Michael Martin Murphey re-ups with Rural Rhythm

Sam Passamano of Rural Rhythm and Michael Martin Murphey sign a new contract during IBMA 2009Rural Rhythm Records signed cowboy crooner – and recent bluegrass convert – Michael Martin Murphey to a multi-album contract during last week’s IBMA convention in Nashville.

Murphey was in town to perform with a number of Rural Rhythm artists at IBMA, and to showcase two new singles from his next RR CD, Buckaroo Blue Grass 2, due in February 2010. The first is a remake of Wildfire, his 1975 radio hit, sung as a duet with Carrie Hassler, and the other a new MMM song, Running Gun, which tells a classic western story done up bluegrass style.

Michael Martin Murphey and Carrie Hassler rehearse for their new recording of WildfireMichael and Carrie are especially stoked about getting to perform the new version of Wildfire during halftime at the SMU-Navy game in Dallas on October 17. Look for it to be released for digital download around the 17th.

Bluegrass folks seemed to warmly embrace Murphey at IBMA, and he returned the favor posing for photos and signing autographs for fans. He did a cameo during Audie Blaylok & Redline’s main stage showcase set where he was met with enthusiastic applause.

Buckaroo Blue Grass 2 will  feature a who’s who cast of bluegrass pickers, including Sam Bush, Charlie Cushman, Troy Engle, Pat Flynn, Andy Hall, Rob Ickes, Andy Leftwich among them.

Here are sneak peek samples of the two new singles.

Wildfire – Listen Now    [http://www.hoperiverentertainment.com/audio/clip-wildfire.mp3]

Running Gun – Listen Now    [http://www.hoperiverentertainment.com/audio/clip-runninggun.mp3]

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.