Gene Murphy’s first solo record is one that is close to his heart, an oeuvre dedicated to the ones he loves.
“I hope it makes people feel again,” says Murphy, who recorded All That We’ve Been Through at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver with producer Josh Bowman.
Murphy began his musical career as a member of The Rockin Edsells, an act that opened for The Blasters, The Shakin’ Pyramids and the BopCats in the eighties.
The Edsells evolved into a more electrified roots rock band called The Last Wild Sons who opened for big names like Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the Kentucky Headhunters, Colin James and the Cowboy Junkies.
Murphy’s most recent musical endeavour was a country gospel blues band called the Knitting Club, whose members Carol and Barry Keating lend their skills to ‘Roadtrip,’ a song on his latest solo CD.
For Murphy, the solo venture was going back to his roots, where his lyrics and tales were backed only by acoustic guitar and the occasional harmonica.
Murphy describes it as his heart on vinyl, so to speak. It’s deep, emotional and honest.
“As humans, we are supposed to feel things whether they are good or bad,” he says.
“I see this album as an awakening. It’s about getting people to feel again.”
Hear Murphy play songs from his solo album All That We’ve Been Through on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. at the House of James, 2743 Emerson Street in Abbotsford. Admission is by donation.