October 2008: Spotlight on… Thomas-Joseph & Murphy

Thomas-Joseph and Murphy are currently playing around the acoustic scene in the northwest. In less than a year they have made remarkable progress performing at over 80 gigs around the north west of England.

They’ve also busked and played many venues across Europe. This has not gone unnoticed by the media. Many Interviews and articles have been printed, also a number of glowing reviews from both professional and independent reviewers.

Radio Merseyside, Manchester, Pembrokeshire and Rockland radio (New York) give the boys’ songs regular airplay, as well as interviews and live sessions.

Thomas-Josephy and Murphy stand out through their intricate guitar work, close harmonies and varied song writing. A deep lyrical content and a strong melody is always present in their work. Their music was described by Ted Guy as “an iron fist inside a velvet glove”.

Listen and make your own mind up, but there is no denying they create great music.

Their 14 track album Weary Nights is available to buy in the Liverpool branch of Zavvi, and online at CD Baby.

Getting better all the time and the recipients of some rave reviews recently, Scouse melody-makers T-J & Murphy are riding upon the crest of a wave at the moment. Delicate, emotional music, made with a lightness of touch but so much conviction, is the finger-picking duo’s stock-in-trade and it’s a formula that is winning them lots of fans. New album Weary Nights is a cracker and a recent launch gig at Mathew Street’s View Two Gallery proved the Liverpool lads can be heard above the din and deliver the goods live too. By turns intricate, melodic and memorable, T-J & Murphy are ones to watch Band of the Week – Liverpool.com

I’m going to stick my neck out on this one and predict that Thomas Joseph and Murphy are going to be big. The Scouse duo have only been playing together for 18 months, but they’ve already played an impressive array of gigs around the city, building up a great live reputation. Now, at last, their debut album is out, and it’s certainly worth the wait. Old Dog stands out, with its stunning interweaving melodies and harmonies, equally designed for summer days out and cosy nights in. But it’s no fluke: of the other tracks we’ve heard, each shines brightly. Album Review by Jade Wright, Liverpool Echo

Scouse fingerpickers who also know their way around a melody. Intricate, but not moody, T-J & Murphy have carved their own little niche out of the Liverpool music scene. Quiet music with something original to say is a rare find – and T-J & Murphy have hit upon a winning formula with this set. Reviewed by Alan O’Hare Liverpool.com magazine June 08

The highly acclaimed duo Thomas-Joseph and Murphy who have been causing such a stir on the acoustic music scene. After a few notes during their warm-up it’s easy to see why – they are outstanding players and sing like Seraphim. Playing harmonious guitars and creating angelic melodies appeared to come easily and held the crowd in enrapt appreciation. It was like walking past a beautiful girl and having her smiling at you – it sent your heart aflutter and re-enforced your faith in mankind…or at least the chance of getting some tonight! If you get the chance to listen to Thomas-Joseph and Murphy, in silence and without prejudice – sublime. Paul ReayM19 Bar (Manchester gig review)

Thomas-Joseph and Murphy hail from Liverpool. As all footy fans know, playing away can be an unsettling experience. However, although I am reluctant to make any assumptions about their sporting allegiances, I am resolutely impressed by their ability to retain an identity that is (dare I say it) as unique as the great team itself. Thomas-Joseph and Murphy are excellent; their songs weave intricately between chord and note. They are wrapped lovingly in melody, bathed in vocal harmonics; they feel and sound as comforting as the breeze and the sea in the summertime. What more can I say other than that t heir press does not mislead and if you do not believe me check out their Myspace. August Hayes 2007

Final act on was Thomas-Joseph and Murphy, whose lovely finger picking guitar style sent waves of pure pleasure rippling from the stage, as their perfectly blending voices held the audience spellbound. The sheer quality of their interwoven harmonies was just thrilling as they got into the zone and sang their beautiful songs in a way that was simply enchanting. Reviewed by Rikki Wright.

Thank you to Thomas-Joseph and Murphy, and their manager Billy, for making their music available for the show. You can find out more about them at their MySpace profile.

MySpace www.myspace.com/thomasjosephandmurphy Weary Nights is available to buy from CD Baby

You can read Graham Holland’s review of the album originally published on the Liverpool Acoustic News and Reviews page here.