Orla Murphy Band

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Orla Murphy Band

Orla has been performing on the London jazz scene over the last few years, in many notable jazz and music venues throughout the city, such as: The National Portrait Gallery, The Spice of Life, The National Theatre Foyer, and The Octave. She has worked and recorded with many of London's leading jazz musicians such as: Simon Wallace, Jonathan Gee, Barry Green, Julie Walkington, Amy Baldwin, and Winston Clifford, to name a few.

Although mainly performing jazz from her vast repertoire, her voice is equipped with the versatility to sing soul gems and pop classics; as well as her own unique interpretations of songs made famous by some of her favourite singer/songwriters, such as Joni Mitchell. One of her primary idols is Stevie Wonder, and her interpretation of his classic 'Make Sure Your Sure' from her debut album 'Wishful Thinking' (2008), is testament to her adventurous approach to jazz.

She has also performed throughout the UK, in Italy, Ireland and Scotland, with memorable performances at the Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival in Northern Ireland (May '07), the Glasgow International Jazz Festival (June '07) and Swansea Jazzland, Wales (July '07 & May '08).

In the last year Orla released her debut album 'Wishful Thinking', which she co-produced with pianist Simon Wallace. The album had its official release on FMR Records on the 1st May 2008 and is gaining notable praise from jazz musicians and critics alike. This release coincided with Orla's very successful Jazz Services tour in England which began at the National Portrait Gallery in London on the 30th May 2008.

In 2005 and 2006 Orla performed with two of Europe's leading contemporary jazz guitarists, Sandro Gibellini in Certaldo, Italy (August 2005) and with Mike Nielsen at the Sligo Jazz Festival, Ireland (October 2005). Orla was also guest vocalist with Sandro as part of his north-west tour of Ireland in Sligo (February 2006).

Orla consistently receives great feedback from her audiences, which leads to many offers of work to perform at private parties and other similar events.

Orla can perform with any desired line-up and/or other variations according to your needs. A great choice!

Line-up

The following line-ups are available and/or any other variation. The prices quoted are in addition to the price given for a duo:
Trio - Female Vocals; Guitar/ Piano; Drums/ Percussion, Quartet - Female Vocals; Piano; Guitar; Drums, Quintet - Female Vocals; Piano; Guitar; Drums; Saxophone,

Extra Line-up(s)

See above for desired line-ups.
New Song Request, add approx £48 - Orla needs to be given at least 4 weeks notice for this.

Also included

Orla Band has the required PA equipment for all performances. Lighting gear can be provided - this to be discussed with the client.

Location

South East based and will travel to these areas: South East, South West, Midlands, North East, North West, Scotland, Wales, Ireland.

Previous Clients

Brand Leonard Consulting Engineers
Various private clients for their weddings and birthday parties

Deeper and more mellifluous than expected. Younger than she sounds and quite beautiful.

'Belfast born Orla has a vocal talent of depth and imagination echoing the female jazz greats. In the company of pianist/co-producer/mixer Simon Wallace, guitarist Ping Lee and bassist Julie Walkington, she has forged a set of standards to mark her progress across the stages in Northern Ireland, London, Europe and USA. Sting’s solo highpoint, Fragile, makes its mark prior to a polished arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s Make Sure Your Sure...Jazz singing and piano with flair, identity and warmth to spare.' Keith Ames, Musician (Winter 2008)

‘Singer Orla's subtle, dark-hued voice and emotionally adventurous approach to jazz is fast making a name for her in UK jazz circles…Orla has developed her engaging, tonal quality through a repertoire of fresh and imaginative arrangements featuring great American standards and newer material by Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell.’ Rupert Mallin, EAST COAST ARTS NEWS (May 2008)

'The first thing that strikes you when listening to this debut album from Belfast-born, London-based Vocalist Orla is her lustrous timbre. Sounding like the forgotten lovechild of Joni Mitchell and Terry Callier - seamlessly combining the liquid phrasing of the former with the soulful sonorities of the latter - Orla's captivating tone really draws the listener into the song. …This impressive debut should help to put this affecting singer well and truly on the map.' Peter Quinn, JAZZWISE (October 2007)

'We wandered into the National Portrait Gallery recently, and stumbled on an excellent new singer, Orla, and Jonathan Gee’s fine trio with Julie Walkington and Winston Clifford. Never know your luck with this place...Someone there knows what’s what.' Brian Blain, JAZZ UK (Issue 74, March/April 2007)

"Orla has a voice as warm, lyrical and expressive - as she is herself." TINA MAY, Jazz Vocalist & Director of the Loire Vocal Jazz Summer School.

Others from clients:
‘A stunning voice, just amazing! Its just great that you were available to perform today – I am so grateful’ Fraser Mclellan at his wife’s 60th birthday in Ashford, Kent, 03/02/07

‘Thank you so much for your performance today - it was really good, and just made our day!!! …let us know on the blog when and where you are next performing in this area!!!’ (from Marilyn via email ) Marilyn and Brian Hunt, 28/01/2007

‘It was absolutely brilliant – everyone really enjoyed it – thank you so much...you made my job easier, it's always very hard around Christmas time to book talented people for a Christmas Party’ Tanya Heather, Brand Leonard, Consulting Engineers’s Christmas Party, 12/12/2006