“He is my equal.” – Ella Fitzgerald
This Ad Lib Series Arkadia DVD, “Mark Murphy: Murphy’s Mood”, features Jazz singer Mark Murphy, who has carved out a legacy as a consummate Jazz Vocalist and Lyricist. He carries the improvisational torch with his masterful scat style, as well as his interpretations of songs from various genres, performed with a Jazz sensibility. Murphy has also penned Vocalese lyrics to the Jazz repertoire, reworking songs such as Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments” and “Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard, amongst others.
“For decades, the question what exactly is a jazz singer has had two easy answers: Betty Carter and Mark Murphy.” – New York Post
Featuring renowned studio musicians Pete Candoli and Conte Candoli, who also perform selections such as Duke Ellington’s “Caravan”, and Jazz guitar guru Joe Diorio, this musical DVD delivers an exciting and rousing night a Jazz music.
“There are many singers of jazz songs but few genuine jazz singers. Betty Carter, Eddie Jefferson, Mel Torme, and Joe Williams are included in this select group. Add to this list the name of Mark Murphy.” – Boston Globe
The Ad Lib Series, now available on DVD for the first time, is a collection of 46 concert TV programs presenting the best Jazz, Pop and Blues artists showcasing their skills with a Jazz flair. Seen on TV internationally, Ad Lib (filmed in 1980) was the first musical television series recorded in Stereo. Each DVD features 2 episodes of the acclaimed Ad Lib Series.
Murphy released a few albums, but found genuine success after recording his album, “Rah”. Success from that album earned Murphy a spot with the Jazz elite, but his next release, “That’s How I Love the Blues”, garnered him a spot on the Jazz Charts, as well as Downbeat Magazine’s New Star of the Year. Mark Murphy has performed many genres, but this DVD, “Mark Murphy: Murphy’s Mood”¸ showcases his legacy as the most creative Jazz singer of his generation. Having toured the world, wowed audiences and critics, and received a multitude of accolades, Mark Murphy continues to impress to this day with albums and concerts that showcase his lyrical interpretations of Jazz standards, his impromptu scats, and his distinct and artful voice.
2 EPISODES OF THE ACCLAIMED AL LIB SERIES ON 1 DVD
Song Selection:
Show #45:
- Mark Murphy: You’ve Proven Your Point
- Mark Murphy: Parker’s Mood
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Moped
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Fat’s Blues
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Caravan
Show #46:
- Mark Murphy: Again
- Mark Murphy: Farmer’s Market
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Willow Weep for Me
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Echo
- Pete and Conte Candoli: Bluin’ Boogie
Musicians Include:
Mark Murphy: Vocals
Bill Mays: Piano
Monte Budding: Bass
Chiz Harris: Drums
Ross Tompkins: Piano
Jo Diorio: Guitar
Pete Candoli: Trumpet
Conte Candoli: Trumpet
DVD Bonus Features:
- Mark Murphy Biography
- Ad Lib Highlights Reel (16 min.)
- Digitally Mastered Audio and Video
- Dolby Stereo Audio
- Instant Access Songs
- DVD Recommendations
DVD Length: 1 Hour plus, Bonus Features