It's always nice to know that the next generation of up and coming musicians understands the true essence of what 'real' music is all about. In other words, they've combed through their parents' record collection and done all their homework. So they get it, and they're not afraid to proudly wear their influences on their sleeves, and in the case of Indiana based guitarist / vocalist Michael Schaefer- Murray, on the front cover of their CDs as well. Adorned with the black and white images of such legendary six stringers as Clapton, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Chuck Berry, Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhardt, you can sense that the kid's heart is in the right place before you've even heard a single note. On his debut release entitled Michael Schaefer–Murray Presents he displays both a wide range of influences, as well as versatile set of chops over the course of these fourteen self penned and socially conscious compositions.
One minute Murray is reaching back to the bouncy funk and wah-wah drenched soul of Jimi's Band of Gypsy's on "For You My Love", "Control Our Attraction" and "Falling From The Sky", and the next thing you know he's tearing into a ferocious slow blues on the seven minute "When I Say I Love You". The listener is only going to need to hear a few tracks to determine that Murray certainly has all the skills at hand to be a truly formidable player, and yet what's refreshing is that you never get the feeling that there are any superfluous solos or an over abundance of guitar pyrotechnics on display here. It's clear that he's all about the song first and foremost. However, if there is one significant area that needs improvement it would have to be in the vocal department. You can tell that he's one hundred percent genuine and that he's singing from his heart, but what he really needs to do is to add a bit more flavor and especially power to his overall delivery because that's really the only thing holding him back at this point. That being said, Presents is a rock solid opening statement that proves that Michael Schaefer- Murray's star is clearly on the rise.
Track Listing
1) Visitors
2) For You My Love
3) Control Our Attraction
4) Mirror Of Relationship
5) Unique Needs
6) Is It Always Noble
7) When I Say I Love You
8) Solar Reception
9) Falling From The Sky
10) I Don't Want My Love To Hide
11) My Heart Needs Healing
12) Now She's Dead
13) When We Are Done
14) Take Off
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