British guitarist attempts analyses Michael Martin Murphey MELTING FACES with his banjo!

[@suehollar2578]

Loved the piano playing by David Hofner. Those cascades were beautiful. I remember "Wildfire" but I had no idea how successful Micheal Murphy really was. Thanks for the background.

[@Camille719]

Me either. And he was part of my generation. All I knew was Wildfire and Carolina in the Pines.

[@MichaelMartinMurpheyofficial]

Thanks for the analysis and the encouragement...released Austinology - Alleys of Austin in 2018, check it out. Also a BRAND NEW SONG with my son Ryan last month called "Riversong" .

[@dennisferrell3662]

Hey Michael! I remember you well from when we were teenagers working at Sky Ranch together. I've followed the twists and turns of your career all these years since then. Not only appreciate your fabulous singing and songwriting, but your dedication to preserving our knowledge of the old west. How is your brother, Mark, doing these days? Best of everything - Denny Ferrell

[@tcm6756]

Much of the music that has a lasting impact on us may have to do with our age and place at the time. Michael put out his wonderful music at a great time to be alive for me. I can't imagine anyone being more obsessed with him as a 16 year old me in West Texas. I can not emphasize enough how brilliant his early work is. From his work as composer, working with Larry Cansler, on The Ballad of Calico, performed by Kenny Rogers and the 5th Edition, to his first solo record, Geronimo's Cadillac, followed by the sublime Alley's of Austin (a masterpiece), to "Michael Murphey," another incredible record. Look for Gary Nunn as co-composer on some of these. The Lennon & McCartney of Texas! Thank you Michael, so so much.

[@froter1]

Played a gig with Michael years ago in Denton , Texas . Everyone that was supposed to play that night ( several artists ) were held up because their bus broke down in Waco . . Michael hadn't been on the bus , and was doing a radio interview in Dallas . He showed up around 11 pm , thinking his band was going to be there . So we played 5 songs with him .. this was one of them ..as well as Wildfire . Michael still has a beautiful voice to this day ... 👍🏻

[@stevenattanasso2003]

Interesting story .....

[@bettyjane6684]

Thank you for sharing!

[@denisehoward177]

Wonderful that this happened to you. My favorite MMM song!!

[@pamegan8735]

Thank you Fil for doing another analyses on Michael Martin Murphy!! I love all l his music back in the 70’s . Fil I will say it again you are the best !! 😊🤘🏻✌🏻

[@coffee-xg6my]

Cool! I had forgotten all about this great song!! Michael is such a talent! Thanks Fil for doing this one! I was lucky enough to see Michael in concert at a place called Billy Bob's in Ft Worth, Texas many many years ago.

[@dannypgrizzle]

Michael’s Christmas albums are among the greatest ever produced in the Christmas music genre, which is vast.

[@gingerduran1592]

Love this analysis, Fil! Shared on FB and Twitter!

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

Hey my favorite KZbinr! I hope things are well across the pond. I had a chance to catch (then) Michael Murphy in a small intimate setting in the late 70s just north of Dallas Texas. It was pretty goovy; maybe 100 in attendance if that many, just him and a bass player. Good times, I was about 14; probably my favorite is his "Geronimo's Cadillac". ✌

[@lynndow3185]

It was so comfortable relaxing into their (and your) stellar skills...we were in good hands the whole time for this delightful performance and analysis!

[@mgmassey174]

This song, long before my ancestors were known to me, personified where I wanted to be. Singing round the campfire, as my ancestors had for ten thousand years, in the mountains of Western NC. Years later, accidentally , I made it back there. In 2007, on the day my mother called to say my forty year old sister had died, she also revealed to me that I am of these mountains and my grandparents were all Tsalagi. Cherokee in pale words This song gives me goosebumps cause it was the first mention of Carolina in my long life. Thank you for sharing it A song which led me to be the real me

[@kbusby4824]

Had planned on seeing him live a number of years ago but an ice storm derailed those plans. Of course, I remember his 70s hit Wildfire. Clearly, I missed out.

[@jporter504]

He's still touring.

[@monalisaganser5813]

Enjoy Michael's music! Thanks for the break down!😀🎶🎸

[@ericrash4383]

The piano really adds a lot to this song. Michael is some what local to me and I have been able to see him live multiple times. He always puts on a great show. Thank you Fil.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Great music. What a talent. Thanks Fil.

[@drewpall2598]

Thanks for the follow up on Michael Martin Murphey. I knew he was talented song writer yet I still learn some things tonight. keep up the excellent work rockin' through the history of music Fil.

[@irrigationjoehenggeler2863]

I know so little about music, but do recognize that you are a MASTER in that regards. I frequently click on your videos just to see a maestro, who knows & loves a passion. You're to music what Vince Lombardi was to American football.

[@dannypgrizzle]

MMM is currently playing a summer series in Red River, New Mexico in an open air venue. Terrific performances every single night!

[@wingsofpegasus]

TIME STAMPS - 0:55 Performance 4:16 Analysis 5:40 Guitar 6:26 Every Chord Shares a B 9:20 Playing (with capo) 12:46 End Rhythm Change 14:15 Play Along Chord Comparison 15:52 Career History

[@michaelmoore7975]

Fil, Listen to _Waking Up_ on Geronimo's Cadillac and tell me it doesn't remind you of an Elton John song.

[@coffee-xg6my]

Fil, just that first couple of strums from the B to B Major seventh suspended 2nd to the E gave me goose bumps. Amazing how a chord progression does that.

[@Frank00]

Fil, this is just good ole southern opera. So glad you appreciated this music. How much exposure do you get in England of this type of music?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Not much! Over here Western music means music from the West, not the wild west! 😂

[@debravirden7130]

Oh wish it was longer!! His energy, his vocals and banjo picking is perfection.

[@53philp]

Reminds me of John Denver

[@lynndow3185]

They were friends. John Denver appeared on MMM's album, "Swans Against the Sun". (Thank you, Wikipedia.)

[@michaelmoore7975]

Listen to Waking Up on Geronimo's Cadillac and tell me it doesn't remind you of an Elton John song.

[@bluecollarman1000]

I probably haven't heard this since the '70s, although I have heard "Wildfire " throughout the years. Thanks for being our Wikipedia, Fil. Not to mention the encyclopedia of guitar knowledge.

[@WineSippingCowboy]

MMM can still play stringed instruments after 30+ years. 🎸 He can still sing, not much range lost. 👨‍🎤 Hofner is underrated at piano. 🎹

[@patriciasnyder6915]

Wow, wow, wow!!!!! How did I forget about this group?

[@DeidreL9]

Omg am I first?! Lol! Unreal. This was perfect…I’ve only started watching it but I’m just excited cos I think I’m nearly first!❤️❤️❤️Hes brilliant, I had no idea what else he did musically❤️Edit: hi Fil, it’s 12.09 noon Thursday here❤️

[@1957es]

Heard his son say in an interview that MMM and Steve Martin were taught banjo together. The guy knows everybody.

[@Whoisyou2211]

Fil, that you have done three videos on MMM is a testament both to his fantastic songwriting, singing, and playing as well as your keen ear for great music.

[@39thala]

"Lawrence & Myron on accordions - "Johnson Rag" - with Welk band" Someone finally isolated this performance from the original video of the show. I was hoping someone would eventually do it. Il love this. A little something different. It's short (two and a half minutes), but very cool and shows some great playing skills by Lawrence Welk & Myron Floren on accordions, and Buddy Merrill on electric guitar and Neil Levang on acoustic guitar. It's also interesting because this aired on Feb. 22, 1964, just three months after Kennedy was assassinated (11-22-63) and Mr. Welk mentions the President (Johnson) is in town that week which is why they are playing the song, Johnson Rag.. If you do decide to react to this and want to access the the original best high quality version, it's is in the video of the entire episode "Lawrence Welk Show - "Southtown USA" - 1964 Complete HD". Don't know if you would be able to isolate it for the reaction. If not, then the other video named at the top is good quality as well.

[@tcm6756]

Perhaps you are referring to another video?

[@moonbeam2062]

Accordion songs, hmm. Sounds like it'd be a fun one! I'd be interested to see that. Definitely different! But Fil's been pretty versatile in the styles he's done reactions to lately. And I remember the Larwence Welk show when I was kid. I do know Myron Floren was rated as one hell of a good player. Buddy Merril wasn't too bad on the guitar either.

[@jrichard711]

Always my favorite MMM song. Thanks Fil.

[@metablue4454]

Hoffner and Murphey - wow!!

[@michaelmoore7975]

Listen to Waking Up on Geronimo's Cadillac and tell me it doesn't remind you of an Elton John song.

[@sabocikotic7632]

piano, banjo, singing - impressive level of everything

[@patriciasnyder6915]

Earlier today I listened to a couple of black guys (I only say this to set the context). They were “analyzing” Elvis. I don’t normally listen to anyone but you. Now I know why. Within the first 5 minutes (I stopped watching), they were talking about how many thought Elvis was racist. I am sure the end was to point out how Elvis’s roots were based on the gospel music of blacks. THANK YOU SO MUCH for not doing that and just focusing on the skill of the musician. If people would stop seeing Cor and look at the heart of the person and their talent, we would be so much better off. I don’t care if someone is pink, purple, polka dotted., black, white , striped, etc. All that matters is the talent that makes the musician.

[@patriciasnyder6915]

In my book, all that matters is who they are as a person and what their musicianship is about. When people stop seeing color and look at the people l, we will be so many ch better off as a nation(s) Thank you again for your balanced approach, without the drama. It doesn’t do any good Heart: Barracuda, getting married to a cop. High stress.

[@patriciasnyder6915]

I can send you a a link if you haven’t seen it. Again, why can’t we get along? Picture on face book.

[@mgmassey174]

Thing is, I once stopped a racist rant by asking the guy..."do love Elvis" He said yes.. I pointed out his musical inspiration and think he changed his heart. Hope so. Attribution is respect 💐🌹❤️

[@sonnymaupin9267]

First off, IT'S YOUR FAULT Im on this particular musical kick ;) But thought you would enjoy this. Its my favorite Maybelle Carter song done by Flat and Scruggs. Maybelle is there and at the very end I love how they show her proudly watching Scruggs play with a big grin on her face. Scruggs shows he can play the guitar every bit as well as the banjo. And I've always just liked Lester's voice. Great range kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnKZm4qgZceHn5o

[@kensod6034]

The piano player is really killing it... Tom McCarthy sister was Caroline.. Tucker's Caroline... I wonder...rip Tucker

[@mikes8948]

I always wanted to learn guitar. It seemed possible until I watched your analyses...I think I'll just enjoy watching competent players and keep pursuing my current hobbies, instead! ROCK!

[@colinhuggins268]

Please take a look at Angelina Jordan cover of " I put a spell on you" black and white version. She was 9yr 2 months. She is now 15 and signed with Republic Records last year. You will not be disappointed. Note; make sure you are sitting down. She has over 130 covers and 5 originals. Thanks

[@rockynystrom3035]

One of my favorite videos! Thanks for doing an analysis on this one!

[@margelacosse1331]

This is absolutely one of my all time favorite songs and I got a good basis learning to play it as well. Thank you. I saw and heard him play this live along with Wildfire. Betwwen the banjo on Carolina and piano on Wildfire. Music heaven for sure! The close as I can get is with head phones. And also surprised to learn he wrote another song What Am I Doing Hanging Round . I must have listened to this song a 1000 times too. Thank you definitely thumbs up Thank you. What do you think of John Hartford. He played banjo on Glenn Campall and wrote Gentle on My Mind .

[@colakeith1]

Excellent!! Thank you for this. It was great to see the breakdown of the song structure from a such a talented songwriter and his performance with his top notch band. Your background on Murphy was great as well. Enjoyed this. I actually now can sit down and play with the song,too. Thanks to you.So appreciated!!

[@stevenlord782]

Thankyou for introducing me to Michael. I'm ashamed to say I had never heard of him until today.. please forgive me!

[@carolnehr1734]

❤️ Michael Martin Murphey

[@montyagostino2965]

Fil, long time follower. Just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. MMM great to have him and all the greats during my teen years in the seventies. Very cool to hear your thought on my generations music. You vids give me a greater appreciation for the music that was the background of my youth. Thanks.

[@bryanssongalone8483]

I've never suggested anyone but maybe even for your self check out Tami Neilson her videos and live studio performances. She's rather phenomenal

[@johnrines3780]

Thanks Fil. You made my day. This came out the year I finished high school and went to Montana to be a hunting guide and work on ranch. It fit the moment perfectly

[@pamcfall58]

Wonderful analysis as always Fil! Have been a fan of his since the 70's, great to see his work profiled! The good ones always make it look so easy!

[@lyndacarter5090]

What?! No banjo picking? One thing I love seeing on performers faces is the joy they’re experiencing as they are playing. Have you analyzed Black Oak Arkansas? Their big one was their cover of ‘Jim Dandy To The Rescue”, but I think ‘Halls Of Karma’ , or ‘Dixie’ showcases their musical talent better. Or maybe the Bellamy Brothers, with their blending of Caribbean and Spanish influences. And Hoyt Axton, phenomenal songwriter with a wonderful smooth, deep, warm voice. I think I’ve run over my limit of suggestions? Really am enjoying your videos…

[@michaelmoore7975]

I've made several requests for Hoyt Axton...brilliant, phenomenal talent as well as rich baritone voice, prolific songwriter and criminally overlooked/underrated. His mother, Mae Axton the "Queen Mother of Nashville" wrote _Hearbreak Hotel_ for some guy I can't remember.....;)

[@michaelmoore7975]

And also requested Rocky Athas, who played guitar for Black Oak Arkansas...that's him on _Jim Dandy._

[@larryredburn8688]

HI FIL GOOD JOB YOU DO. LOVE YOU AND YOUR PLAYING. YOU ARE THE BEST. LOVE IT HOW COOL YOU ARE. HE PLAYS AND SINGS GOOD TOO. WILDFIRE WAS MY FAVORITE. HES GOOD PEACE AND LOVE

[@oscarcardenas7078]

Pure country👍👍👍

[@stevenattanasso2003]

I will say one thing ..... On certain instruments ..... People whose fingers are 10 inches long have an advantage over regular humans .....

[@richieatkinson2627]

Never heard this one but loved it!!! Great analysis Fil!!! Keep em coming Fil!!

[@vincentfromia]

Hi. I love your videos - informative and fun and wide ranging. I replied to one of your earlier videos, but this time I have a request. I'm a big fan of The New Christy Minstrels and have been watching a lot of their things on you tube. Of course, the solo voices and harmonies are superb, but the instrumental work was 1str rate, too. On many of their tunes Art Podell and NIck Woods were the only guitarists (on the up tempo things like This Land Is Your Land and Green Green, they all played). Podell and Woods both looked to be playing classical guitars with steep strings. I couldn't see if they had thumb picks or not, but even Dolan Ellis - who played 12-string in the early days (he's on the Andy Williams Show clips) seems to be using a thumb and hand strum. Larry Ramos (who went on to The Association ) and Jackie Miller (Jackie & Gayle) both played fine banjo and Ramos played guitar and 12-string, too as well as string bass. Clarence Treat (beautiful tenor voice) laid down solid upright bass behind them and played some nice mandolin. Anyway, I thought you might have some fun viewing their clips and I'd enjoy hearing your take on what they did. Thanks again and best wishes!

[@vincentfromia]

LOL Obviously "steep" is a typo...supposed to read "steel".

[@fergo7010]

Cool 👍👍✌🤘

[@Guiltless765]

Wildfire was my favorite song as a kid by this artist.

[@newmoon54]

I was fortunate to have known a concert promoter back in 1980 when I was living in Orlando, Fla. and he gave me two free courtesy tickets to see Michael Murphy perform at the Tupperware Auditorium with the promoter, and some co-workers! I was a huge Allman Brothers fan, but also loved M.M.M. and his beautiful western/country music motif! We had VIP seating and I was in heaven!!! Michael went through his broad array of well known hits and other classics, and of course, ~Wild Fire~ and ~Geronimo's Cadillac~! It was a wonderful concert, and Michael connected so well with the audience, and couldn't have been a better host!!!! That show was and still is, about the most beautiful, and wonderful an experience I've every experienced till this very day!!! So happy that he and his son and daughter have stepped up to the musical ~plate~ to take a swing at musical greatness!!! Big thanks to Big Fil for his serious, yet palatable teaching method!!! Please carry on forever!!!!!!!! Cheers! Sonny.

[@emmanuelmg4672]

Hi can you react to the warning choke new single please? Great reaction!

[@uggligr]

Bunch of grinn'in pickers. Nice grin, Fil. :D

[@mariaday712]

Great video. Would love to see you cover some Richard Marx. Take care.

[@BizarrePudding]

MMM playing this tune in B is probably no arbitrary choice - B was often the key of choice in early bluegrass... Or at least it certainly was for the great grandfather of the genre, the mighty Bill Monroe...Monroe's long time fiddle player Kenny Baker was once asked how he liked playing with the Bluegrass King...to which he replied: "It's great if you don't mind playing in the key of B for 25 years". On another occasion Monroe was told by another mandolin player that he was thinking of changing the key on a lot of his songs cuz the band was having trouble playing in B....Old Bill reportedly told him: "Don't change the key, change the band". Great video Fil, I really love your appreciation for what goes into making a great song and a great live performance

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

... I appreciate how you break down the songs you review. Such a wonderful job.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Thanks for this review. There is a lot of talent in that Big River.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Bravo! 😃 Thanks, Fil! 🖤🤘🏽

[@Camille719]

Love MMM and thank you for the insight and demonstration. You are awesome, Fil. Hope you had a good Christmas.

[@Camille719]

Can you review Dovydas? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ_VdYxng5qMgc0

[@Caperhere]

Love this song. Thanks, Fil.

[@justafreethinker]

My favorite song of his when he went Country. Great artist in my opinion

[@michaelmoore7975]

Listen to _Waking Up_ on Geronimo's Cadillac and tell me it doesn't remind you of an Elton John song.

[@tcm6756]

Love that song. I could hear Elton there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXy6epZvbLZlrck

[@BobWadeGuitar]

Great song - I believe it's in an open B tuning

[@danielerickson5175]

Face melting is sooooo much fun!

[@ronagustines6589]

Great analysis Fil & this is the first time that I heard this song. MMM makes it look easy & he reminds me of Roy Clark with the banjo 🪕

[@elizabethspedding1975]

Great sound.♥️

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

The banjo is tuned to open B.

[@Theearthtraveler]

He surrounds himself with very good musicians. His banjo solo is great, I especially like his use of arpeggios. That's not real common in three finger picking. Thanks for the analysis. I love your guitar lesson.

[@mikeslaughter2369]

Thanks for your love for Michael and this amazing band, piano, so awesome, thank you

[@marilynsheffield612]

Congrats Fil on 180,000 subs! 👏🤗

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@bluesingmusic3443]

I had no idea Michael had such an extensive musical back ground. If you don't mind, & if you haven't done him yet, Mick Ralphs would be interesting. I know a little about him, but would like to know more.(I'm not mad at him for leaving Mott the Hoople, for Bad Company, any longer.)

[@tammycarr6309]

Wow, what an awesome video and song. Being from alabama brings back so many memories of him. Thank you so much Fil for all you do musically, you are so amazing!!!! And as we say from the south, y'all come back now. Lol. love Ya!

[@mikerobertson4041]

I enjoy this almost as much as Wildfire! Fantastic!

[@denisehoward177]

Hurray, MMM wrote the song for Michael Nesmith. 😊

[@jennjeffs4893]

You should check out a guy named Michael Kelsey. I've seen him live many times. He is an AMAZING guitarist!!!! He is hypnotic with the way he plays!!!

[@TheShannonbaby]

Sounds a little like John Denver.

[@michaelmoore7975]

Listen to Waking Up on Geronimo's Cadillac and tell me it doesn't remind you of an Elton John song.

[@ep1cmau756]

Fil I really like your hair, how do you style it?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Wash and blow dry! 😂

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is so good. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil!

[@bettykemp7122]

Why do I get a supercharge of pleasure watching you play along?

[@OldBillOverHill]

I saw him live in Denver way back when he was just Michael Murphey, I think the NGDB were the openers. I shared with you that John McEuen played banjo while I worked when they were recording a Caribou studios and staying in my home town. So I got two of my favs in that concert. It was at the old mile high stadium and not Red Rock unfortunately but still great. Looks like they will be in Grand Junction in Nov so we may attend. Have you done anything on them?

[@wingsofpegasus]

No not yet!

[@pheart2381]

The whole band seem to have a chemistry together and to enjoy each others playing.

[@michaelmoore7975]

The original "Cosmic Cowboy." I might be tellin' my age, but does anybody remember the short-lived Cosmic Cowboy movement that popped up around Austin in 1972-73? Nowadays you'd call it progressive country. Michael Martin Murphey gave it the name...from his 2nd LP _Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir._ Willie, Jerry Jeff Walker, Doug Sahm, et al. were all a part of it. Think hippie hick with denim, flares, cowboy hat...there were even chunky cowboy boots. But the music was really, really good and Murphey lead the way for other singer-songwriter/artists to spread their wings Thankfully, the look went away and the movement morphed into Outlaw Country by about 76-77 or so, but the music was still pretty awesome.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Yes, I remember them. And when I moved to Wyoming, instead of jumping boot first into country, the Oultlaw Country was much more palatable for my rock & roll upbringing.

[@dennisferrell3662]

I was living in Austin throughout the 70's and remember the Cosmic Cowboy craze well. My understanding is that Michael had written the song as a satire and thought it all a great joke, but it really took off and blended into the whole outlaw country thing.

[@michaelmoore7975]

@@dennisferrell3662 Yep. It basically started with _Geronimo's Cadillac_ and the movement was in full swing by the time he released _CCS._ Looking back it seems such an unlikely thing to happen, plus it was mostly a localized phenomenon centered around Austin, but it is truly something like a miracle that gave rise to so many artists and really fantastic music. It actually became a paradigm shift in country music that you can draw lines to a lot of country music today. A real rarity. Something really special. And I don't think we'll ever see anything quite like it again. And while I know that everyone "in the know" knows exactly what we're talking about, it's a shame that it's lost to so most people. So anytime I hear a conversation about the roots of "Outlaw Country" or Redneck Rock, I make sure to butt in and give them a little bit _Moore._