Mark Murphy

2 LPs ON 1 CD

Affectionately nick-named the “Singing M” by Milt Gabler—head Decca a&r man—Mark Murphy’s jazz vocal interpretations established him in the front rank of the art.

Here backed by brilliant Ralph Burns jazz-flavored arrangements, he weaves magisterially through a variety of moods and tempos. Listen to his versions of Fascinating Rhythm, Limehouse Blues, Exactly Like You and Give It Back to the Indians, all included in his first Decca album “Meet Mark Murphy,” and it’s clear why Billboard saluted him in 1956 as one of the smartest, most unusual talents around. “Murphy sings with a modern jazz feeling, and like an instrument. His unorthodox phrasing and sophisticated manner will register especially with hip deejays.”

The reviews were equally flattering when his second Decca album “Let Yourself Go,” came out late in 1957. Elmer’s Tune, ’Taint No Sin and I Got Rhythm are among the best of numerous outstanding vocal performances. His phrasing is relaxed and distinctive, the voice totally under control and the intonation spot-on. With so much at his command and his uninhibited patter and scat singing, he remains a jazz singer to the manner born, capable of projecting his qualities regardless of context. And, courtesy of Ralph Burns, he has a fine setting here.

PERSONNEL:

MARK MURPHY sings in all tracks, accompanied by Ralph Burns an His Orchestra.

[1-12] from the Decca album Meet Mark Murphy, The Singing ‘M
New York City, June 29, and August 9 & 13, 1956.

[13-24] from the Decca album Let Yourself Go
New York City, April 23, May 3 and August 15, 1957.

Bonus Tracks [25-26] from the Decca single 9-30390

TRACKS:

01. Fascinating Rhythm
02. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
03. Give It Back to the Indians
04. Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry
05. Limehouse Blues
06. I’m a Circus
07. Exactly Like You
08. Two Ladies in de Shade of de Banana Tree
09. Irresistible You
10. If I Could Be With You
11. You Mustn’t Kick It Around
12. I’ve Got Two Eyes
13. I Got Rhythm
14. Elmer’s Tune
15. ‘Tain’t No Sin
16. Robbin’s Nest
17. The Lady in Red
18. Pick Yourself Up
19. Let Yourself Go
20. Crazy Rhythm
21. Taking a Chance on Love
22. Lullaby in Rhythm
23. Little Jazz Bird
24. Ridin’ High
25. The Right Kind of Woman (*)
26. Goobye Baby (*)