KEVIN WALTER MURPHY

Kevin Walter Murphy

A drummer, composer, and arranger currently based out of Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the Seattle area, Kevin was immersed in a rich musical society studying with the late Garey Williams. During this time, Kevin performed in many honors ensembles including the All Northwest Jazz Ensemble, as well as the Jazz band of America. Following high school, Kevin attended the Eastman school of music, where he studied drum set under Rich Thompson. While at the school, Kevin had the privilege to study under a many instructors and guest artists, including Clay Jenkins, Gary Versace, Jeff Campbell, Bob Sneider, Dariusz Terefenko, Dave Rivello, Jon Wikan, Anthony Pinciotti, Peter Erskine, and Christine Jensen. In addition to his studies, Kevin has had the opportunity to perform with a number of luminaries such as, Shelly Berg, John Daversa, Wycliffe Gordon, Michael Weiss, Carmen Bradford, Tom Christensen, Gary Versace, Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, Ryan Keberle, Brian Lynch, and Sara Gazarek. Kevin has also been the recording drummer with numerous project groups, including Bourbon Chai, Bug Day, Stephanie Tateiwa, The Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and the Aaron Ouellette Quintet earning him accolades including two downbeat student music awards and acceptance into the Jazz at Aspen Snowmass Academy (2023). Kevin has had the pleasure of performing professionally at venues and festivals such as Benaroya Hall, Meany Hall, the Eastman Kodak Theater, the Rochester Jazz Festival, and the DIsneyland Resort.

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As a composer and arranger Kevin has worked on a variety of projects ranging from film to art projects; studying with Dariusz Terefenko, Dave Rivello, and Christine Jensen, and Dave Slonaker. Kevin has scored for short films as well as smaller cue projects. Kevin also directs his own 12 piece Chamber Jazz Ensemble and 17 piece Jazz Orchestra. His works have been premiered by the Eastman Jazz Lab Band (featuring Jeremy Pelt) and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, which was awarded a Downbeat Outstanding Undergraduate Arrangement Award. Kevin has performed live with his various ensembles at venues and festivals, notably the Rochester International Jazz Festival in 2023.