York alumnus Mike Murley (BFA ’86), an instructor in York’s Department of Music, Faculty of Fine Arts, didn’t win a Juno award for his own nominated album Extra Time but, in true jazz tradition, he can share some of the credit for the recording that did win Traditional Jazz Album of the Year. His friend and frequent collaborator, composer/pianist David Braid, won with his traditional jazz CD, Vivid.
Left: Mike Murley
“I am very proud to have been a part of that recording,” said Murley, who is also co-leader of a quintent with Braid that will be featured on CBC radio’s “Jazz Beat “on April 24.
Murley had already appeared on eight Juno-winning albums, both as a bandleader and solo artist as well as a member of Metalwood and the Rob McConnell Tentet. His CD Extra Time is based around his own inventive compositions and features accompaniment from fellow ace musicians John Macleod, Dave Restivo, Jim 
Vivian and Ted Warren. Murley has also toured and recorded with York-connected groups NOJO, Time Warp, the Barry Elmes Quintet, as well as Stich Wynston’s Modern Surfaces and guitarist David Occhipinti.
Right: David Braid
Murley is currently preparing for a live recording session for his second CD with Occhipinti tonight, 9-11pm, at Toronto’s Mezzetta Cafe, 681 St. Clair West (at Christie). The pair will record the CD on April 26 and 27 at the Top of the Senator, 253 Victoria Street in Toronto.