An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley is one of Canada’s finest jazz talents and one of the most versatile players on the scene today. A multiple National Jazz Award winner, he has appeared on ten JUNO Award-winning recordings since the release of his 1991 TWO SIDES CD (Unity). Currently active as a leader in various formations from duo to septet, Murley also maintains a busy schedule as a sideman and jazz educator (University of Toronto). His latest CD release, STILL ROLLIN’ (Cornerstone), is the debut recording for his septet and features the saxophonist’s compositions and arrangements performed by some of Canada’s finest jazz improvisers.
Murley’s trio recording LIVE AT THE SENATOR (Cornerstone), featuring guitar legend Ed Bickert, won a JUNO Award in 2002. As a key member of Metalwood, the electric jazz group garnered back to back JUNO Award’s in 1997 and 1998 and went on to record two more critically-acclaimed CDs for Verve/Universal. He also appeared on award-winning CDs by the Rob McConnell Tentet and the David Braid Sextet, among others.
Murley has recorded and performed with many international artists including Kenny Wheeler, John Schofield, and Dave Liebman and has toured extensively in Canada and internationally as a leader and sideman.