Search - Jimmy Murphy :: Electricity

Jimmy Murphy defies categorization, his music claimed equally by fans of traditional country, bluegrass, honky-tonk, and even, to some extent, rockabilly. This is a reissue of his 1978 album, a buried treasure even then, with four new tracks added; his only other sides stem from 1951-56 Nashville sessions that don't touch this in ingenuity, energy, agility, and conviction. Murphy's acoustic fusion is so progressive and contemporary, yet so true to its roots, that he stands in a class by himself. There's no doubting the heartfelt metaphors of the title (gospel) song, but he's equally spellbinding on the rippling blues "Louise," the harsh country credo "Mother Where Is Your Daughter Tonight," or the honky-tonk torment of "I Get a Longing to Hear Hank Sing the Blues." Murphy's clear, versatile voice embraces the sorrows of mountain life and city life alike, with his religious songs offering transcendence. Don't miss him. --John Morthland