buck63

Description:

Screen Name:

buck63

Sex:

M

Age:

42

Studio Musician:

No

Level Of Commitment:

Touring

Years Playing Music:

15

Gigs Played:

Over 100

Tend to Practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to Gig:

6-7 time(s) per week

Most available:

Nights

Buck63 and a Rock
A traditional Irish folk duet, as far as anyone in Southern Oregon is concerned, it dosent get more fun. Their sound, built largely on Heather Murphy's tin whistle, is otherworldly, almost entirely instrumental, and seems as though it comes out of another age of man's history. That they became a regional phenomenon in the '90s and since is testament to their virtuoso musicianship.

The Murphys were first introduced in October 1991 and married shortly after. Music was an immediate common interest as folk music was a large part of both their upbringing. It wasnt long before they were performing for parties and other events and volunteering to play for children's hospitals and old folk's homes. Their music is a journey through the Celtic landscape infused with the pioneer spirit of their forefathers who actually settled the valley they call home. Their influences are easily traced through the bluegrass and country western artists they grew up around. The combination of reels, jigs, vocals and haunting harmonys form a background for the more progressive "pub style" pounding tempo of a grateful dead style seven minute medley of rowdy drinking songs.

The Murphys decided to form Buck63 seeking to carry this work several steps further. The earliest recorded incarnation consisted of Heather (tin whistle) and Matt (guitar) and was produced in a local facility that Matt helped build. They were a success virtually from the beginning, their music weaving a spell around audiences in Oregon and later California, where they quickly became popular as both a performing and recording act -- the only thing holding them back was their decision to remain a semi-professional, part-time ensemble until early 2002. Their first album, "In the mud" was immediately a hit with their fans from all over the world and represents a period of time that the Murphys lived and wrote music off-grid in a cabin for several years in the woods of Oregon.

By 2005 they were performing three shows a night for a dinner theatre audience who couldnt get enough. Old folks were bringing in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to experience a piece of their heritage. Young folks were finding them all on their own in a resurgence of celtic pride that ignited all around them. The performances were packed with music, comedy, clapping, stomping and spontainious jigs performed by the most unlikely elderly participants. Their set list had grown to hundreds of pieces of music and requests were easily filled.

Their current schedule keeps them performing at various private resorts, Highland games, select pubs and dinner houses and at festivals and events all over the region. Their hope is to travel and learn more about the music they love so much. "Playing with me bonnie Heather is my greatest joy" Matt Murphy replied when asked about the future "I need nothing else". he said with a grin.

Influences:

The Irish Rovers, Ed Miller, Great Big Sea, The Pogues, Flogging Mollys

Equipment List:

A Yamaha 12 string, A Clark Irish flute in the key of D and one in C.
A complete wireless system to connect to a house PA if needed.

Audio/Video Downloads

1. In Memory Of Patty Murphy.wma