music as often as I can for I regret not even having the chance too see such an Artist live. His “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” remains my shower singer go to as it will FOREVER knock me OUT. Thank you Sir!!!
Return to listen to this recording every few months. Still gives me chills every damn time I listen to it. Oh... what a voice, what a talent, what a man. The epitome of COOL. The greatest jazz singer of all time. Period. Miss him.
Oh, how I wish there was more footage of Mark from the early years when he spent so much time abroad. I have nearly everything he has recorded and I still want more. Just crazy amazing! He just oozes cool...
Today is the first time I'm hearing this beautiful soul sing..I have tears and know he's resting in peace. He left an indelible mark on this earth and contribution to the jazz world. Blessings 🙌🏽 🥰
Mark is great for so many reasons. His voice, range, taste, swing and deep understanding of the art and craft of music is astounding. Here's a great medley: Legendary Jazz Vocalist Mark Murphy Live at Kent State 1976
Oh man... What a career Mark has had. The undisputed master. Love seeing the early footage of him. I discovered him in the 1980's and he has been my personal "god" ever since! It is wonderful to see and hear him early in his career and to compare Mark in the 1960's with Mark in the 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's... He is a chameleon, but is ALWAYS a consumate singers's singer. NO ONE has EVER handled a lyric the way he does. And that powerful baritone. Shivers listening to this.
Re: "no one ever handled a lyric the way he has"...absolutely; certainly no male vocalist! Analogous to him in the realm of female jazz vocalists, Betty Carter, I would say.
I'm not normally a fan of male jazz singing. I don't know why that is but Mark is the exception. He has the ability to take a song apart and rebuild it like no other man and I include Sinatra in that.
Fascinating to see Mark at a much earlier age. I took a few singing lessons with him about 20 years ago when he lived in San Francisco. Odd to see him so "conservative" looking. Some time ago, he moved to New Jersey and sort of retired to an "actor's home" sort of place. Wild sort of career he had. RIP
+dapeck60 Yet Mark still got out to perform gigs, including overseas, right through the year he turned 80. He was as unique, edgy and stunning a performer as ever.
Just watched this performance again, and the beauty of it brought tears to my eyes. Even then, Mark was such an exciting performer. It is humbling to note that he was just getting started, and his artistry would continue to grow up until the present time.
Just found out from a friend that this clip may actually be from an early 60s American tv show, "Jazz Scene USA". It was hosted by Oscar Brown, Jr. and produced by Steve Allen.
Pitch was slightly off on this occasion & a forced performance. He just got better and better through his career though. Saw him in London in the 90s .❤
One of my favorite male vocalists. For me, it's not the tone of his voice but the audacity of his interpretations that gets me. Such an exciting and adventurous singer! ❤
Yup... I have posted before... but every damn time I listen to this interpretation I find something new. LOVED Mark from the moment I heard him as a college student (1985)... Had a great conversation with him during a set in a jazz restaurant in Seattle in 1996 (I think). Told him how much I loved his music and his fascination with Jack Kerouac . In his next set, he performed Ding Walls just for me.... I was thrilled. MISS HIM so much.... this is such a FABULOUS recording. Wish there was more.
I first heard Mr. Murphy literally the week after he passed. This remains a life lesson in listening to more “new” music as often as I can for I regret not even having the chance too see such an Artist live. His “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” remains my shower singer go to as it will FOREVER knock me OUT. Thank you Sir!!!
RIP Mark, you gave this world a legacy of unrivaled innovation, skill, soul, swing and beauty like no other jazz singer, before or since.
Return to listen to this recording every few months. Still gives me chills every damn time I listen to it. Oh... what a voice, what a talent, what a man. The epitome of COOL. The greatest jazz singer of all time. Period. Miss him.
I'm just loving all of this. My only complaint is that there wasn't anymore.
Oh, how I wish there was more footage of Mark from the early years when he spent so much time abroad. I have nearly everything he has recorded and I still want more. Just crazy amazing! He just oozes cool...
Today is the first time I'm hearing this beautiful soul sing..I have tears and know he's resting in peace. He left an indelible mark on this earth and contribution to the jazz world. Blessings 🙌🏽 🥰
Mark is great for so many reasons. His voice, range, taste, swing and deep understanding of the art and craft of music is astounding. Here's a great medley: Legendary Jazz Vocalist Mark Murphy Live at Kent State 1976
That last note he hits is masterful !
RIP Mark. You were a gem.
Oh WHY didn't I know about him then??? One of the most talented people on earth. Beautiful!
Oh my, what?!?! Mark freakin' Murphy! Why have I been deaf/blind so long to this man?!
How did I miss the early years. Tingles up my spine. Love more of Mark Murphy.
RIP Mark. You gave us so much, challenged the status quo, liberated every voice you coached.
Oh man... What a career Mark has had. The undisputed master. Love seeing the early footage of him. I discovered him in the 1980's and he has been my personal "god" ever since! It is wonderful to see and hear him early in his career and to compare Mark in the 1960's with Mark in the 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's... He is a chameleon, but is ALWAYS a consumate singers's singer. NO ONE has EVER handled a lyric the way he does. And that powerful baritone. Shivers listening to this.
Re: "no one ever handled a lyric the way he has"...absolutely; certainly no male vocalist! Analogous to him in the realm of female jazz vocalists, Betty Carter, I would say.
Magico Mark...una voce jazz spettacolare ..un grande artista ....un grande talento ...un grande
Our friend and mentor, will be missed by all who were lucky to cross your path. xx
Amazing talent. He's one of my VERY favorites. He's Got IT! What every singer strives for, I hope.
RIP Mark .. sad to see you go One of the greats .
I'm not normally a fan of male jazz singing. I don't know why that is but Mark is the exception. He has the ability to take a song apart and rebuild it like no other man and I include Sinatra in that.
Get to know Jackie Paris.
Mark was a very organic vocalist
He never should’ve fallen on hard times
Shows just how cold blooded the music industry is.
Fascinating to see Mark at a much earlier age. I took a few singing lessons with him about 20 years ago when he lived in San Francisco. Odd to see him so "conservative" looking. Some time ago, he moved to New Jersey and sort of retired to an "actor's home" sort of place. Wild sort of career he had. RIP
+dapeck60 Yet Mark still got out to perform gigs, including overseas, right through the year he turned 80. He was as unique, edgy and stunning a performer as ever.
Used to see him in Manchester England at the MSG in the early 70s ,my wife was in love with him.
He was gay so you had nothing to fear
Amazing! 😮
.. Thank you
Very nice. Respect from Paraguay!
OUTSTANDING!!!!! I'm so glad I to hear this. Thank you Sir.
Just watched this performance again, and the beauty of it brought tears to my eyes. Even then, Mark was such an exciting performer. It is humbling to note that he was just getting started, and his artistry would continue to grow up until the present time.
YES!! Like Sarah Vaughan he never "peaked": His last albums (with Till Broner) were his greatest!!
I do like such a voice and musical use . Mike DURHAM shares the
same gift .
Thank you for posting this.
Wow this is vintage Mark! Thanks for posting
wonderful...amazing
fantástico!
Just found out from a friend that this clip may actually be from an early 60s American tv show, "Jazz Scene USA". It was hosted by Oscar Brown, Jr. and produced by Steve Allen.
Cray
This looks like it might be from Mark Murphy's years in England during the 1960s. Was it from the Benny Hill Show?
Pitch was slightly off on this occasion & a forced performance. He just got better and better through his career though. Saw him in London in the 90s
.❤