Dan Murphy - Undisclosed Location (2013)

Undisclosed Location combines powerful original compositions and arrangements with outstanding musicianship, and is the much anticipated debut album of pianist Dan Murphy. Murphy enlists the help of two bass-drum combinations with whom he has worked extensively, having recorded on other albums with both Matt Perko/Kip Reed and Nathan Douds/Kurt Kotheimer. Both pair provide an exceptional arena for syncopation, conversation, and musicality. The trios are augmented by expert hornmen on four tracks: Chris Anderson on trombone, Chris Burge on tenor sax, and Bobby Selvaggio twice on alto. Undisclosed Location features five Dan Murphy compositions, each highlighting complex aspects of the human experience: the intensity of constant war (Incursion), the elusiveness of peace for humankind (Song for Peace), the plans and decisions of world leaders (Undisclosed Location), our addictions and fast-paced lifestyle (Temporary Fix), and finally the inspiration we (gain from whatever stands before us) standing in front of us) use to affect our own impact in society (Kristine). Murphy also arranged two lesser-known standards, Yesterday's Gardenias and There Goes My Heart, and they further demonstrate the quality of both trios on this album. Bassist Kurt Kotheimer contributes the light-yet-aggressive Drinion, and famed Youngstown, OH guitarist Teddy Pantelas - long-time friend and mentor to Murphy - penned the deeply emotional Bill's Peace in honor of Bill Evans; both performed as true to each composer's intent as possible. Undisclosed Location showcases a fantastically energetic group of musicians exploring varied jazz styles, yet each piece on the album transitions seamlessly into the next. Each musician's contribution is a unique piece of the masterful puzzle Murphy has created, and both groups are willing to take the music anywhere it needs to go. Having been on the scene for over a decade in both NE Ohio and now Chicago, this album exhibits the high-level of experience Murphy has attained working with a wide array of local and national acts and showcases Dan Murphy's ability and desire to excel in many different musical styles.