Kaz Murphy - Ride Out The Storm
Singer-songwriter Kaz Murphy will release a new full-length album, entitled Ride Out the Storm February 8, on Barn Wall Records.
Kaz Murphy
Recorded at The Zone in Dripping Springs, Texas, the album was produced by Scrappy Jud Newcomb and features the talents of Pat Manske (drums), Jon Notarthomas (bass, tremolo, baritone guitar), and Penny Jo Pullus (backing vocals). Encompassing 11-tracks of roots country and Americana, the album delivers the real deal – downhome music with beau coup guts and grit.
By the time he was 10-years-old, Murphy was playing drums and singing lead vocals, performing with high school bands. He picked up guitar and banjo when he was 13, writing more than 100 songs prior to graduating high school.
In 1979, Murphy played percussion for famed poet Allen Ginsberg, followed by writing a science fiction musical, Great Galactic Fame Game. Later, he formed Mad Mad Nomad, a folky new wave band signed to Green Monkey Records. After releasing a series of albums, he moved to Los Angeles.
“Where You Come From” is one of my personal favorites because of its low-slung, driving rhythm provided by the thrumming bass line.
“Ride Out the Storm” opens with “When People Come Together,” a catchy Americana tune flavored with Murphy’s rich, expressive voice. Speaking subjectively, entry points on the album include “A Sunny Day,” a bluesy, resonant country-flavored tune with deep potent guitars accompanied by twangy banjo colors. The tight, muscular rhythm seeps into the listener’s bones.
“Soft Heart” rides a So-Cal country melody seasoned with Spanish-laced guitars, infusing the tune with tantalizing wisps of mellow spice. Murphy’s voice is especially dulcet on this track, tender yet commanding. “Where You Come From” is one of my personal favorites because of its low-slung, driving rhythm provided by the thrumming bass line. There’s a dark voluptuous feel to this song, wicked and menacing, while simultaneously sensuous.
“Stella Rae” opens on a light galloping guitar seguing into a tasty alt-country tune with hints of pop sparkles. Radiant retro background harmonies infuse the tune with luminous depth and dimension, as well as highlighting Murphy’s brimming sonority.
Ride Out the Storm is excellent, full of velvety textures, compelling rhythms, and the luscious tones of the voice of Kaz Murphy.
