Back by popular demand, this quartet will be taking the Dazzle stage again on December 16. The material will be rooted in funk but it can go in any direction at any moment. The band will draw on original material from each member as well as some songs the audience already knows. The music will make you want to move.

J.J. Murphy: As a composer and a guitarist, J.J. Murphy brings a soulful vitality to contemporary music. His sound is an effortless blend of folk, blues, rock and jazz, with covers drawing from Thelonious Monk to Radiohead.

“JJ is an inspiring guitarist well versed in many styles, but he made me fall in love with blues and slide guitar all over again,” Dave Abear (Melvin Seals and JGB).Nashville based producer, Ryan Connors, defines Murphy’s style as, “the blues-inspired rawness of Eric Clapton with the jazz vocabulary and sensitivity of Bill Frisell.”

Murphy earned an M.M. in performance from Belmont University in Nashville in 2014, where he studied with guitarist/composer Mike Valeras. Since then, Murphy has traveled the country playing small clubs to stadiums—from NYC’s historic Rockwood Music Hall to The Fox Theatre in Boulder.

In 2022, J.J. relocated to Denver, CO where he has been working as a solo artist, sideman, a session musician and private teacher.

Kirwan Brown: Kirwan’s professional career began at age 18 when he joined rockabilly legend Link Wray’s band. By his thirties he was a member of jazz legend Ronald Shannon Jackson’s Decoding Society. He has performed regularly with Dave Valentin, Kirk Whalum, and Bernard Wright. His debut album “Cool Grooves” was listed on the 1994 Grammy roller ballot in three categories including Album of the Year. He currently performs with the group ManyColors and with latin jazz pianist Victor Mestas. He has recorded with Sean Lennon and Frank Gambale

Braxton Khan: Braxton Kahn is a drummer who was born and raised in Boulder, CO. He has been playing drums, singing, & performing original music since he was in elementary school. Braxton has been fortunate to study & perform with many of Colorado’s top musicians including Art Lande, Brad Goode, & Paul Romaine. While studying at CU-Boulder, he had the opportunity to perform with high profile jazz artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Douglas, Donald Harrison, & Henry Butler. Since earning his Bachelor of Music Degree from CU, Braxton has freelanced in the Denver-Metro area and performed with various nationally & internationally touring acts: Tony Monaco, Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band), Bobby Floyd (Ray Charles), Shane Endsley (Kneebody), Erik Deutsch, Remy LeBoeuf, Greg Gisbert & many others. His Denver-based Lofi hip-hop band ManyColors works closely with the family of hip-hop icon J Dilla & is set to release their debut vinyl LP later in 2023.

Nate Miller: Nate Miller is a professional trumpet and saxophone player based in Denver, Colorado. He has performed with artists such as The Motet, Thievery Corporation, Marcus King, The Taylor Scott Band, Adam Deitch, Eric Benny Bloom, Lyle Divinsky, Remy Le Boeuf and Derrick Hodge, along with many other well-known bands and artists. Notable recordings he’s been a part of include the album Boots in Place by George Porter Jr. and Eddie Roberts, Soldier of Love by D.J. Williams, and Recess’ self-titled album, Recess. In addition to this he works as a freelance musician performing throughout Colorado.

TICKETS – doors at 8:30 pm