Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, was born in 1929 in Sunflower, Mississippi, and was educated in Memphis where he played with Howlin' Wolf and Little Junior Parker as early as 1948. By 1952, Murphy was in Chicago, where he began his long association with Memphis Slim by playing on his dates for United Records and Vee Jay Records, including the album At The Gate of Horn (1959).
Murphy was already a legend among serious guitarists by the 1960s, famed for the incredibly fast and intricate blues riffs that would soon change rock & roll. A partial list of artists with whom Matt has performed with includes Robert Lockwood Jr., Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Little Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Memphis Slim, James Cotton, Otis Rush, Etta James, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Chuck Berry, Joe Louis Walker, the Zaichik Brothers and The Blues Brothers (appearing on nine of their albums). Matt played with some of these bands for many years (20 years with Memphis Slim!), while others were just sessions during his work at Chess Records. More recently, Matt has toured with his old friend and bandmate James Cotton.
"Guitar Murphy" can be seen in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000, where he plays Aretha Franklin's hen-pecked husband. Further work with The Blues Brothers turned him into one of the best-known blues guitarists in the United States.
THE NOUVEAUX HONKIES (who will also be backing Matt "Guitar" Murphy)
From way down South, here come The Nouveaux Honkies. This violin, guitar, bass and drum quartet are Roots and Roll that Rocks. "If Johnny Cash and Freddy King had a baby it would be the Nouveaux Honkies," said the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. Their 2007 self titled CD won best roots band in Palm Beach County. Their 2008 CD, Where Do I Go, hit #3 on the National Roots Country (Americana) Chart, Roots Music Report and 48 weeks later was still on the charts when their 2009 CD "Live at Sun" was in the top 30 on the National Roots Blues Chart. Blues Revue Magazine linked their sound to the Stones, with hints of Dire Straights, Curtis Mayfield, Hendrix and Howling' Wolf. Singer/guitarist, Patrick Timothy O'Donnell's vocal style was said to be "an amalgam of Van Morrison and Willy De Ville." Add in violinist, Rebecca Dawkins with her crafty lead lines and poppy rhythms and their unique blend of blues, swing and country is described as a reinvention of the musical wheel. The group has been touring since July of 08'. Their live show is an elegant display of frenzied mayhem. Their summer tour of 09' put the band through the northeast with Elmore magazine naming them their favorite newcomer at The Rhythm and Roots Festival in Rhode Island. 2010-2011 saw TNH backing the legendary Matt "Guitar" Murphy on his festival and club dates as well as continuing to travel the country with their own show. Performances from the Blue Note in NYC to the Texas State Fair and all stops in between have the honkification spreading through the lower 48 like wildfire. Catching a show is a sure fire way to put a smile on your face.
The Nouveaux Honkies continue to play throughout the country sharing festivals and stages with acts like Asleep at the Wheel, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Duhks, The Waybacks, Styx, Greencard, Randy Bachman, Cedrik Watson, Tab Benoit, Randy McCalister, Hot Tuna, the Lee Boys, Joe Bonamassa, The Insomniacs, The Lovell Sisters, Hot Tuna, New Riders, David Mayfield Parade, and many more. The future will see this band continue to perform, record and honkify the public with their brand of fun and intimate music.
* We do not reserve specific tables except for TCC members, when possible (see membership benefits). * Tables closest to the stage are held for dinner guests. * The earlier you arrive, the greater the selection. The Towne Crier Cafe is an intimate room, and there are no bad seats. * "Show Only" tables are assigned after those reserved for "Dinner & Show" parties. * Recommended time for an enjoyable, relaxed dining experience: Party of 2: One hour before show time Party of 3 or 4: Two hours before show time Party of 5 or more: At least two and one half hours before show time. * $2 handling & processing charge per ticket. * All sales are final. No refunds. No exchanges.
