(Harbinger Records)

Live in Athens, Greece is a fantastic documentation of the late, great singer Mark Murphy recorded at the Gazarte Club, one of the city’s hottest night clubs in 2008. Once things gets rolling, Murphy clearly demonstrates why he is revered by so many singers who followed his path. In addition to his stellar command of his craft, Murphy’s joy and generosity is palpable and clearly charms and captivates the audience. Featured on the singer’s first show in Greece is guitarist Spiros Exaras, whose accompaniment and solos further enhance the overall production. The rhythm section on effort is rounded out by Thomas Rueckert on piano, Alex Drakos on drums and George Georgiadis on acoustic bass.The show consist of a set list comprised of standards by Richard Rogers, Lorenz Hart, Miles Davis, Oscar Brown Jr., and Victor Young among others. Murphy is one of revered as one of our most dynamic singers in the modern era and this recording stands as a testament to that ideal.