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Murl Allen Sanders, based in the Seattle, WA area, is the perfect example of how good
musicians often make a living in the USA. Murl plays acoustic accordion. He also plays fine
piano, teaches, sings, composes and prepares interesting arrangements for various groups of
musicians. And the important aspect of all these talents is that he can earn a living because of
this versatility. This new CD, Stories of Lucile, features Murl along with Clipper Anderson
(Bass), Mark Ivester (Drums), Warren Rand (Alto Saxophone), Terry Lauber (Pedal Steel),
Meeka DiLorenzo (Cello), and Rachael Pearson (Violin), all of whom are top notch in
everything they do on this CD.
The music makes the listener want to get up and dance…closely with someone they like! It has a
good beat, wonderful melodies…many of them written by Murl Sanders, and gives everyone a
time to shine, especially Warren Rand on Alto Sax and, of course, Murl. Both are really fine,
made even better because of the assistance provided by all others on the recording. Great work
by Engineers Scott Ross and Geoff Ott; Mixers Murl Allen Sanders, Scott Ross, and Geoff Ott;
Mastered by Ross Nyberg, and Recorded at Elliot Bay Records and Long Bridge Studio, Seattle,
WA, who made the CD outstanding. In fact, Murl even thanks “Scott Ross and Geoff Ott for
their musicality expertise and for being good company in the studio.” It was apparent.
The accordion is heard many times throughout the selections, although it is not featured front and
center on every single one. But Murl demonstrates his own versatility as well as the accordion’s
importance in such a group when played well. I liked this recording the first time I listened and I
have continued to enjoy it several times since then. I believe you will like it just as much. The
ten selections are all compositions by Sanders with the exception of those indicated otherwise.
1. Stories of Lucile (Murl Allen Sanders, Warren Rand)
2. Let’s Get Crackin’
3. Drop It Here, Drop It Now
4. Gosta Major
5. Springin’ Hope
6. Fields of Gold (Sting)
7. Still Laughing In The Hall
8. Shawn’s Second Half
9. We Couldn’t Resist It
10. Estamos Ai (Ferreira, Einhorn, Werneck)
11. It’s New Year
The title of the CD refers to Murl’s wife’s great aunt, a person he never met but around whom
there are boundless stories. She was quite a vibrant human being and a fashion plate, as one will
quickly recognize from the cover. The dedication is to his father-in-law, who passed away in
2010 and was a prime storyteller. I am sure both of them would have loved this new recording
featuring accordionist Murl Allen Sanders.
Contact: Murl Allen Sanders
www.murlallensanders.com
murl@murlallensanders.com
Reviewed by Joan C.Sommers– May, 2013.
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