Band of the Month
Mary and the Pharaoh
Deirdre McCarthy & JJ Murphy formed Mary & The Pharaoh just nine months ago. They are already booking gigs all over Colorado! In addition to Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs they are gaining popularity at venues in Denver, Boulder, Monument, Salida, Alamosa, Ridgway, Green Mountain Falls and Evergreen.
From Hamilton, in central New York State, JJ Murphy began his musical career playing brass in 5th grade and adding guitar at age 12. At nearby Oswego University, JJ took lessons from faculty member Rick Balestra and met Dylan Teifer who would later become a noted Colorado Springs musician and JJs link to Colorado. In 2012, JJ moved to Nashville, TN to study guitar at Belmont University. In Nashville JJ found work as a guitarist playing weddings, bar band gigs and recording sessions. He began traveling to Colorado to play with bands such Steely Dead and Frog & Fiddle as well as with his own JJ Murphy Quartet.
When Deirde McCarthy’s older sister, Shivan, began violin lessons, Deirdre joined in at age 4. Their grandfather was a professional fiddle player in County Mayo, Ireland, before playing professionally in Jersey City. Deirdre and Shivan played in youth orchestras and chamber groups throughout their youth. After moving to Colorado, the sisters played in Irish music sessions and Deirdre began sitting in with various bands. She then joined a forming Woodshed Red for an eight-year run. When Woodshed Red dissolved, Deirdre had already played with JJs band.
Playing mostly co-written originals, Deirdre's fiddle and vocals add a soulful touch to JJ's inspired guitar work. With Chris Combs in the mix on drums, the blend is unique, energetic, and warm all at once! Check out their recorded shows and interviews on Spotify and YouTube. Upcoming live shows include: October 29th The High Side, Salida; October 30th, The Blue Moose, Green Mountain Falls; November 3rd, Front Range BBQ.
On FB: Mary and the Pharaoh
By Steven Miller
