Joaquin Murphey CD Now Available

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 5 Feb 2001 12:16 am

(I originally put this on Bar Chatter but it probably belongs over here.)
Come and get it.This project has been draining and I'm kind of glad to put it away.I'm too close to it to be objective but those who've heard it - loved it.Send your name and address and a check or money order for $18.00 payable to Class Act Records at 13428 Dronfield Ave.Sylmar,California 91342 I'll pick up the shipping. Enjoy... -MJ-

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 14 Feb 2001 5:32 pm

If nobody minds,I'm gonna bump this up because a lot of folks said they missed it the first time around and are still asking if it's shipping. Yep - it's ready to go. -MJ-

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 15 Feb 2001 5:56 pm

After one listen to this CD I'm in awe of the talents of Murphy. If you thought he said everything he had to say musically by 1952 you're in for a surprise. The level of harmonic thinking in this music is on a par with the finest jazz guitarists - Johnny Smith especially, comes to mind in the clarity, and cathederals of overtones in Joaquin's close-voiced chords.

The affection Michael had for Murph is evident in the warm liner notes and the loving care with which he was recorded. Frankly, I haven't heard any steel guitar music in a long time that flat-out floored me the way these tracks did. What a swan song! And what a treat to hear the guy speak. After years of reading that he had "personal problems", I enjoyed hearing him talk about his tunings like a coherent, regular person. Thanks, Michael.

Brandin · Post by **Brandin** » 16 Feb 2001 10:00 am

Andy's right!

Thanks again, Michael Johnstone.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 16 Feb 2001 9:46 pm

Post Extracted due to non productive comment.......

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 17 Feb 2001 8:08 am

Got mine yesterday. Great, thanks for the Great work Michael! and fast service...

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Regards, Craig

billchav · Post by **billchav** » 17 Feb 2001 9:22 pm

I first heard Joaquin in the 40's. Michael, the CD is better than you said it would be. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this project so the younger players can hear first hand why the old timers list him among the tops of that area. Bill Chaviers

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 20 Feb 2001 9:46 am

Got my Joaquin CD to-day. He comes closest to sounding like a jazz guitar player than anyone I have heard...bar none. In some of his single string passages he can fool you if you don't listen close.
Great to have this album of music. Thank you Michael. Lot of work but a job well done and a great tribute.
I was also impressed with the picture of Joaquin's guitar built by Chas Smith. A beautiful instrument and sounds real nice on the CD.

Roy T.

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 20 Feb 2001 11:33 am

Hello Michael,
I am enjoying the Joaquin Murphey CD; it has been getting some heavy play in my home. I love the variety of settings that are used in the recording, from full band, to string section, but especially just with only the steel and drums together. "Murphey" is very clear and brings out all of the nuances of Joaquin's wonderful steel work. This recording is obviously a labor of love, and I thank you for making this available. Thanks, Michael.
Chuck

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 20 Feb 2001 4:57 pm

Hey Chuck, Your new Cd is great also, I just bought it from b0b last week, I really am enjoying it also. BTW, thanks for the Beach Boys Tape you sent me, I want to get some tab from you. I'll be in touch.

Thanks, Craig

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 20 Feb 2001 5:41 pm

This is simply a "MUST HAVE" CD for every steel guitar player or enthusiast. Murphy was one of the finest players we have ever seen. What a shame that he remained in obscurity for so long and that he passed away before this documentary of his genius was made available, and he didn't live to see the recognition that this CD will give him.

There are a lot of records made for the purpose of making money, and all to often choices are based on what the producer thinks will sell rather than on musical merit. Thus we have some records that have some good playing but are marred by insipid strings or background vocals. Michael (who BTW is a killer steel guitarist in his own right) produced this CD with the idea of creating great music, not a commercial hit, and it shows.

Even though 2001 is less than 2 months old, this is undoubtedly one of the best and most important steel guitar CDs of the year.

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Mike Perlowin on 20 February 2001 at 05:42 PM.]</p></FONT>

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 21 Feb 2001 9:28 pm

Thanks for the good words guys.Mike-I agree and it pains me to know that Murph didn't live to see this little flurry of appreciation.He would have reveled in the fact that people still liked his playing.He had no idea by the way,that he was such an inspiration to a huge number of musicians and fans.He just played steel for the right reason-he liked it.
And Chuck-man......your CD reminds me of why I play this instrument.Very smooth and mellow - in fact,I'm using it as we speak for the backdrop to a little party tonight at the Johnstone hacienda - replete with hot calamari salad and a fine Chardonnay......I(and everyone in attendance)like it. Thank You! -MJ-