Songs from the Great Lakes
Great Lakes singer and storyteller Lee Murdock promises a lively evening of regional music at two venues in April: first Emma's Espresso and Wine Bar in Alexandria on Friday, April 1 (6:30-8:30 pm) and again at Seekers Church in Takoma Park on Saturday, April 2 (8-10 pm).
Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories from around the Great Lakes. Taking snapshots from history, his songs give the listener a front-row seat to look through the eyes and into the hearts of individuals who have shaped our heritage on and around these amazing bodies of water. His concerts invoke a sense of place, but it is a universal place and a timeless repertoire that celebrates the North American people, their triumphs and tragedies, work songs and pastimes.
"I'm interested in trying to find the life in these songs, ? he says. "I make music that's exciting for people today, and not only for the people who already enjoy folk music, but for those who think they don't like folk music. ?
Noted as a fluent instrumentalist on six- and twelve-string guitars, Murdock combines ragtime, Irish, blues and folk styles with his flair for storytelling in songs. His musical influences span fifteen generations, and combine original compositions with traditional music.
The maritime communities of the Great Lakes thronged with hard working, hard living people, the ships they drove and the industries that supplied those ships with cargo. No surprise then that Murdock's repertoire is grounded in the work song tradition, a carry over from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners. More than anything else, he finds drama and inspiration in the lives of sailors and fishermen, lighthouse keepers, ghosts, shipwrecks, outlaws and everyday heroes.
Check out Lee's website for more info and to listen to some of his music: leemurdock.com.
