Mark Murphy live in Venice & Sarasota!

(Arnaldo DeSouteiro & Mark Murphy, ages ago...)

Meet Mark Murphy
by Abby Weingarten
Sarasota Herald Tribune, February 10, 2011

At 78, Mark Murphy is a household name in the jazz industry, and he can't imagine leaving it any time soon.

His virtuosity has earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, which he will receive during a buzzworthy Sunday concert in Venice.

"I've had a 60-to-70-year career, so for this show, I'm going to dip into some of my favorites, and some tunes that have made a little noise along the way (I used to call them mini hits)," said Murphy, who currently lives in New Jersey.

Murphy has been an international favorite since his debut album, "Meet Mark Murphy," hit in 1956. The singer has released more than 60 albums and made guest appearances on 65 others. Ella Fitzgerald once called Murphy "my equal," and Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Allen, Peggy Lee, Liza Minnelli, Cleo Laine and Gregory Hines have all been cited as fans. Even in his senior years, Murphy makes cameos at worldwide jazz clubs and on TV programs throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan.

For the Venice show, he will play with a trio that includes Brian Murphy on piano, Richard Drexler on bass and Ralph Cornwell on drums. Emmy Award-winning pianist Mike Renzi is also on the concert roster, and the event will kick off with a one-hour concert by the George Carroll Big Band, featuring Carroll and Dee Weder on vocals.

"Mark Murphy has been one of my heroes, from the aspect of a great pop-jazz singer whom I look to for great phrasing, melodic/harmonic facility, and sound choices in his choice of songs," said Carroll, who has played Sarasota's circuit for more than 15 years. "We're both students of 'The American Songbook,' and working alongside such a master is something I can't take lightly."
On Monday, Murphy will perform two sets at The Olive Tree Restaurant, accompanied by Brian Murphy, bassist Billy Pillucere and drummer Henry Ettman.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get to know a lot of people who don't know me yet and see if I can please them," Murphy said.

The Sunday concert will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4365 State Road 776, Venice. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 586-8110. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Jazz Foundation of America.

The Monday show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Olive Tree, 1454 Main St., Sarasota. Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 556-9323 or 524-6698.