Music at the MAC: Putnam Murdock

Music at the MAC: Putnam Murdock & Friends
with Merrick Brannigan

Saturday, November 4
7:30-10:00pm

in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater
Doors open at 7:00pm | General Admission
Tickets: $20 MAC members | $25 nonmembers

Along with Colin Bradley on pedal steel, Kyle Spark on bass, and Mark Purrington on drums, Murdock’s tunes are realized in a new way. There is a sensitivity and touch where the players listen and create in the moment to create a solid sonic foundation but one that is malleable and patient. These players do not rely on their rehearsals to create repetition but to create the trust it takes to approach every song like it is brand new every time they perform.

Putnam Murdock is an experienced touring artist who got his start as a professional musician with the Colorado rock and roll band Chief Broom. With Murdock as front man, the group achieved a slot on the 1997 H.O.R.D.E tour, appeared in festivals at Red Rocks Amphitheater and sold out venues throughout the western US. After graduating with a songwriting degree from Berklee School in Music in 2002, Murdock launched a solo career and has since traveled across the country performing with artists such as Martin Sexton, Taj Mahal, Reed Foehl, Ben Taylor, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Kaki King.  In addition to his live performances, Murdock has also established his songwriting career by earning an honorable mention from the International Songwriting Competition for his song Jersey Whiskey as well as having his debut record, Fiction, along with the opening track Bright Future on the official ballot for the 2009 Grammys in five categories, including best vocal, and best new artist. He has co-written songs with touring artist Reed Foehl that have appeared in the television shows Joan of Arcadia, Dawson’s Creek, MTV’s Made, and The Biggest Loser. The song When it Comes Around appeared in the movie Just Friends and is also included on the soundtrack.

Steeped in old-time folk, country and blues, Putnam Murdock’s songwriting presents an honest voice of Americana music. As a one-man band or a full ensemble, the intimacy remains obvious in either his contemporary sonic collages or his classic ballads.

I was raised on a strict diet of folk, country and bluegrass. The Centre Streeters, my father’s bluegrass band, were my mentors. Each Thursday night they would gather in a circle in a living room in Dover, MA and evoke every damn lost, drunk, and brokenhearted song known to man… in four part harmony, of course. Always harmonies. That was the constant. Each rehearsal I witnessed brought me closer and closer… to the point of knowing no other way of life. Doesn’t every family or circle of friends act like this? Well it seems this is my bio. It is nowhere near finished, but I have been gifted with humility knowing that sitting in a circle, playing songs with others is where the real music exists.

In the past decade, Murdock has been in the studio recording music for the Ewers Brothers Film company and Ken Burns’ company, Florentine Films. He continues to write, and perform around the northeastern US in support of his records. His new record, Long Time To Make Old Friends, containing all songs written with long-time friend and co writer Reed Foehl, will be released sometime in early 2023.

Merrick Brannigan (opening act) is a 15-year-old singer-songwriter with a passion for all things music. He is an accomplished guitarist, pianist, and vocalist. A former Nantucket resident, his music career began when he won Nantucket’s Got Talent? in 2019. Since then, he has performed at many locations around Nantucket, including Cisco Brewery, Galley Beach, and The Saltbox! He loves to collaborate with other musicians, and has performed with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, sung The Star-Spangled Banner for the Boston Pops, and played with fellow musician Cole Corper at the Bitter End in New York City.

Additional Event Information
General Admission: Seating is first come, first serve. Doors will open at 7:00pm to guests.
Cabaret Tables: To request a cabaret table (for 4 guests), email info@marionartcenter.org after purchasing your tickets.
Accessibility: There are three small steps plus a raised threshold to enter the Marion Art Center. There are four steps and a handrail at the entrance to the MAC Theater. This show will include fully amplified sound.
Audience: Performances are recommended for a general audience. All guests entering, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Food and Beverages: There are no concessions for sale. Guests may bring their own beverages or refreshments to enjoy during the show.