2024 JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR (GROUP) | Mike Murley & Mark Eisenman Quartet | | The JUNO Awards

Murley and Eisenman have both had long careers playing jazz at the highest level. Their combined list of accomplishments include recordings and appearances with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso.

Murley is also well known for his work with the three-time JUNO Award winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In addition, he has recorded and performed with numerous international artists including David Liebman, Renee Rosnes, John Schofield, Norma Winstone, as well as the late Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, and Kenny Wheeler.

In Eisenman’s case there were many gigs with the likes Art Farmer, Sam Noto. Pat Labarbera, Barney Kessell among many other jazz stars and vocalists like Ernestine Anderson and Carol Welsman. There is also a trio recording with Jimmy Cobb (the drummer from Kind Of Blue). He also has a long standing Quintet that has been appearing and recording for about 20 years.

On this recording they have teamed up with a great Canadian rhythm section (Terry Clarke (d), Neil Swainson (b) to record 11 original compositions and 4 wonderful “off the cuff standards” (Monk and Strayhorn) done as a duo (sax and piano).