The Murray Thorne Band’s Cd Release Concert Event

July 25, 2010 - PRLog -- THE MURRAY THORNE BAND’S CD RELEASE CONCERT EVENT
Maui performer turns it up to deliver full-fledged rock show at Mulligan’s on August 6.

(July 12, 2010 - Maui, HI) – KAOI and Mulligan’s On the Blue will present The Murray Thorne Band CD Release Concert on Friday, Aug. 6, at Mulligan’s in Wailea to celebrate Maui-based singer/songwriter Murray Thorne’s solo release, Tin Can Telephone, and to provide a stellar rock ‘n’ roll experience on the isle.

“I want to give Maui a great rock concert—a technically and visually entertaining experience they won’t ever forget,” declared Murray Thorne, a multi-talented and experienced performer that has opened for the likes of Iggy Pop and Aerosmith.

Known for his passionate songwriting prowess and intoxicating stage presence, the acoustic frontman Murray is ready to plug in and electrify the Valley Isle with a bodacious blend of classic melodies and guitar-rock rhythms, joined by a solid collection of artists from Maui and beyond.

You may recognize the Canadian-born artist from his long-time gig with Maui’s illustrious Irish showband, the Celtic Tigers, or from his “Tin Can Tuesdays” solo shows at Mulligan’s On the Blue. Wherever he performs, audiences agree Murray’s boundless energy and intense commitment to the music is not to be missed.

Late last year, through his own indie label, PerSonal Records, Murray created, recorded and produced the 11-track Tin Can Telephone, a special collection of honest storytelling that keeps listeners yearning for more from this insightful and melodic talent.

“This big show is an ode to all my supporters that continue to believe in me, and have pushed me to put on rock celebration in honor of my solo album,” said Murray. “The music will speak for itself during this live show, and evoke levels of energy and depth everyone can appreciate.”

MURRAY’S BIG SHOW: A VISUALLY, HIGH-ENERGY ROCK EXPERIENCE
“I get excited about rock concerts, and I miss playing and attending them,” said Murray. “I feel most alive at a rock show. The big lights, big sound, crowds—there’s nothing like it.”

Mulligan’s On the Blue continues to play host to a variety of musical talents, with more and more CD release parties being held there. It’s become a cool way for the island to hold “mini-big” rock concerts and highlight original work from aspiring and thriving local acts.

On Friday night, Aug. 6, the energetic guitar frontman is pulling out all the stops to create a visually, high-energy rock experience, and has selected an outstanding line-up to support The Murray Thorne Band CD Release Concert. His close friend and renowned recording engineer, Eric Helmkamp, will accompany reliable Maui musicians Paul Marchetti, Toby Couture, Wolf and Tom Conway. “I’m so lucky to have this exceptional group of guys on stage,” said Murray. “And I’m thrilled to have caught Tom just as he was itching to get back to his roots—classic, gritty rock ‘n’ roll.”

As an ode to the acoustic sound of Tin Can Telephone, Murray has two lovely singer/songwriters opening—Erin Smith and Mary Jane Babashoff. A truly genuine artist, Smith takes a break from throwing down explosive island rock to fine-tune her sweet yet edgy solo skills. She’s preceded by the distinctive sounds and clever lyrics of sassy soul sister, Babashoff.

Doors at 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Arrive early and stay late for some incredible surprise guest performances. Tickets are $12, with $10 presale available at Mulligan’s, 808 Deli, Requests Music, Anthony’s Coffee and Kü‘au Mart.

TIN CAN TELEPHONE: CONNECTING WITH THE PAST TO MOVE FORWARD
Looking to move forward musically, Murray felt it was important to revisit his past and what shaped many of his life perspectives. “Tin Can Telephone is somewhat retrospective of the last decade,” he said. “A friend once told me, ‘you can’t go forward without looking back.’”

A variety of successes and disappointments have decorated this compelling performer’s career, yet he continues to be fueled by a fire to evolve artistically and create his own destiny through hard-work and honest songwriting. In recent years, he’s spent time exploring folk roots, British invasion acts and different lyrical styles—influences ultimately displayed in his first solo album.

Murray calls the album a “passion project” and a “culmination of stories of the human experience set against a background of rock rhythms” that blend big acoustic guitars and melodies amid an electric ambience. Standout compositions include “This Town” and “Carry On Down,” and hearts will flutter to charmer “Butterfly Kisses.” “Even if you don’t like the CD, I still really feel like you will love this show,” he said.

TIN CAN TUESDAYS, CELTIC TIGERS
Catch Murray’s one-man weekly shows on “Tin Can Tuesdays” at Mulligan’s at 6:30 p.m., when he performs his latest album, unplugged, and assorted rock favorites. Q103’s Shaggy follows at 9 p.m. with “Tin Can Comedy.” Donate to Maui Food Bank to enjoy drink specials and more.  

Murray is perhaps most recognized on Maui from his gigs with the popular Mulligan’s showband, the Celtic Tigers. He’s been busting out a mix of traditional Irish jigs and Celtic rock every weekend for the last nine years. “I’m the intense, sweaty one with the guitar—not the one wearing the kilt,” he said with a chuckle.

“My upcoming rock concert is going to be a completely different vibe and sound than the Celtic Tigers and much, much larger on every level than my acoustic dinner shows,” said Murray. “Now it’s time to rock Maui—my style.”

MURRAY THORNE
The Canadian-born journeyman Murray Thorne—birth name, Murray Hardacker—knew from an early age he was born to perform. He’s a spirited, classic rock ‘n’ roll artist at heart, yet has maintained an open mind to an array of genres, including sounds of the “American heartland.” He’s independently released an EP, live solo album and “roaring” Celtic collection along the way. Murray wrote, recorded, produced and played nearly every instrument on his first solo album, Tin Can Telephone through his own indie label, PerSonal Records, in October 2009. Murray’s rustic, emotive rock voice emits honest sentiments of the glory and strife, at times channeling American classics like John Mellencamp or Tom Petty.

He spent the early part of his career touring with several bands before branching off as a solo artist, and he gained vital experience as a lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist with numerous club acts across North America in the late ’80s/early ’90s pop rock scene.

Through his years on and off the stage, Murray has worked alongside some industry greats, including such all-stars as iconic producer Bob Rock and former Guess Who frontman Henry Small. He took on his mother’s maiden name—Thorne—while waiting on U.S. citizenship, and after moving to Maui the late ‘90s he came into his own as a creative singer/songwriter, exploring new means of musical expression. After he returned to performing full-time, he joined the Celtic Tigers to maintain a livelihood, which allowed him to concentrate on solo efforts.  

Although he grew up idealizing hard-rock entertainers like Kiss and Judas Priest, Murray’s taste is as eclectic and diverse his music career. As he evolves—mindfully and musically—he gains inspiration from intrepid madmen/geniuses like Jack White, and has found solace with many British experimental greats, including Radiohead. He relates lyrically to American pioneers such as Bob Dylan, and respects strong, sensitive songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, who are able to expand their appeal, yet maintain artistic integrity.    

“In reality, the biggest thing I’ve been influenced by is a good song,” said Murray.