Joaquin Murphey's "Murph" CD

[Slim Heilpern]

Some number of years ago I picked up Joaquin Murphey's "Murph" CD recorded in the late 90's, shortly before his passing. When I first heard it, maybe ten years ago, I didn't really give it a fair hearing because I suppose I was hoping to hear more of the fiery style I loved on the old Spade Cooley and Tex Williams recordings.

A few days ago I decided to give this CD a fresh listen and wow, this is an incredible recording, unlike any other steel player I've heard -- so original and sophisticated chordally. I'm now in love with this CD! The band is great too, with terrific ensemble arrangements and guitar playing by Harry Orlove.

I don't know if the CD is still available anywhere, but someone posted it on YouTube in two parts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8GH_-9i_CE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ttt2ONEBE

I'm so grateful for all who made these sessions possible, with Chas Smith going so far as to build a custom pedal steel for Jaoquin!

- Slim

[Craig Stock]

Slim, I also have the CD and felt the same way, will do the same and re-listen to it again.

Michael Johnstone produced that recording which I believe was Murph's last recording, if I remember correctly Michael also took care of Joachin in his final months or so.

[Mike Neer]

Slim, I also have the CD and felt the same way, will do the same and relisten to it again.

The late Michael Johnstone produced that recording which I believe was Murph's last recording, if I remember correctly Michael also took care of Joachin in his final months or so.

Michael is still with us, it’s Chas Smith who passed. Chas built the steel for Joaquin. And yes, you are correct about Michael producing and caring for him.

[Craig Stock]

Thanks, Mike for clarifying that, they are both California guys. I will edit my past post.

[Robert Miller]

It would sure be amazing to figure out how to get it reissued digitally, if the masters and rights were somewhere to be found. For whatever reason, my gut doesn't see a Renaissance of CDs like we've seen with vinyl. It would be a shame to lose it to time.

[Michael Johnstone]

It was cut, mixed and mastered in the digital domain. Therefore, it could easily be resurrected if there was market enough to make it a feasible enterprise. It was totally a labor of love the first time around and if I didn't do it, nobody was gonna do it. Chas scratch-built that 9 string beast for grattis, all the pickers worked for free and the manufacturing was a break-even deal. No regrets. But I'm gettin old, have health issues and I'm out of the studio biz after 40 years. I wouldn't mind if there was a way to make it available digitally as a download if somebody could walk me thru the best way to do that. Mike Neer?

[Robert Miller]

Spectacular. For some reason, I had a sad image of tape reels degrading in a closet somewhere.

On that note, belated thanks on my part, for having the foresight and putting in the enormous effort to produce it. There really is nothing like it.

I would buy a digital copy, and I don't suspect I'm the odd man out.