Lansdale Station featuring Judge & Lauren Murphy: Articles & Reviews

Opening for the legendary Little Feat, Legion Of Mary was also joined by another Zero offshoot band, the House Levelers. Led by Louisiana songbird Lauren (Miller) Murphy, the band featured the sure-handed drumming of Zero vocalist Judge Murphy, bassist Liam Hanrahan, guitarist Joe Diehl and cellist and keyboardist Doug Harmon. Beginning with “Wandering Two,” the House Levelers showcased songs from Lauren Miller’s wonderful debut album, Out Of The Blue (Can Road Music).

Judge Murphy Vocals
Born in Marin County in 1950, Judge began playing in bands at the age of 15 locally at frat parties, rec halls, and bars and developed his own distinct blues style. During the '80's, Judge was the drummer-singer for Murphy's Law and occasionally jammed with John Cipollina who was playing with Zero. John was impressed with Murphy and told Martin Fierro about Judge's vocal ability. Martin later recommended Judge for an audition for the new Robert Hunter songs. Judge joined Zero in January 1992 touring and singing "Home on the Range", "Chance in a Million", "Catalina", and "Roll me Over". Hunter liked Judge's style and wrote more songs that summer with Murphy in mind; "Horses" "End of the World Blues", "Pits of Thunder", "Spoken For" and "Did I Mention".

FOREVER IS NOWHERE: Zero has released a new recording titled Live At The Great American Music Hall (Whirled Records). The legendary Bay Area band recorded the sessions at the venerable San Francisco landmark and featured some of their special musical friends. Zero (consisting of drummer Greg Anton, guitarist Steve Kimock, keyboardist Pete Sears, vocalist Judge Murphy and bassist Bobby Vega) is joined by Nicky Hopkins and Vince Welnick on keyboards, and John Kahn on bass. The recording also features five new songs penned by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter: "Chance In A Million," "Home On The Range," Catalina," "Horses" and "End Of The World Blues." Recorded by Grateful Dead sound man Dan Healy with help from the team at Ultra Sound, this release further benefits from the out-of-this-world mastering by the Sebastapol-based Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, which has set the standard in the industry in recording reproduction. Known up until now as primarily an instrumental band, Zero is propelled by the powerhouse vocals of Judge Murphy, who breaths life into some of the finest Robert Hunter lyrics in years. Zero fans will not, however, be disappointed with the group's two instrumental excursions, "Forever Is Nowhere" and "Roll Me After." Rounding out the release is a rollicking rendition of the K.C. Douglas classic "Mercury Blues." Live At The Great American Music Hall begins a new chapter for Zero but, as always, it's the music that speaks volumes from this great band. 1994