Lauren & Judge Murphy with Lansdale Station - Southern Roots meets the new San Francisco sound: THE PLAYERS
BAND BIO : INDIVIDUAL BIOS BELOW
In 2005, a union of legendary Bay Area players, that came together to record Lauren Murphy's album, "Magnolia Heart," gave birth to the band Lansdale Station, and The New San Francisco Sound. Now in their 3rd year, momentum, versatility, and reputation has earned Lansdale Station widespread radio support and coveted Main Stage slots on the Festival Circuit.
Coming from the jazz/rock/electric band ZERO, lead vocalist , Judge Murphy, teamed up w/ his wife, New Orleans composer, vocalist, guitarist, Lauren Murphy (HOUSELEVELERS/DELPHINIUM BLUE/ZERO). Their collaboration is a melding of Southern Roots Music and the San Francisco Sound. Lansdale Station's touring band is : Lauren Murphy on vocals & guitar, Judge Murphy on vocals, Ed Michaels(ROY ROGERS & THE DELTA RHYTHYM KINGS/ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART ) on drums, Ray Brock (KING PERKOFF) on bass, & slide man extraordinaire Jim Cucuzella (SWAMP THANG). Their shows have fast become a favorite of audiences, well-known for their mighty harmony vocals & stage chemistry.
"Magnolia Heart" has been dubbed "triumphant" & " a musical direct hit" by Indie Music.com and can be heard on air waves throughout California, into
the South East, and in Europe. Lansdale Station's successful tours have landed the band at many destination venues( Trinity Tribal Stomp, The Mystic Theatre', Krush Wine Country Radio Backyard BBQ, Biscuits & Blues, Sweetwater Saloon, Humboldt Hills Hoedown, Fairfax Festival, Last Day
Saloon, Live on KPIG, Benbow Summer Arts & Music Festival, Rancho Nicasio, etc.), while garnering co-bills w/ talent the likes of 2 time AMA winner James McMurtry, Grammy Winner Raul Malo, Elvin Bishop, Peter Rowan, Roy Rogers, Dan Lebowitz of ALO, New Monsoon, The Mother Hips, Papa Mali, Pete Sears, Vince Herman's Great American Taxi, Delta Nove, and more.
2008 finds Lansdale Station in Studio! & poised to return to the Summer and Fall Festival Circuit , as they continue to burn up the stage where ever they go. Described by many as 'down home' performers, Lansdale Station's relationship with their audience is intimate, interactive, and spicy.
CORE BAND MEMBERS FOR LANSDALE STATION
LAUREN MURPHY - Composer / Vocals / Guitar
…. is no stranger to the stage. In fact, she'll tell you it's where she feels most at home. Born the daughter of a Louisiana politician, Lauren witnessed charismatic fireworks daily. Fortunately, Lauren's multi-artistic abilities took on a life of their own. By the time she was 17, her many talents had already landed in her NY's 'Carnegie Hall' along side conductor, John Rutter & the NY Phil Harmonic, a modeling contract w/ Esprit, work w/ MTV Choreographer Frank Hatchet’s NY Dance Program, Joe Tremain's Barry Lather, 2 Tours to Bermuda & Hawaii w/ AAS Dance Troop, a guest vocal spot w/ the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and numerous other awards ranging from vocal, dance, piano, prose, & acting, including BRLT's Best New Coming Actress. As a young adult, she passed the time in New Orleans. Learning from street musicians and sidewalk philosophers, Lauren haunted Tipitina’s, The Maple Leaf, Check Point Charlies, & other Juke Joints by night, sitting in with many a be-friended artist. Lack of support of her parents abandoned, she ended up occasionally flopping at a fellow artist's shot gun house (Grayson Capps) on South Front Street, where a score of musicians, sculptors, poets, dancers, and ner-do-wells congregated.These times were featured in the movie 'A Love Song for Bobby Long' , staring John Travolta. Hard times never stopped her, and she continued at LSU, where Lauren had the good fortune to work with London Shakespear Theatre Director, Barry Kyle, Beat poets, Andrei’ Codrescu & Ted Brautigan, as well as Mississippi Poet Laureate Dr. Maya Angelo. These pivotal personalities taught her the importance of free form art ( and patience tolerating her infant daughter in class). During this time she recorded with Cajun Folk-writer, Michael Millet. Their CD, was later released on Louisiana Music Factory Records(2000). Feeling the call of the West, Lauren came to Northern California in the mid -90’s, baby in tow. Skilled in Music, Art, Literature, Theatre’, & Dance, she moved to the coastal hamlet of Arcata, where she became a sensation in the Folk Rock Band, ‘DELPHINIUM BLUE’. It is during this time that she met Judge Murphy, the man who would change her destiny. She relocated with him to the Bay Area, and formed ‘THE HOUSELEVELERS’. A very gifted singer / songwriter /guitarist, she has been heralded by a number of Industry Greats. ‘ THE HOUSELEVELERS’, achieved fame in the late 90’s, gigging at notable West Coast Venues like : ‘THE MARITIME HALL’, ‘SWEETWATER’, ‘ OREGON COUNTRY FAIR’, THE FAIRFAX FESTIVAL’, & ‘MYSTIC THEATRE’, w/ line-ups including Terry Haggerty ( Sons of Champlain), Vince Littleton (Merl Saunders), Doug Harman (Bela Fleck), and Judge Murphy (ZERO). Lauren also sang vocals aside her husband, Judge, in ZERO from 1998 to 2000.
Following her heart, Lauren divides her time singing & writing w/ her husband, Judge, in both Acoustic and Band format and being 'Mom', volunteering in the community when ever she can. LANSDALE STATION is a melding of true roots music and a culmination of her vast talent & experiences. A woman of impressive stature, Lauren stands up to the critics where chops & originality live. Her style is varied, her writing ability vast, and her vivacity infectious.
Lauren’s 2nd CD, ‘MAGNOLIA HEART’, recorded, mixed, & mastered @ THE PLANT STUDIOS, Sausalito, Ca., is her best work to date. Described as "triumphant" & a "musical direct hit", these powerful songs about the southland hit you right where you live. Compared to Sandy Deny, Emmy Lou Harris, & Grace Slick, with the passion of Janis Joplin, Lauren is unlike anyone. Brassy, sensitive, & powerful, Lauren Murphy reinvents her roots with her original ‘Bluesiana Rock’. Toss that in with the Blue-eyed Soul vocals of Judge Murphy, and that makes for one Spicy Gumbo .
JUDGE MURPHY - Vocals / Producer -
A third generation Bay Area native, Judge Murphy began his musical career in 1965 as lead vocalist in the ‘LOST & FOUND’, a band of Redwood High school kids with a passion for rock & roll. These were times of the British Musical explosion on the American scene, & bands like The Byrds, Dylan, & The Airplane, Dead, & Quicksilver, right here at home. With this vast palate of musical influence, ‘The Judge’ set out on a path that would gain him great musical acclaim. Playing the rec. hall & frat house circuit of the 60’s, Murphy & his band won numerous ‘Battle of the Band’ contests in the Bay Area. Judge , also a great drummer, played dual roles as singer / drummer , in a number of bands that he captained through the 1980’s , including MURPHY’S LAW.
Scouted by a number of musical giants, ‘THE JUDGE’, had the great pleasure of sharing the stage with such notables as BRUCE HORNSBY, CLARANCE CLEMONS, ‘Stone’s’ piano man NICKY HOPKINS, JOHN CIPOLLINA, & DAVID BYRNE. It was his association & singing w/ John Cipollina on a tune penned by John, called “Hired Hand”, that Murphy got an audition with the Bay Area Band, ZERO. According to co-founder & leader, GREG ANTON, he & STEVE KIMOCK were sold on Murphy after he sang one word ; ‘Catalina’. At that time, GRATEFUL DEAD lyricist ROBERT HUNTER had penned 5 songs to music written by Steve Kimock & Greg Anton, but they lacked melodies. Hunter was blown away at Murphy‘s ability to create melodies with his lyrics, adding to Kimock’s & Anton’s music, birthing what are now known as Judge’s signature songs. He went so far as to say, “They are Judge’s children” Inspired, Hunter wrote more. Hunter & JERRY GARCIA helped fund a live recording at THE GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL in San Francisco that was to become the CD ‘CHANCE IN A MILLION’ ( later picked up by A & M RECORDS). In June of 1994, Judge took some time off of the ZERO project to collaborate with virtuoso Canadian born guitarist, DAVE GOODMAN, & recorded a Cd for the German label TAXIM RECORDS. Back in Zero (April 95’) , THE JUDGE returned to 5 more years of nationwide touring ( where he met Lauren ), & recorded several more CD’s with the band. He also got back in the drum chair, supporting Lauren’s original compositions in their band, THE HOUSELEVELERS( 1997 -1999). Lauren shared the stage with Judge as background vocalist for ZERO from 1998-2000, until Steve Kimock left to pursue a career with “The Other Ones”.
Married in 1999, Judge & Lauren moved to the Hawaiian Islands to be together & write. A brief residency in New Orleans had them both bitten by the music bug, and they moved home to California, bringing a little of the gumbo along. In 2005, Judge began producing the CD, “MAGNOLIA HEART”; a body of work written predominantly by wife, Lauren Murphy. Recorded over 3 sessions at The Plant Studios, ‘LANSDALE STATION’ was born, as was a new dimension in the pair’s relationship. During 2006, The Judge joined Zero for a brief run of reunion shows, preferring to focus on his main vocally infused project , Lansdale Station. 2007 finds this blue-eyed soul singer and multi-talented artist more than inspired. The culmination of his 40 some years of experience in music are evident in his presence ,versatility, & delivery. Still in contact with Robert Hunter today, he said he is pleased that The Judge continues to sing these songs that he helped create, in any configuration. While his main musical attention remains on LANSDALE STATION, Judge spoke of his role in ZERO & his current outlook with Jambase ( Feb. of 2007). “The guys in Zero will always have a place in my musical history, & I am sure we will continue to do gigs when the timing works.”
The future may just be another golden age of music. Tune in…. Turn on…..
JIM CUCUZELLA - slide man extraordinaire'
Jim , owner of Players Guitars in San Rafael, Ca., is the founding lead & slide guitarist for Lansdale Station. He has recently returned to the band, after a 12 months respit . We are all very stoked! Jim's 'chicken pickin' style of playing combined with his lofty slide work , has him in the sweet spot as one of the best slide players in the Bay Area. His contribution to Lansdale Station is just what de' gumbo called for! You can also catch him performing locally and beyond w/ his group SWAMP THANG.
BIG ED MICHAELS - drums
Having recently returned to the Bay Area from Arizona, Ed Michaels has been keeping the drum chair Hot! He's toured with Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings , as well as Commander Cody, and Alvin Youngblood Hart. Ed's percussive pallete is varied , explosive, and full of personality and energy. You can learn more about him here
http://www.mojomusic.com/ed/index.htm
RAYNER BROCK - bass
Long time friend, and musical collaborator of Judge Murphy, RAYNER BROCK, was born in 1964 in Lemon Grove CA. to jazz drummer Lee Williams-Brock and mother Faridah Brock near San Diego CA. Raised in the S.F. Bay Area, he started out jamming in garage bands. While still in his teens, he worked as a roadie for the Bill Graham produced band “Chicago Blues Power. Ray spent a lot of time in SF’s “North Beach” music scene, and performed with notable's such as Paul Butterfield, Luther Tucker, Mike Bloomfield, Jules Broussard, Greg Douglass, and Harold Jones. During the late 80's and early 90's, Ray joined up with Judge Murphy, and in 1992 landed a European tour with “The King Perkoff Band”. In 1999 he co-wrote and co-produced the album “Mundai - Natural Selection” , with Bay Area songstress, Mudai Owen. Today Rayner is a masterful bassist, a talented singer-songwriter on both acoustic & electric guitars, and is a well rounded engineer/producer getting great results in his digital studio. His most important gig to date, however, is as Hannah's Daddy. Ray truly feels he and Hannah are the luckiest duo in the world.
To get to know more about Ray , please see his web page at
http://www.myspace.com/rayner1
STUDIO SAUSAGES AND MUSICAL BROTHERN
PAUL OLGUIN - Bass
Lansdale Station is proud to announce the addition of this amazing bassist for the next upcoming shows. Paul has worked w/ and continues to play with many Bay Area Greats: Chuck Prophet, Maria Muldar, Earl Thomas,Shana Morrison, Angela Strehli, and many more. Check out Paul and his projects at his My space. Welcome Aboard!
BRENT RAMPONE' - Drums & Percussion
A staple on the Bay Area Music scene for many years, Brent is widley known for his solid drumming. Over his rich career, he has worked with many Bay Area Legends (Maria Muldar/ New Riders of the Purple Sage/ The Rowan Brothers). Joining Lansdale Station in the spring of 2006, Brent's versatility, dynamics, and enthusiasm , are the engine that put this train on the right track, and it's smokin'!
DAN RANSFORD - DRUMS & PERCUSSION
-came to Lansdale Station by way of the North Bay extended musical family & his texturing is a lock as the "Engine" of the band. We are very excited to be working with him! During the 1970's & 80's, Dan played in a variety of S.F. Bay Area & Sonoma County bands , dabbling in Berkeley & L.A. recording sessions with 'The Unwritten Law'. In the 1990s , Dan got the sailing bug & spent most free time sailing the S.F. Bay and the California Coast on his 30 foot sailboat, yet music was not far from shore. When he sold the boat in the 2000 , it brought back the music bug with a vengence. Dan has performed continually with Kevin Russell and The Lucky Dawgs, Laughing Gravy,The Ruminators, Under the Radar, Shiela Groves and Flatt Lonesome, Mark Mclay and the Dustdevils, among many others. He enjoys the drum challenges and , in his own words, " the teamwork involved with bringing an artists musical projects to life."
Discography:
2002; You Don't Know Me, all tracks, Kevin Russell, Jackalope Records
2004; Connections II, The KRUSH/Jackalope Records, cut 16;
Under a Stormy Sky, The Modern Hicks, cut 12; Expeditions, Terry Pinnegar, all cuts
2005; Trouble In Mind, Kevin Russell, all cuts, Jackalope Records; Laughing Gravy, A Tribute to Gramm Parsons, Laughing Gravy, all cuts, Jackalope Records
2006; These Days, Michael Capella, cuts 2,3,6,7,8,10,11,14; Loomings, The Ruminators, cuts 1,2,5,8,9,10,11,13, Jackalope Records 2007; The Test of Time, Michael Capella, cuts 4,7,8,9;
Voices In the Wind, Doug Jayne, cuts 3,4,10 ; and Jackalope Records Spring 2008 release Broken Window, Mark Mclay and the Dustdevils, all cuts.
LIAM HANRAHAN - Bass
Liam is currently taking some time off to address some important personal issues, and Lansdale Station sends our dear friend & brother all our love & support .
- bass & lead guitar on “Same Ol’ Blues”.
Judge & Liam go back over fifteen years together in the music business. Having shared the stage in ZERO , GOODMAND-MURPHY, & THE HOUSELEVELERS, Judge , Liam, & Lauren have a strong musical connection . Ask anyone in Marin Co. who’s the baddest bassist and they’ll answer “Liam” the “Hammer-hand”. Liam came to California in the 80’s by way of Rockville, Md., a suburb of D.C., where he studied Blues & Funk in depth. A guitar virtuoso in his own right, Liam also “kills” on lead guitar. Liam has blown minds coast to coast with his dynamic bass playing and occasional lead guitar and drum work . Having toured nationwide , he has played just about everywhere . In his full career, Hanrahan has played with ZERO, FRANKIE LEE, GREGG’S EGG, GOODMAN - MURPHY BAND, THE HOUSELEVELERS, & LANSDALE STATION , to name a few. Liam is truly Menza Material in the brotherhood of musicians.
SAM JOHNSTON - Keyboards , pedal steel, harmonica, accordian
Sammy J came to Lansdale Station in the spring of 2006 by way of the Bay Area Band Grapefruit Ed. A proficient keyboard player, he also brings pedal steel, harmonica, and accordian to the stage. Sam Johnston has been a fixture of the San Francisco music scene since 1988. Beginning in 1983, he toured and recorded with Mojo Bone, Cheater Jones, Buffalo Roam, and the Vicious Hippies before joining Box Set in 1995. Versed in blues and funk, he also draws on his classical roots. Lansdale Station is excited to have this soulful multi-instumentalist on board for the ride!
Chip Roland- studio recording only - Keys / Guitar -
- piano, Hammond B3, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Dobro , & Lap Steel
Chip began playing professionally in the mid-60’s in his native Athens, Ga., mixing together soul, Motown & British rock styles with different bands in the southern states. Chip left Athens for the Macon, Ga. Scene in 1975, where he hooked up with CAPRICORN recording artists COWBOY, & was featured on their album release. In 1978, Chip hit the road with noted Cajun fiddle player DOUG KERSHAW, with whom he spent 2 years touring. In the early 80’s, Chip moved to Reno, Nv., & joined the local band SUTRO. Chip moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990, where he met STEVE KIMOCK at a local club. They became friends and he later joined Steve for 1 of the 2 appearances of the PSYCHEDELIC GUITAR CIRCUS. Judge was one of the vocalists on the shows, & Steve and Judge brought Chip into ZERO when PETE SEARS left to play full time with HOT TUNA. Chip’s Hammond B3 , Piano, & steel guitar blend perfectly with Lauren’s music , bringing out a true Delta homegrown sound.
Currently Chip is taking some time off of music to address some important personal issues.
John Hasty - studio recording/occassional shows - Drums & Percussion -
Lauren & Judge agree that John Hasty is without a doubt one of the best drummers in music today, & one of the nicest guys ever to set up a drum kit. John is known as “Tasty Hasty” on the music scene. Beginning his musical career in 1960 at age 5, John started playing piano, but soon found that drums better suited his love for rhythm . “ I was lucky to get a really good drum teacher right from the start’ ( he was 10 at the time), who instilled a sense of joy & fun in playing. “He taught us to reach inside ourselves & move through the music & convey that feeling to other people.” His influences include the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Tower of Power, & Booker T & the MG’s. John’s interest in Afro-Cuban rhythms has given his overall drum sound versatility & power & the ability to uniquely stylize his playing to all types of music. Recording with the San Francisco favorite, BARTRON TYLER GROUP, @ THE LOFT in Nashville, brought radio attention to his talents in 1993. He first played with Lauren in 1997 on the Summer Festival Circuit in The HOUSELEVELERS and became an instant band member.
John can be heard on "Magnolia Heart" and occassionally takes the drum chair for Lansdale Station's live shows.
Robert Powell -studio recording only - pedal steel / acoustic Guitar -
- Pedal Steel , Dobro, & Acoustic guitar.
Judge Murphy came to know Robert in the early 90’s when he played with ‘CALEDONIA’, the band that later became SHANA MORISON’S (Van’s daughter) back-up band. His pedal steel & lap steel on his rare Weisenborn was breathtaking. Through his work with AMNESTY INTL’, he has produced and recorded with many artists, including PETER GABRIEL, JACKSON BROWNE, & JOHN LEE HOOKER. His debut solo album received excellent reviews for its innovative approach to pedal steel. That incredible voice can be heard in his work on ‘MUDDY MARYDALE’, & ‘THE DREAME’ on ‘MAGNOLIA HEART’ . Robert , Lauren, & Judge have a musical relationship that spans more than a decade when Robert 1st played in Lauren’s band, ‘ THE HOUSELEVELERS’. His distinctive ambient soundscapes add metaphor and power to the CD ‘MAGNOLIA HEART’.
Rich Kirch -studio recording only - Bottleneck Guitar -
- bottleneck guitar & rhythm guitar
Born in Chicago in 1955, Rich came from a large Catholic working-class family. Studying piano and guitar as a boy, Richie had a natural affinity for the blues. His insatiable curiosity led him to the black blues clubs of the south side 60’s Chicago music scene. Taken under the wing of such greats as J.B.LENIOR & MUDDY WATERS, Rich found himself on stage in his mid-teens trading riffs with the best in the business. In the 70’s & 80’s, Rich Kirch was playing with all the best blues bands , performing with CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE, PINE TOP PERKINS, & GREGG ALLMAN, to name a few. Richie went to work for JOHN LEE HOOKER in 1988, where he stayed lead guitarist until John Lee’s passing in 2001. During this time, he played on the GRAMMY AWARD WINING “Chill Out” in 1995 & “Best of Friends” with JIM KELTNER & ERIC CLAPTON. Richie has played with SANTANA , BONNIE RAIT, & JOHN FOGERTY. This gentle giant is about as hot as it gets. In 1992, Rich, Bill Laymon (DAVID NELSON BAND), & Judge Murphy, formed a band called “BILL THE RICH JUDGE”, & played the San Francisco music scene while in town “off the road ” from their other projects. Instant friends, Rich & Judge have continued their musical association up to the present.
Richi is currently working on independent projects as well as supporting his long time friend and musical brother, Alabama based Billy C Farlow.