Gig Review: Megan Murray, Mumbai

One  associates the expression “the sound of surprise” with jazz, given the unpredictable power of improvisation. However, the blues and soul gig of vocalist Megan Murray last week came with a huge dollop of surprise to this writer. It was an evening of  music that was as powerful as it was enjoyable.

Murray had put together an ensemble of 10 musicians which included two saxophones, keyboards, guitars, bass, drums and back up vocals. There were guest artists added as well. The smoothness and flow of the show suggested several rehearsals and every small musical detail was taken care of.

Murray sang from a wide range of genres, from Carole King to B.B.King and from James Taylor to Beth Hart, Al Green and Buddy Guy, with some originals thrown in for good measure. The vocalist can sing in several octaves with complete control and expression and she exploited her versatility fully.

The band consisted of Rhys Sebastian and Ryan Sadri on saxes, Felipe Maciel Lima (from Brazil) and Brent Tauro on keys, Bradley Tellis on guitar, Nathan Thomas on bass guitar and Mitchell Murray on drums plus vocals. The interaction between Murray and Sebastian on Carole King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and with Sadri on “Let the Good Times Roll” were special. The musical support was consistently tight and never over-stated.

Although this gig was held in a semi informal setting, it would have done justice in any concert hall””anywhere. In Murray we have an artist who is obviously completely dedicated to her craft and seems to have set herself a very high standard; if she continues along this path, she will be a major performer on the world scene.