Murphy, David: Cuimhne Ghlinn - Explorations In Irish Music For Pedal Steel Guitar (Vinyl LP)

David Murphy is a multi-instrumentalist based in Cork, Ireland known best for his work with the pedal steel guitar. Taking the instrument outside the confines of its traditional roots, Murphy has accumulated a growing list of recording and live credits. He can regularly be seen and heard on stage and in the studio with diverse Irish artists such as The Lost Brothers, John Blek & The Rats, Arborist, Cian Nugent, Ordnance Survey, Greenshine and The Remedy Club amongst others as well as touring or performing alongside acclaimed international artists such as Willy Vlautin, The Delines, Richmond Fontaine, M. Ward and Jolie Holland.

2024 sees Murphy take his first steps out of the shadows as a solo artist with the release of his own full-length studio album Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar on the Rollercoaster Records label. This continues his quest to expand the vocabulary of the instrument and take it in new and exciting directions. Murphy’s all-instrumental debut album recasts ancient Irish harp tunes and historic airs by O’Carolan, O’Riada et al into the 21st century, voiced by the mysterious, emotive and swelling sound of the pedal steel guitar. 

Supported by an all-star cast of musicians from across contemporary, modern-classical and folk worlds, the pedal steel ably takes its place within an ensemble featuring cello, violin, piano, harp, uilleann pipes and lush electronic textures and synths. Across 40 minutes, the album conjures a palette of sparse, dreamlike, atmospheric soundscapes and stirring, cinematic takes of these culturally significant compositions and melodies from Ireland’s great harpers, composers and song collector.