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Little Parade of the Crescent Moon |
"Wild & Alive"
the official bootleg
live in Germany |
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"Lively and refreshing... Fun to follow..." Steve Knopper, Blues Access.
"Like Parliament-Funkadelic conceptualist George Clinton, Murphy creates aggressive, though-provoking fun music that acknowledges few boundaries..." Jim Meyer, Mpls Star & Tribune.
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WILLIE MURPHY continues to build his considerable reputation in the music world, captivating audiences in the United States and abroad.
Whether performing in the familiar haunts of his musical stomping grounds in Minneapolis, or touring with his band in Europe, Willie Murphy delivers what devotees of R&B, blues and funk demand ? superlative musical chops combined with genuine heart & soul. |
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Although Murphy’s music seem to defy the mad pigeon-holing of today’s music marketplace, he’s really just a straight-ahead R&B rocker. Within this basic R&B framework however, Murphy ranges from back porch blues & roots, to world beat, to contemporary urban funk; from tender love ballads and folk anthems to screaming political manifestos. Whatever you call it, it all moves and grooves with soul.
The CD’s are great, but the live shows might be even better. When performing before a dancing crowd, Willie and the Angel-Headed Hipsters deliver classic R&B, funk, blues and rock ? real blues power honed by years of experience kindled by an abiding affection for the music.
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Historical Highlights...
Over three decades of music making, Willie Murphy has forged a musical legacy as a singer, producer, arranger, performer and songwriter’s songwriter.
Murphy’s 1969 collaboration with folk-blues legend "Spider" John Koerner,
"Running, Jumping, Standing Still," originally recorded for Electra and recently reissued on Red House Records, is acclaimed as an all-time folk-blues classic.
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Among "Running, Jumping’s" fans was a still unknown Bonnie Raitt. She hired Willie to produce her first album in 1971 on Warner Brothers Records. Accompanying her was Murphy’s band, Willie and the Bees, along with Chicago Blues legends Junior Wells and R.C. Reed.
Throughout the 70’s and the 80’s, the political, poetical, multi-racial Willie and the Bees, mixed reggae, jazz, blues, funk, R&B and rock to set the standard for bands to come. Willie and the Bees also shared the stage with R&B luminaries Wilson Pickett, Muddy Waters, James Brown, WAR, John Lee Hooker, Neville Brothers, Etta James, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker and backed the likes of Dr. John and countless others. Willie Murphy was named as one of the three charter members of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, along with Bob Dylan and Prince.
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Over the years, the nationally known and respected Minnesota Music Association has given more nominations and awards to Willie and his groups than anyone else. This trend continues to this day. In 1996, Willie Murphy & the Angel-Headed Hipsters were named the Best Blues Band of the Year by the MMA.
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Willie Murphy, one of the best loved musicians in the Twin Cities, recently was honoured as the First "Mayor" of the Minneapolis Mill City Music Festival, one of the largest U.S. festivals, which showcases top national and regional artists.
In the 90’s Willie has brought his unique brand of musical soul to Europe, playing extensively in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy. Whether playing as a soloist or with the band, Willie has left audiences sweaty, satisfied and stomping their feet for more!
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| In ‘99 Willie meet Andrea Lupo Lupi (one of the best italian blues bass player), playin’ with him and his house band in the famous Borderline Club in Pisa. The feeling between their is immediately great, Willie stop for few days at Lupo’s home and after he goes for few weeks in Minneapolis at Willie’s home. |
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They decide to don’t let the meetings be just a temporary thing and they create an international new band with Mark O’Day (one of the best drummers of the twin cities), Oscar Bauer (incredible electric and acoustic Italian guitarist) and Cris Pacini (one of the best Italian alto sax). Festivals, open air, clubs……..always they burned the audience with a captivating mix of all the Willie’s musical influences and with the virtuosity of the band members, in a concert with a real blues feeling.
85 gigs in the last four tours with an audience of thousands of people (Summer ’01, Spring’02, Summer ’03, Spring ’05)
Willie Murphy- lead vocal, piano, guitar
Oscar Bauer- lead, slide and rhythm guitar, backing vocal
Andrea Lupo Lupi- fender jazz bass, backing vocal
Mark O’Day- drums and backing vocal
Chris Pacini- alto sax, backing vocal
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Spring tour 2005 (15 Marzo - 3 Aprile)
Summer tour 2005 (14 Luglio - 7 Agosto)
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