Presenter and Media Reviews of Mary Murphy

Presenter Peter Menzies, of Dawson City, Yukon
Peter is holding up the 'phonetic cheat sheet' for a sing-a-long chorus in Irish. Dawson City audience members are SO amazing, that after the first chorus, I put the cheat sheet away! I was sent this new photo yesterday, (9th June 2011) as Peter kept the sign as a souvenir of the night. What a night, what a place, what a guy!

Published: Friday, April 16, 2010

"On Saturday night, Mary Murphy graced the Alberni Valley, bringing the heart and soul of Ireland with her, and left an incredible and lasting impression.
Mary and Paul (her guitarist, partner and producer) played two sets, at Sound Advice, each compiled of 10 songs. Mary had a fabulous way of conveying her passion through song and story. Her voice sounded as though she was unleashing audible sunshine along with a soothing vibrato.

Throughout the night, both Mary and Paul shared humorous anecdotes of time spent in Ireland and jokes which captured the audience's attention and in turn made the atmosphere even more cosy.
Both musicians were extremely talented. Mary played a bodhran (traditional Irish drum) and a cajon (a box drum that you sit on). Paul played an acoustic guitar and a mandolin. It was amazing how the two managed to sound like a full band.

Mary also read an excerpt from her book, entitled The Emerald Diaries: Secrets of and Irish Clan, her voice full of emotion.

MORE REVIEWS:

“To be with Mary in performance is something very special. Her Irish warmth and charm surround you in every note, drawing you into her world.”- An Bord Trachtala (Irish Trade Board ), Ireland

"Excellence is a natural state of being for Mary Murphy in both her performances and her recordings. Her new release, 'Three Hand Reel', had me hooked from the opening line, and no pun intended, reeled me into its luxuriant essence. Mary's lush voice is extremely emotive and demonstrates, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she lives within the songs. I cannot wait to see her performing this new material." - NPR Bremen, Germany

"Three Hand Reel is infectious with the joy of making music. There is an edge to Mary's vocal styling that conveys the emotional content of the songs........ This release is a pure delight that in the words of the title cut "you'll not want tot let the music end" and you'll be pressing the repeat button to have it "go around again." - Gordon Peeling, Music From the Glen CKCU Radio Ottawa, Ontario

"Mary's voice is the personification, of the heart and soul of Ireland." - Will Millar, Irish Rovers

"Mary's voice and Paul's guitar flow past you like the river, deep and moving. The memory of their performance stays with you long after they have gone, sustaining you in more difficult times." - Sointula House Concert Series, BC

"Between that voice and that hair, Mary is the absolute Colleen!" - House Of Stories Series, Wexford, Ireland

"I have just had the very great pleasure of presenting Mary Murphy. Mary came highly recommended by a number of presenters I know. I have read many biographies on many web sites and in many packages and tend to read them with a grain of salt. I have to say that everything in Mary Murphy's bio is true! Don't hesitate to hire this woman. What to say about the performance. Wow!!!! It was a delightful mix of traditional Celtic music, originals in the same vein and instrumentals. She even did an irish dance! Mary and Paul (Mary's guitartist/producer) were terrific on stage - the audiences loved them - probably the best performance we've had here since Guy Davis. The feedback has been great. When I first heard Mary's CD, I loved it but it couldn't adequately portray the delighful energy and presence of the live performance and the easy and fun patter. I am now on the list of presenters who highly recommend them." - Queen Charlottes/Haida Gwaii Islands Arts Council

"A Painted Moon, by sweet voiced singer Mary Murphy...meditations on nature... earthy harmonies... moody...original... always lovely." - Dirty linen Magazine, US

"Blessed with a honeyed crystalline voice, Mary fuses traditional, original and contemporary Irish folk with occasional rootsy North Americana to create a synthesis that uplifts both genres." - Performing Songwriter Magazine, US

"Sit back, close your eyes and let Mary Murphy's 'A Painted Moon' take you away. This CD deserves your full attention with its fresh arrangements, romantic nuances, and captivating vibe. Mary's lustrous voice held me captive throughout this entire CD and proves that the magic of Irish female vocalists is alive and well." - Radio Jam NPR, Germany

"Listening to Mary Murphy is like riding a ship
through a sea of poetry and grace." - Don Darue NPR, US

"A Painted Moon is a well arranged and strongly performed recording......also some lovely harmonies sung by Murphy." - Penguin Eggs Magazine, Canada

"Mary brings us to neutral ground with incredible spine tingling ease. Wonderful songwriting, autobiographical insights, and a voice that will make you shiver." - Apero Magazine, Holland

"As a Singer/Songwriter Mary Murphy stands as a major international talent. As an interpreter of Folk music, Mary Murphy stands alone-such is her sensitivity to her source material." - John O'Regan, Freelance Journalist / Broadcaster / Lecturer, Ireland

"This little Irish singer/songwriter is the real deal. Do yourself a flavour and go to her web site. You will see how easy it is to fall in love with this gem." - Longevity John, Duncan Showroom