A poetic lyricism is wedded to hard-edged arrangements by Long Island-born, Paris-based singer/songwriter Elliott Murphy. Although none of his songs have reached the Top 40, Murphy's influence is reflected through the music of , , the Velvet Underground, and . Guests on Murphy's albums have included , , , , , and members of the Violent Femmes, the Smithereens, , and the Velvet Underground.
During 's 1996 European tour, Murphy was even invited on the stage in Paris to sing an acoustic duet version of his tune "Rock Ballad."
Murphy grew up in an upper-middle-class family. His father owned Aqua Show, a water ballet arena on the grounds of the World's Fair in 1939 and 1964.
During Murphy's childhood, the arena was the site of big-band concerts by such jazz musicians as and .
Acquiring his first guitar at the age of 12, Murphy quickly advanced on the instrument. Within a year, he was playing in his first band.
In 1966, Murphy's band the Rapsillions placed first in a New York statewide Battle of the Bands.
Together with his brother Matthew, Murphy spent the late '60s in Europe, performing his original tunes in subway stations and street corners. He also had a bit role in Federico Fellini's 1972 film Roma.
Returning to the United States in 1973, Murphy formed a band, Elliott Murphy's Aquashow. Performing frequently at New York hot spots, including Max's Kansas City and the Mercer Arts Center, Murphy and the group became associated with the art rock scene that included and the New York Dolls. Although their 1975 debut album, , was critically acclaimed, it failed to break through commercially.
Murphy's subsequent 1970s recordings -- , , and Just a Story from America -- sold poorly. In 1980, Murphy launched his own record label, Courtesan, with a six-song EP, . The following year, he released a folk-rock album, Murph the Surf.
Murphy's album , released in 1984, was nominated for a New York Music Award as Album of the Year.
Murphy has consistently worked with innovative producers. , released in 1986, was produced by of , while , released in 1987, was produced by James Ball of the Smithereens.
A live album, Hot Point, released in 1989, featured lead guitar by .
Despite the state-of-the-art sound of his albums, Murphy continued to encounter commercial resistance in the United States. In Europe, however, it was a much different scenario.
Murphy's concerts were packed by enthusiastic audiences while his albums sold well. In 1990, Murphy emigrated to Paris, where he continues to live with his wife, Francoise, and his son, Gaspard.
Shortly after moving to Paris, Murphy released a 24-song album, , that was shortened and rechristened upon release in the United States.
In 1995, Murphy assembled a new band that featured drummer Andy Newmark ( , ), acoustic and electric bassist Cuch Merchan ( ), and percussionist Luis Jardim ( ). Recorded at ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium, the album included a duet with on Murphy's tune "Everything I Do (Leads Me Back to You)." In 1998, Murphy returned with the album .
was issued in 2001. arrived in 2003, followed by the compilation in 2005. Murphy released the following year and in early 2007.
In addition to his career as a musician, Murphy has been active as a writer, penning the liner notes for the Velvet Underground's and the Violent Femmes' . Murphy's articles have been published by Spin and Rolling Stone magazines, and have included feature stories on and . Murphy has also published a novel, Cold and Electric, and two collections of his short stories.
~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide In true rock 'n roll fashion Elliott James Murphy Jr. was born in Mercy Hospital, Rockville Center, in to a successful show business family. Mother Josephine was a former actress while father Elliott Sr.
was the well-known impresario whose multi-faceted Aquashow ran all through the 1950's on the site of the 1939 New York World's Fair. The spectacular show was staged in an outdoor theatre and featured diving clowns, ballet swimmers, jugglers, comedians and The Orchestra. Later, Elliott Sr.
opened the Sky Club in Roosevelt Field, not far from where took off for his historic flight to Europe. The Sky Club was a politically connected restaurant/private club hosting such famous politicians of the time as more impressive to the young Elliott were the Sky Club's dance soirees, which featured , and .
with his band The Rapscallions he won the 1966 New York State Battle of the Bands.
He began writing songs while singing on the streets of Europe in 1971 and returned to after a brief stay in to secure a record contract with Records. His debut album (1973) was a huge critical Lights (1976) and Just A Story From America (1977) received equal acclaim. Special guests electric guitar and harmonica.
After four albums on major labels Murphy was one of the first American artists to go independent Rose Records in France. By this time Murphy was touring Europe constantly and finally moved to in 1989 where he continues to live with his wife and son. Selling The Gold (1995) featured a duet with , long-time friend, who often has invited him on stage during his European shows.
Cold Electric, a semi-autobiographical novel, in French, German and Spanish editions as Spanish TV appearance he said, "Literature is my religion and Rock and Roll is my addiction." In he published his neo-western novel ( , France) with an Italian version expected in 2007. The novel has attracted interest from film producers as well.
album Strings Of The Storm his finest to date. With guitar wizard Olivier Durand he tours constantly, playing well over 100 shows a year all over Europe and bonus DVD package of performances, videos and a discography showing all 26 album covers was released in which also saw the publication in France of Poetic Justice, Elliott's neo-western novel that will soon be translated into Italian and (hopefully) English. The year ended with Murphy Gets Muddy an album of 10 classic blues covers and 5 Murphy blues originals.
In early his long awaited new album Coming Home Again will be released in Europe. Of the 20 Elliott Murphy albums that are currently rated by All Music Guide 11 received over 4 stars.
Elliott is one of many artists who have issued a "non commercial tapers-friendly" official policy.
His shows may be freely recorded and spread as long as it's done in an entirely non-commercial way. Many bootlegs have always existed of his concerts, mostly of great quality. Elliott's live show are unique in energy and charm, and, usually, such qualities are faithfully reflected on the recordings, to the point that a minority of the fans regard (but this is a personal opinion of them) them as even better than the official live recordings.
had a "signature sound" given by his faithful Stratocaster. Since he started working with guitarist Olivier Durand in 1996, his sound has dramatically turned much more acoustic for two reasons: the acoustic lot (100+) of gigs a year, and Olivier Durand is a true guitar virtuoso who regularly impresses audiences with the sound of his acoustic guitar who is now a trademark of Elliott's music. After a short time using Guild guitars sound.
He always played , traditionally the classic and more recently Tombo's .
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