James Murrell

Rank #2 Dayton, OH Jazz / Fusion / Rock / Pop / World

50% of sales go to the charity Oxfam America.

Browse more artists »

All Photos

About

Members: James Murrell - Guitar, Composer, & Vocals

Sounds Like: Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, john scofield, The Police Andy Summers, John McLaughlin

Label: Independent

Manager: James Murrell

Bio: I am a guitarist and composer from Ohio. I have been playing since 1979. I play many styles of music with influences from Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Pop, Blues, R&B, Folk, & World Music. I pray to bring peace & love to all those that hear my music.
Thanks,
James Murrell
http://www.jamesmurrellgtr.com

More Info

Status

Come out to my show at Montgomery Courthouse Square on Thu May 30 11:30 am to 1:00 p http://www.reverbnation.com/show/10640918

Press

“Recording jazz is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, because musicians never play a piece the same way twice. A successful recording must capture the essence of a spontaneous performance that can never be repeated. Pursuing that elusive goal, a quintet of local jazz men recently met for a late-night studio session. Guitarist James Murrell is producing a new CD with the help of Hal Melia (saxophones), Brian Cashwell (keyboard), John Toedtman (bass) and Erik Aylesworth (drums).”

— Adam Alonzo, Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“The musicians faced each other in a large circle, the floor cluttered by microphone cables and sheet music. “We recorded live, with no overdubs, all in one room,” Murrell said. “A completely old-school jazz recording.” The session began with “Alive & Kickin’ ,” a lively jam written by Murrell. Soloists passed the melody around with a glance or a nod, pointing to their heads when it was time to return to the first theme. Melia bobbed up and down and raised his arms while others took their solos.”

— Adam Alonzo, Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“The title of the CD is “Jazz Tent Revival,” which describes Murrell’s personal journey as a musician. “I’ve been trying to promote myself as a cross-over artist into the pop-rock genre for the last couple years and in the process of doing so I’ve lost my way,” he said. “I realized that I’m not a pop artist-singer. I’m a jazz guitarist.” The band then recorded “Simple Solution,” another Murrell original with a slow tempo and complex melody. Between takes they planned solos and transitions, and made minor changes to the score. “The last note in bar 28 should be an e-flat,” Murrell said, making a correction to his chart.”

— Adam Alonzo, Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“While some takes were clearly discards, others possessed that indefinable cohesion that makes them worthy of keeping and sharing. Due to the straightforward recording techniques used, “Simple Solution” was available on Murrell’s website less than 24 hours later. The complete CD will be released Dec. 1 at Jazz Central, where Murrell and his band will perform selections from the disc. “It will be a revival of me playing jazz again,” he said.”

— Adam Alonzo, Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“A versatile guitarist, Murrell’s music incorporates jazz, blues and rock styles. “Certain things are very natural for me, like playing blues,” he said. “But no matter what style I’m playing, I’m accessing my knowledge of jazz, using modal ideas, and even elements of bebop.””

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“On the record, Murrell is accompanied by Jerry Francis on drums and John Toedtman playing bass. The album will also include guest musicians such as guitarist James Smith and violist Marna Street. One of the tracks is called “Lost Time” and features a lilting duet with saxophonist Hal Melia.”

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“Although Murrell said he understands his “Evolution” CD will not make him wealthy, the project remains meaningful to him. “There aren’t a lot of gigs around Dayton right now,” he explained. “But I have all this music inside me that I need to get out.””

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“When he was a child, James Murrell asked for only one thing whenever his family went shopping. “If I saw toy guitars in the store, I’d beg my mom for one,” he recalled. Today, Murrell is a full-time guitar teacher in Centerville, as well as the composer, arranger, performer, producer and engineer for a new album called “Evolution.” Using desktop recording equipment, he has completed several tracks and plans to finish the entire project by March. It will be available in traditional CD form and as a digital download.”

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

"Murrell said he wants his music to serve as a bridge between jazz and rock, similar to the music of Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheney. “There aren’t as many crossover artists as there used to be,” he said. “And that’s one thing that attracts people into jazz.”

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“During his youth, it was Murrell’s interest in Herbie Hancock that led to his discovery of Miles Davis. “I get a lot of my students interested in jazz the same way,” he said.”

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“On Jan. 15, Murrell will perform with some of his guitar students at Saxbys coffee shop on Feedwire Road. “I don’t feel like it’s enough to just teach students how to play,” he said. “It’s very important to give them the opportunity to actually perform in public.””

— Adam Alonzo Contributing Writer, Dayton Daily News

“...the Dayton Jazz Guitar Society...founded and operated by James Murrell...meets for a jam session every Tuesday at 8...Murrell floats between players offering help and advice. Be-bop from the 40's...swing tunes and jazz standards...modern numbers from the 70's...”

— Dan Cox, Dayton Daily News

“Jazz at the Schuster Performing Arts Center on Nov 29...on the DP&L Stage in the Winter Garden...where the James Murell Jazz Ensemble was giving...an inspired performance...a good size crowd was taking in the...music.”

— Ron Gable, Dayton Exposed

“On Sunday, Aug. 4, at Jazz Central...without a doubt, one of the best exhibitions of jazz I've seen...The jammers I met...James Murrell (guitar)...gave me the impression they like to get in some good licks with their peers.”

— Ron Gable, Impact Weekly (Dayton, Ohio)

“James immersed himself into... jazz and would jam at Jazz Central on Sunday, which is where I 1st met him. Today, he teaches music, plays at many of our local venues and is very thankful to Lloyd Hazelbaker, Gene Bishop, Phil Willis, Jim Smith, Dave Cliff and Wilbert Longmire for their help.”

— Ron Gable, Dayton City Paper

All Press

Recent Blogs

Hop-a-long James!
Nov 23, 2012
Hop-a-long James! Well I broke my fibula bone in my right leg. It is a hairline... [more]

Jammin' In Columbus
Aug 2, 2012
Jammin' In Columbus! Jazz Improvisation is a very complicated thing. Tuesday n... [more]

All Blogs

Jazz Tent Revival

Songs

Play All | Queue All | Share All

The Winds Of T…

Share Lyrics

Download
Lost Time (Fea…

Share Buy Lyrics

Download
Goodbye Girl 2…

Share Lyrics

Download
Autumn Leaves …

Share Download Lyrics
Look For Hope …

Share Lyrics

Download

All Songs

Videos

All Videos

Shows

Full-Screen View »

Thu
May 30

Montgomery Courthouse S…
Dayton, OHIO, US | 11:30am
Montgomery Courthouse Square
Dayton, OHIO, US
Thu May 30 11:30am
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Come out to see James & Fernando playing a variety of music while enjoying your lunch. There will also be a corn-hole tournament to enjoy seeing. More information @ http://m.facebook.com/TheSquareIsWhere
Sun
Jun 2

Spirited Goat Coffeehou…
Yellow Springs, OHIO, US | 2:00pm
Spirited Goat Coffeehouse
Yellow Springs, OHIO, US
Sun Jun 02 2:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Come out to see James perform music & enjoy some great coffee!
Sun
Jun 30

Saxbys
Dayton, OH, US | 2:00pm
Saxbys
Dayton, OH, US
Sun Jun 30 2:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM James will be playing music with special guests. Come out to enjoy the great music & coffee!

All Shows

Store

All Store Items

Comments

Add Comment

Ron Hibdon
Stopped by to listen..Excelelnt tunes! Keep up the great work. Best Wishes! ~ Ron Hibdon
Smith III
Nice work! I came by to show you some love and support, you can return the favor by stopping by out page. Put A Stamp On it!
Wolfgang Leng - Art,...
I'm back for more great Music !...Have a great Weekend...Many Greetings - Wolfgang
Wolfgang Leng - Art,...
Music brings people together and it's always a pleasure to me to visit my friends, to hear their great music!...Many Greetings - Wolfgang
Paula Shupe
LOVE your work! Especially the cover of Stray Cat Strut. Thanks for sharing your music!
Rob Stokes
Excellent playing on Blues For T. Super Smooth work James!!