GUITARIST
COMPOSER
SONGWRITER
TEACHER
ABOUT US
Musically, J.J. Murphy is an old soul. Lead guitar player for Nashville-based funk band, Dynamo, Murphy brings a soulful vitality to contemporary music. His understated approach combines elements of blues, jazz, rock, and rootsy Americana to create a fusion bandmate Ryan Connors defines as “the blues-inspired rawness of Eric Clapton meets the jazz vocabulary and sensitivity of Bill Frisell.”
In May 2014, Murphy earned an M.M. in commercial music performance from Belmont University in Nashville, where he studied with guitarist/composer Mike Valeras. As a member of Dynamo since the band’s 2012 inception, Murphy has traveled the country, playing venues large and small—from NYC’s historic Rockwood Music Hall to Nashville’s legendary Exit/In—captivating audiences with his versatile style.
In December 2014, Dynamo recorded their second live studio album: at Sound Emporium. Dynamo has been consistenly touring Nationwide since the release of their debut album (March 2014). In addition to live performances and concerts, the tours include clinics at area Universities and High Schools. Dynamo has been the featured artist at several Jazz festivals throughout North America, such as headlining the Olney Central College Jazz Festival in Illinois. Recently, Dynamo was awarded two NIMAs (Nashville Industry Music Awards), including Best Funk/Reggae/Fusion Band and Album of the Year.
Notable musicians worked with: Roy Agee (Prince), Michael B. Hicks (Keb Mo), Matt Odmark (Jars of Clay), De Marco Johnson, The Binghamton Philharmonic (NY), Nicole Boggs, Amber Carrington (of NBC’s The Voice), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Freddy Colon, Jose Encarnacion, Otto Gross, University School of Nashville
