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Lauren Murphy - Composer~ Guitar~ Vox~

 

Dubbed "Lady Willpower" early on in her career by 'Relix Magazine', Lauren Murphy's fortitude shines through not only in her life, but especially in her music. Born in Baton Rouge, La., Murphy is best known for her background vocals with the San Francisco based band Zero (Steve Kimock, Robert Hunter, Judge Murphy), and as band leader/main composer of Lansdale Station(2005-2013), the award winning act she established with her late husband legendary vocalist, The Judge. A classically trained musician who studied at LSU, Lauren has primarily worked in California's rock and roll arena, but has recently turned back to the warm toned acoustic music she began her career with over 15 years ago. Her latest Album, "El Dorado" highlights some of the best compositions in her career, receiving solid nationwide reviews & airplay. 'No Depression Magazine' states, "Every song hits in places that everyone who ever draws breath is likely to feel: a sudden flush of the cheeks, a tightening of the muscles that control laughter or tears, or maybe in the pit of the stomach. Emotional Honesty, The Real Deal, these songs of strength are delivered by Lauren's signature smoky vocals, and just enough less detachment to make damned sure that when the lyrics make her bleed, you're going to bleed too." Widowed in 2013, Murphy poured herself into "El Dorado". Set in Ca's Gold Country, this record catalogs the human journey thru illness & loss, and ultimately into hope & redemption. Grammy Nominated Producer, Mooka Rennick has called "El Dorado" a female empowerment record, but it's fundamental message of love & survival touch men, woman, and children of all ages. Released in 2015, it's a fine calling card, showing Murphy's versatile writing style that ranges from folk, to western, roots, americana, jazz, and rock. 

 

Murphy is a highly respected Iconic singer throughout Northern & Central California and on into the South East. She's shared stages with the cream of the crop from coast to coast including Wavy Gravy, Steve Kimock, Carlos Reyes, Mark Karan(Rat Dog), Will Kimbrough(AMA Multi-Instrumentalist Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell), The Jerry Garcia Band, members of the Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Lisa Loeb, Grayson Capps(Love Song for Bobby Long, Treme), and many more. Relocating to the artistic hamlet of Fairhope, Alabama in 2015, Lauren has been shaking up the Gulf Coast with her new band "The Psychedelics". Playing heavily on the jazz-rock-electric style of the mid 1960's, Murphy's soulful pipes and appreciation for 'the song', lead this hot new act in artistic improv that is grounded in 'the story.' As a live performer she's been described as brassy bawdy and graceful. In 2015 Lauren was a guest Lecturer on The Craft of Southern Songwriting at "Millsaps College Art & Lecture Series"(Jackson, Ms.). She has been a featured artist at the esteemed 'Frog Pond Sunday Social" (Silverhill, Al.) for 4 years running. Her songs can be heard on mainstream radio stations coast to coast. When asked, what do you do, Murphy describes herself as having two distinct sounds; Acoustically based Americana or Full Throttled Rock and Roll. With either, the audience is guaranteed a solid soulful connection that only a true artist can deliver. 

 

 

Compared to Grace Slick, EmmyLou Harris, & Linda Ronstadt, with the passion of Janis Joplin, Murphy is completely unique in her vocal stylings. Sensitive powerful & dynamic, she captivates her audience with finely crafted tales that span the gambit of the human condition.

 

 

 "Excellent" ~ WWOZ Jazz & Heritage Radio, New Orleans, La.

 

"Finely crafted tunes from the heart that sweep you off your feet" ~  Jambase.

 

"Talent Like this may never pass this way again" ~ Haight Street Music News

 

"A musical direct hit" ~ IndieMusic.com

 

 Artistic Instruction/Credentials/Awards: Andrei' Codresc (NPR/Famed Poet), Maya Angelou, Barry Kyle (London Shakespeare Theatre/Swine Palace LSU), Choreographer/Dancer Barry Lather (Usher/Beyonce) & Choreographer/Dancer Joe Tremaine(Zero Mostel/Jackie Gleason), John Rutter Composer,  Carnegie Hall/ Mormon Tabernacle Choir guest appearances, American All Star Dance Tours to Bermuda and Hawaii,Garry Allen's Nashville Song Award 2010, Best Unsigned Act 2010 ABC ...and many many more

 

Lansdale Station 2005-2013 - Please note, Lansdale Station Band ended when Judge Murphy passed away in 2013

 

"Lansdale Station voted one of the Top 10 Debut Albums of 2009" Purchase: 

LANSDALE STATION : Lansdale Station featuring Judge and Lauren MurphyLANSDALE STATION FEATURING JUDGE AND LAUREN MURPHY: Lansdale Station

 

 

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Southern Roots meets the New San Francisco Sound. "Formed over the summer of 2005, Lansdale Station is a "fundamental pleasure group", combining high energy stage interaction with finely crafted songs from the heart. Blending country blues with Bay Area psychedelia, this award winning group reminds us of what made the San Francisco Sound so special to begin with. Recently Voted #7 in Jambase's Top 10 Albums, numerous accolades, and a NME video award, Lansdale Station continues to be lauded by Nationwide and Bay Area top critics and DJ's. The group's dead solid songwriting and crisp musicianship is highlighted by the character filled voices of Judge & Lauren Murphy (ZERO), along with red hot guitar work by multi-instrumentalist, Dave Zirbel (pedal steel/lead guitar/lap steel), and is anchored by the solid rhythm section. Compared to the Jefferson Airplane, Buddy & Julie Miller, and Gillian & Welch/David Rawlings; Lansdale Station re-invents this body & mind moving genre, capturing the heart and soul of their audiences. As Ron Owens, Paul Liberatore, Don Aters, Dennis Cook, & more have said,..." the likes of this talent may never pass this way again."

 

"This sweeps you up with a readiness and confidence that takes your feet out from underneath you."Dennis Cook/ Jambase Chief Editor 

"Lauren & Judge Murphy w/ Lansdale Station are one of the best unsigned bands in the Bay Area" Ronn Owens KGO Radio

"Excellent!"....... WWOZ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Radio

"Bawdy & Poignant....Riveting Performance Art...."The Oxford American Magazine.

"Krush Wine Country Favorites!" Frank Hayhurst Owner Zone Music, DJ KRSH Radio Sonoma, Co.

"Anyone who can tackle a Fairport Convention Song has enough stones to command my attention" DJ KPIG Radio

 

 

Judge Murphy - Vocals / Producer / Collaborative Writer

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Judge Murphy tragically lost his battle w/ cancer and organ transplant failure on 9-15-2013, and is missed terribly.

His rich legacy Lives on through his wife and daughters , and his musical imprint felt far and wide

Read Article Here at Marin IJ http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_24125723/judge-murphy-singer-jam-band-zero-dies-at

 

A third generation Bay Area native, Judge Murphy began his musical career in 1965 as lead vocalist in the ‘LOST & FOUND’, a band of Redwood High school kids with a passion for rock & roll. These were times of the British Musical explosion on the American scene, & bands like The Byrds, Dylan, & The Airplane, Dead, & Quicksilver, right here at home. With this vast palate of musical influence, ‘The Judge’ set out on a path that would gain him great musical acclaim. Playing the rec. hall & frat house circuit of the 60’s, Murphy & his band won numerous ‘Battle of the Band’ contests in the Bay Area. Judge , also a great drummer, played dual roles as singer / drummer , in a number of bands that he captained through the 1980’s , including MURPHY’S LAW. Scouted by a number of musical giants, ‘THE JUDGE’, had the great pleasure of sharing the stage with such notables as BRUCE HORNSBY, CLARANCE CLEMONS, ‘Stone’s’ piano man NICKY HOPKINS, JOHN CIPOLLINA, & DAVID BYRNE. It was his association & singing w/ John Cipollina on a tune penned by John, called “Hired Hand”, that Murphy got an audition with the Bay Area Band, ZERO. According to co-founder & leader, GREG ANTON, he & STEVE KIMOCK were sold on Murphy after he sang one word ; ‘Catalina’. At that time, GRATEFUL DEAD lyricist ROBERT HUNTER had penned 5 songs to music written by Steve Kimock & Greg Anton, but they lacked melodies. Hunter was blown away at Murphy‘s ability to create melodies with his lyrics, adding to Kimock’s & Anton’s music, birthing what are now known as Judge’s signature songs. He went so far as to say, “They are Judge’s children” Inspired, Hunter wrote more. Hunter & JERRY GARCIA helped fund a live recording at THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL in San Francisco that was to become the CD ‘CHANCE IN A MILLION’ ( later picked up by A & M RECORDS). In June of 1994, Judge took some time off of the ZERO project to collaborate with virtuoso Canadian born guitarist, DAVE GOODMAN, & recorded a Cd for the German label TAXIM RECORDS. Back in Zero (April 95’) , THE JUDGE returned to 5 more years of nationwide touring ( where he met Lauren ), & recorded several more CD’s with the band. He also got back in the drum chair, supporting Lauren’s original compositions in their band, THE HOUSELEVELERS( 1997 -1999). Lauren shared the stage with Judge as background vocalist for ZERO from 1998-2000, until Steve Kimock left to pursue a career with “The Other Ones”. Married in 1999, Judge & Lauren moved to the Hawaiian Islands to be together & write. A brief residency in New Orleans had them both bitten by the music bug, and they moved home to California, bringing a little of the gumbo along. In 2005, Judge began producing the CD, “MAGNOLIA HEART”; a body of work written predominantly by wife, Lauren Murphy. Recorded over 3 sessions at The Plant Studios, ‘LANSDALE STATION’ was born, as was a new dimension in the pair’s relationship. During 2006, The Judge joined Zero for a brief run of reunion shows, preferring to focus on his main vocally infused project , Lansdale Station. 2008 finds this blue-eyed soul singer and multi-talented artist more than inspired. The culmination of his 40 some years of experience in music are evident in his presence ,versatility, & delivery. Still in contact with Robert Hunter today, he said he is pleased that The Judge continues to sing these songs that he helped create, in any configuration. While his main musical attention remains on LANSDALE STATION, Judge spoke of his role in ZERO & his current outlook with Jambase ( Feb. of 2007). “The guys in Zero will always have a place in my musical history, & I am sure we will continue to do gigs when the timing works.” The future may just be another golden age of music. Tune in…. Turn on…..