Chris Murphy is not what you would call a southern fiddler or a pure bluegrass musician. He has been influenced by different music styles, ranging from country to pop, from classic to folk and has released more than 20 records so far.
Among his many recorded works and collaboration, his new EP “Two Rivers Crossing” has to be one of his most down to earth and sparse productions. Listening to it, it often reminded me of the early 1920s and 1930s string band recordings, sometimes even featuring only Murphy’s singing and violin (he’s not calling it fiddle but violin). The opening track “Early Grave” as well as the track “The Wolves of Laredo” are reminiscent of Fiddlin‘ John Carson’s early recordings. However, modern touches are present everywhere on the record (“Long Ago” for instance) – Murphy combines southern fiddling with modern lyrics. The record closes with “Shantallow”, an instrumental with maritime flair that comes along more like a shanty than an old-time fiddle tune.
This will go for both traditional listeners and open-minded folk and world music fans. Nice melodies and sparse but pleasant arrangements with violin to the fore.
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