View Jim Murdoch's EPK

The full length CD Waltz to the Sea is now available via mail order for $17 (includes shipping and handling).   (all samples are aiff files and can be played with QuickTime Player) Tara's Song Erika's Reel Jota Saga of the Tamale Golondrinas Mi Buenos Aires Querido Waltz to the Sea West Virginia Hills Appalachian Dulcimer Beach Glass Ballade Fandango Autumn Again Follow the Heron Pomegranate Moon

Waltz to the Sea reflects Jim's wide-ranging musical interests and eclectic sources, from original songs to traditional and contemporary melodies from Argentina, Spain, Scotland, and the Appalachians, and his extensive background as a performer. Traditional Celtic and Appalachian music, Spanish folk song and flamenco, Argentine tangos, and original and contemporary vocals are performed with a variety of instruments that include cedar flute, Appalachian dulcimer, accordion, guitar, and piano. The CD opens with an original song for cedar flute, and continues with a traditional Celtic tune performed on Appalachian dulcimer. The CD also includes an Appalachian dulcimer medley of traditional tunes and songs by Stephen Foster. A cedar flute rendition of "West Virginia Hills," the state song, is a tribute to Jim's grandmother, who lived in West Virginia for 94 years until her recent passing. The dulcimer and cedar flute are instruments Jim plays in his work at the University of California San Francisco Mount Zion Cancer Center, where for the past thirteen years he has performed original and traditional music for patients who are recovering from surgery or receiving treatments, and for staff and visitors. "Saga of The Tamale," one of four original vocal tracks, adds a delicious twist to the holiday song, as it celebrates the tradition of making and gifting homemade tamales at Christmas time. Other original vocal tracks are "Beach Glass Ballade," "Autumn Again" and the title track "Waltz To The Sea." "Follow The Heron," by Karine Polwart, a young Scottish singer-songwriter honors the return of spring to the Shetland Islands with beautiful imagery, the back of the winter is broken and light lingers long by the door. Two beautiful tangos by Carlos Gardel and a traditional flamenco fandango are arranged for solo piano, reflecting Jim's years of training in classical piano and flamenco dance. A jota from northern Spain is played on accordion with castanet accompaniment. The accordion is an instrument on which Jim has performed for over twenty years, playing a repertoire of tunes from around the world at festivals and parties, and in his many appearances as Jimbo the Musical Clown.

These samples are from an older cassette of folk songs on the accordion.
Have a listen to these bits...

Italian folk song Italian folk song #2

German folk song Scottish folk song

Originally from Montana, Jim's musicianship spans a number of decades and musical instruments.

His musical history includes: jazz and classical piano, accordion, movement and dance, including five years studying flamenco dance, castanets and music with Rosa Montoya (niece of flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya) in San Francisco.

Jim has worked with the support of The California Arts Council to involve seniors with creative projects, utilizing music, dance, movement, oral history, video and visual art. In 2002, the San Francisco Performing Arts Library and Museum transcribed and published Jim's oral history of a Bay Area Vaudevillian, "Thelma Langston, A Life in Vaudeville."

Jim is currently working as a musician at the University California San Francisco-Mount Zion Comprehensive Cancer Center performing, coordinating guest artist concerts and working with patients, staff and medical students using music and visual art to express their creativity.