Ron Murray

In concert, an audience member can expect an entertaining and informative show, as I tend to take my audiences on journeys both musically and verbally. For instance, in my Bossa Flamenco show I will talk a little about the history of Gypsy Flamenco, and perform several different "toques", or styles, eventually connecting with the Brazilian style of music, during which I will play and sing both Brazilian classical pieces and popular songs, singing in Portugese and English. I follow this pattern whether appearing as a soloist or with my trio Vuelo. I maintain several concert programs, from classical guitar to jazz ensemble, and can customize programs with themes if required. These may include Music of Shakespeare's Time, Latin Jazz, International, The Guitar In Spain, and so on. In academic situations I and my bandmates can give workshops and masterclasses as well as concert performances.
On the other hand, during a function, I will perform music appropriate to the gathering, whether soft romantic background music, or energetic dance music, including requests made in advance by the client. My background enables me to offer all of the music needed for most functions, including wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours, as well as reception dance music. For corporate gatherings, themes can be chosen along similar lines to the concert presentations. We can do all-instrumental presentations as well, which are often preferred for background music situations.

Full-time professional guitarist, background in classical, Flamenco, Brazilian, jazz and pop styles. Good reader, good ear player.
Play acoustic and electric guitars, including 7-string (added bass range), as well as fretted and fretless electric basses.
Private lessons and masterclasses in North America and Europe with: John Williams, Oscar Ghiglia, Alexander LaGoya, Paco Pena, Pat Martino, Joe Pass, Barney Kessell, Herb Ellis, Bill Leavitt. Performances with Boston Pops, Minnesota Symphony, Sergio Franchi, Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones, Man of La Mancha, Hello Dolly, and many others. I taught at New England Conservatory's Extension Division for many years, and was also on the faculty or staff of Berklee College of Music, Wesleyan University and Boston Conservatory of Music. I have recorded 8 CDs, my latest being "Romanza" on the Whaling City Sound label.
My solo repertoire ranges from Spanish and South American classical to Flamenco to Bossa and Beatles arrangements. I sing in a soft Jobim/Knopfler style, covering swing era classics, oldies, classic rock and lots of bossa-nova songs in Brazilian Portugese, Gypsy Kings in Spanish, and even a few tunes in Italian. I can work solo acoustic, with my own tracks, made in my studio, in a duo with percussion or sax/flute, or with a band of 3-5 pieces. My wardrobe includes tuxedo, suits, calypso style, Spanish style vest and tux shirt, everything from formal to casual, but always looking like a pro performer. I use the Bose L1 sound system for most engagements, but also own battery-powered amplification for sailboat or garden gigs. My best situations are concerts and listening clubs/restaurants, weddings, corporate functions or other somewhat sophisticated, mixed-age audiences. I can play for dancing with tracks or a band, but no metal, grunge or hip-hop.

In concert, we are comfortable with what any good professional organization provides in the way of sound and lighting support: sufficient monitors onstage, a nice warm lighting scheme, nothing fancy, a professional crew for support, a private area ("green room") for changing and preparation, an appropriate setup for merchandise sales; basically, the usual for acoustical concert acts. As far as functions go, we provide our own sound and lights for small functions (up to 200 guests), with the client supplying tech support for larger situations. We have worked in major casinos with full tech, as well as in aircraft hangars with hired sound and lights (Pratt & Whitney is one of our repeat clients); we work outdoors, on yachts and sailboats (battery-operated amplification is available when needed), and have performed for audiences of 12 (executive dinners) to 2000 (Mohegan Sun Annual Tribal dinners) and to as many as 5000 (opening for the Benny Goodman Orchestra at Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford, CT). As a solo performer, I often concertize in libraries and museums, and can provide my own sound reinforcement for audiences of up to 250 or so. We like to feel that we are easy to work with, and we don't make unreasonable demands, although we always are at the top of our game when everything works right. We will supply technical riders with contracts when warranted, but, again, they are generally quite reasonable. I have found through the years that a little bit of professional courtesy and trust goes a very long way.