The Cedar and Moon Palace Books Present
SEQUOYAH MURRAY with Taylor Johnson and Temezgen (at Moon Palace Books)
Saturday, October 5th, 2019 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM
All Ages
Standing
$10 Advance, $12 Day of Show
This is a standing show with an open floor. The Cedar always reserves a section of seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request seating or other access accommodations, please go to our Access page.
General Admission tickets are available online and by phone.
““Vocal Acrobat” Sequoyah Murray Is Art Pop’s Next Big Thing.”
ABOUT SEQUOYAH MURRAY
At just 22 years old, Sequoyah Murray is crafting the kind of concise, singular musical statements that many artists strive for their whole careers. His mutant brand of modern soul is as deeply eclectic as it is instantly arresting, a quality that drew early comparisons to Arthur Russell. Like Russell, Murray has a boundless, playful approach to composition; an incredible breadth of vision balanced by concise editing. Futuristic electronics, West and North African influenced polyrhythms, gospel vocals and psychedelic Tropicália textures blend seamlessly, anchored by his astounding three-octave baritone. Before You Begin, Murray’s debut album, demonstrates the immense scope of his artistry. Composed, played and produced almost entirely by Murray himself, the album takes the listener on a deeply personal journey through youth.
Before You Begin traces Murray’s “historical fiction of his own life,” as he puts it. It is as sensuous and blissful as it is blue, mining memory to craft vivid, dreamlike pieces that feel instantly relatable yet otherworldly. The album is influenced by Murray’s experience growing up in one of the world’s music capitals. Atlanta’s hip-hop and trap heritage finds its place in his inventive lyricism, future-seeking sonics and DIY approach to music-making. Although Murray points to rap as one influence, he cites Atlanta’s lesser-known jazz and free-improv scene as facilitating his development as an artist. Growing up in a musical family, his parents being active musicians, Murray often joined them in improvisation sessions. His frequent exposure and involvement with such a creative environment helped nurture and develop Murray into an adept improviser.
Murray’s approach to writing Before You Begin mirrors his experience in free-improv circles, fearlessly exploring a myriad of ideas and sounds without focusing on form and then meticulously arranging each track that would eventually make up the album. A great example is “I Wonder” a song that evolved from sessions with his sister experimenting with medieval chanting, which Murray later re-sampled and manipulated into the instrumental bed for the track before adding upright bass. “Sublime”, with its propulsive synth and distorted new-wave drum loop, was written on an iPad with a friend while working in their day job at the Rialto Theatre. Such a joyful, open approach to composition gives Before You Begin its immediate appeal a considerable depth.
Before You Begin distills an enormous wealth of ideas, emotion and detail into a stunning debut. Murray’s joyful energy is infectious on his bravely intimate self-portrait, painted with an inventive and unexpected collection of sounds.
Visit Sequoyah Murray’s Website
Sequoyah Murray performing “Penalties of Love,” courtesy of 4:3’s YouTube channel.
About Taylor Johnson
A photo of Taylor Johnson. Photo credit, Ocean Jurney.
Hello, beautiful ones. My name is Taylor Johnson, and I’m a South Minneapolis native who has been honored to closely collaborate with some of the best, most innovative and electric artists in a city I consider the creative citadel. I’ve been mentored by brilliant spirits; some here, some gone. All present. On the 5th, it is the first opportunity I have to tell my story in the only way that I believe does it justice. I used to consider myself an entertainer. Now, I still hold some of that entertainment in my work, but I'm moving closer to becoming my final form: a healer. What I play now has proven to heal, because it healed me. At the beginning of this year, I hit a low point from which I almost did not return. Birthing this new music and putting it into the world, in addition to surrounding myself with powerful fairies, I started seeing myself not only heal from devastation, but elevate to creative heights I have never experienced. It is now my calling to share 2 intimate projects. The first is a 2 part album that I completed and released during my time in The Queen City. It is called ‘The Project Ivy. It is a work I wrote, performed, mixed, mastered, and released during deep personal transformation. It was important to do this alone and gave me a new appreciation of solitude. The 2nd is called ‘Public Emotion’. It is a sonic-forward collaboration with one of the most influential and transformative spirits I have ever met: Ocean Jurney. Their mediums are poetry and bold, stunning visual art. I can’t wait for you to experience their brilliance. As I reenter and walk this path to healing, understand that I have a very tall and dangerous mountain to climb. All I ask is for your undivided attention, open hearts, and continued grace. Thank you for supporting my work and giving me the opportunity to tell my story. -Taylor
About Temezgen
Temezgen is an Eritrean American RnB/Alternative singer-songwriter and audio/video producer from the Twin Cities.
Temezgen performing a clip from “Must Be Nice” courtesy of Temezgen’s YouTube channel.