Chris Murphy - Red Mountain Blues

by Carl Bookstein

published: 22 / 12 / 2016

Label: Teahouse Records
Format: CD

Fine bluegrass, folk and old time fiddle music on rich acoustic album from New York songwriter and violinist Chris Murphy

Review

The title track opener 'Red Mountain Blues' on New York musician and violinist Chris Murphy features ringing, resonant fiddle from the get go. This instrumental performance enchants, and the the music is inspired and uplifting. This is rich bluegrass, folk and old time fiddle music - within the wide reach of Americana. 'Dirt Time' is another energized tune, high and healing, with a solid Chris Murphy vocal as well as his virtuoso fiddle playing. “I’m going to take my chances with the beasts, out in dirt time,” Murphy sings, his fiddle bright and chiming. A fine instrumental, 'High Country' is peaceful and evocative, kicking up images of dusty country roads, as Murphy plays. 'Black Roller' is a story song about an approaching storm front: “Nowhere to hide, it’s all in God’s hands” is the lyric. 'Cast Iron' is strong, surging fiddle, with mandolin accompaniment, rollicking playing that builds in momentum as it moves forward. Rich acoustic instrumentation and a down home Murphy vocal mark 'Dry Country' with its narrator struggling to find a drink. The lyric “Things got to change, but who do you trust?” speaks to the intensity of 'Dig for One Day More'. His fiddle playing resonates as Murphy speaks to a poignant need in the darkness. 'Meet Me Tonight' is lovely, warm and welcoming, with imagery lit by the moonlight: “If I could just see your face, we’ll all be all right.” The song is a love story, with the narrator clearly and tenderly enchanted by his muse. On the evocative closer 'The Lord Will Provide', Murphy’s fiddle playing hums - hitting just the right note. This is music that succeeds in lifting its listeners’ spirits positively.

Track Listing:-

1 Red Mountain Blues
2 Dirt Time
3 High Country
4 Black Roller
5 Kitchen Girl
6 Cast Iron
7 Dry Dountry
8 Walt WHitman
9 Dig for One Day More
10 Buckwheat Pancakes
11 Meet Me Tonight
12 Johnson County
13 Chickasaw Friedman
14 The Lord Will Provide