Record Label: Kufala Recordings
Genre: Instrumental
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link
Three songs into violinist/composer Chris Murphy’s album Luminous, I wonder why he isn’t currently performing the soundtrack to my life. Or at the very least, an enjoyable independent art film starring Steve Buscemi. Murphy is undoubtedly a very talented musician and composer, but what makes this album truly fascinating and enjoyable is the choice of musicians to accompany him on various tracks, including Larry Taylor and Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits’ rhythm section), Mike Watt (Minutemen), DJ Bonebrake (X), Nels Cline (Nels Cline Trio, Wilco), Tim Rutilli (Califone), Victoria Williams, and more. If those names aren’t enough to entice, just give the music a listen. Murphy’s songs are beautifully textured, well produced, and extremely listenable. They sound something halfway between a Tom Waits outtake, a Wilco b-side, and a film score. With sixteen tracks, and over 70 minutes of music, it’s a bit to take in one sitting, but put this on with the television on mute, and you have your own work of modern art. And unlike most modern art, this one will at least sound nice.
Bottom Line: Interesting and very enjoyable violin-centric instrumental music.
Notable Tracks: Waltz, Luminous, Night of the Hunter, Sparks from the Wind, The Rustling of Flowers
Overall Rating: