An engaging, lyrical saxophonist, Mike Murley has emerged as one of Canada’s finest jazz talents and one of the most versatile players on the scene today. Currently active as a leader in various formations from duo to septet, Murley also maintains a busy schedule as a sideman and jazz educator (University of Toronto).

Since 1991, Murley has played on nine Juno Award winning recordings. He was also named saxophonist of the year eight times by the Jazz Report Awards/National Jazz Awards.

Murley's latest CD release, Still Rollin', is the debut recording for his septet. It features the saxophonist's compositions and arrangements performed by some of Canada's finest jazz improvisers. Other recent recordings include two in 2008 as a co-leader, DMBQ Live and Day and Night with his former teacher David Liebman. Murley's critically acclaimed 2006 recording, "The Melody Lingers On", finds the saxophonist's trio live in concert at the Glenn Gould Studio with a twelve-piece string ensemble conducted by Rick Wilkins. Also featured on the recording are Guido Basso (flugelhorn) and Tara Davidson (saxes) with string arrangements by Murley and guitarist Reg Schwager.

Murley, with Steve Wallace (left) and Ed Bickert (centre)

In 2010, Murley accepted a full-time lecturer position at the Jazz Performance program of the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. He also previously taught at York University and Humber College and has been a visiting member of faculty at the prestigious Banff Centre for the Arts.

For more information, visit www.mikemurley.com