Mark Murphy - Hard Hearted Hannah

By time he rcorded Hard Hearted Hannah in 1964 ~ 32 year old Mark Murphy enjoyed major esteem not backed by popular financial success therein lies a less than fulsome story . Is it feasible to suggest without kindling ire of the populace his uber sophisticated musical approach was just too uber ~not an easy listen for simple folk ~the passing trade if you will. Punter unfriendly aspects were there if not in abundance ~ a searching ~ demanding musicality capable of probing musics darker nooks crannies even nannies ~ aspects occasionally mashed by the singers delightful caterwauling but all part of richly tiered musical impedimenta ~ oh yes ~ and " unwavering even flash virtuosity" the sort we all love We do dont we? Oh no Not another wrong channel music interloper ~ the singers artistry~ is~ was a tad sophisticated. ~ lament of jazz down the decades. His story didnt vary~ Initial modest respect gigs aplenty the lot of many but success of the Sinatra sort was not his musical lot ~ so it remained over unspectacular but loyal decades recognised by respected commentators and luckily some great singers. His musical accomplishment needs just one listen to confirm quality.~ One aspect ~ versatility~equally an enviable virtuosity. vocal and emotional occasionally tempting the darker side of the emotional spectrum . He tried a number of slots in his native America with modest success but his musicality was never in doubt hailed by leading jazz singers. He crossed the Atlantic having had a hit and miss career in 1950s Indeed lack of financial sparkle seemed to dog a career of less than lucrative returns trying to find his metier or more precisely an audience matched for his music. ~ his jazz singing was already acclaimed Singers are packaged as a product for slot in the market. The singer got his slot in a slew of albums by early 1960s with Rah his hip calling card.
Mark Time was my first Murphy album bought in 1960s. A cursory listen confirmed quality.of singer who not only enjoyed sterling balladic gifts but whose rhythmically alert approach teemed with well placed humour. I didnt quite expect performances of this excellence in songs so well chosen. Ballyhoo a heraldic opener announcing the great American singer. Commendation to the albums planners for gathering such a varied colllection. Accompaniments by Johnny Dankworth Tubby Hayes and surprise for me best known for pop songs Les Reed. The pianist who had earlier worked in the John Barry Seven arranged the strings on excellent songs My Foolish Heart transforming "Happy Days are here again" into an massive anthemic plaint. . This high powered performance of Hard Hearted Hannah would be more than good but the singers final no holds exclamation nails it . Terrific.