New release May 20, 2021 available on all streaming platforms

HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD  is the first track of American singer/songwriter/violinist Chris Murphy’s debut album (SOVEREIGN) on Friendly Folk Records.  The opening groove establishes an instant likeability and seductively sets up ‘the hook’, a mark of great songwriting. Murphy’s lyrics wrap the listener in the determined tones of good-natured rambling and wander lust as he refreshes the age-old theme of seeking freedom and new beginnings. “I’m gonna’ break this chain, I’m gonna’ break free. Going to break these bonds holding me.” Though the words may appear heavy, the song is upbeat, inspired, and accurately reflects the force of Murphy’s personality in life. His contagious optimism echoes with nostalgia for less complicated times, so appropriate for our current world. A multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, violin, and mandolin; Murphy is joined by the golden talents of: Doug Pettibone – electric guitar (John Mayer, Jewel, Lucinda Williams);  Steve Wickham – violin (The Waterboys, U2, Elvis Costello); Sjoerd van Ravenzwaaij – banjo (The Jolly Gents, Harmony Glen); Michael Jerome – drums(Richard Thompson, Better Than Ezra); Stephen Hodges –  percussion (Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, Smashing Pumpkins); Gilian Hettinga – whistle (Harmony Glen); Andreas Geck – Bass, Keyboards, and Backing Vocals (Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Paulina Rubio); and the very gifted Jessica Childress providing soulful background vocals (Patti LaBelle, Charles Bradley, The Family Stone, The Voice).