"Just In Time''/Exec. Producer George W Carroll

 

This was a true labor of love for me to be able to produce a DVD with the master craftsman of jazz , singer Mark Murphy. As mark so aptly stated, ''I connected with my audience.'' After a 2-year hiatus, Mark's vocal instrument held up beautifuly with his choice of musical material for the project, and his treatment of the jazz classic ''Too Late Now''  was both profound and compelling. I had the vocal honor to do the warm up for Mark with my big band. I found Mark to be a good natured soul to produce, with a great sense of humor and a true awareness of what he does.

By default, Mark is both a jazz master with a natural bent to both edify and educate the masses. I have to pay kudos also to the backup group which I supplied in the guise of  Richard Drexler-bass, Miami based Brian Murphy, (no relation)-piano, and Ralph Cornwell-drums, all of whom rallied to the call.  With a DVD, one is able to examine in toto the style and nuance in an artist.  Mark's wondrous treatment of his music, and the strong individuality and singularity of his work is indicative of my suggestion that I find him to be one of a kind.  Mark is unimpaired by the influence of other singers. His phrasing is ''true jazz phrasing'' and his rhythmic system is articulated solely for the benefit of his massive global fan base, as well as our beloved jazz idiom, (subjectively speaking.) He has proven himself to be an artist of continuing value as it were with a deep concentration and affectionate understanding of his vocal gifts. We his listeners continue to obtain much pleasure from our enduring perusal of his great talent(s).