Paul Murphy profile

Paul was first bitten by the DJ bug in the late 70’s when he was promoting a club night The Kingswood Club and the DJ did’nt turn up due to inclement weather. A string of Chitlin Circuit gigs followed till the big moment finally arrives with the opening JAFFAS at The Horseshoe ,Tottenham Court Road W1. The club was the first to mix jazz with the infant Jazz Dance scene. Guests included British acts such as Morrisey Mullen, Paz, Breakfast Band, Gonzalez and the legendary Heath Brothers (on the night of the Brixton Riots!!).

Further mishaps and adventures followed including a year running a shop (Fusion Records) in Clerkenwell and promoting a concert at the YMCA featuring Brazilian singer/pianist Tania Maria.Other gigs and clubs Paul Murphy has played include: The Electric Ballroom Camden Town, where Paul started the now legendary Jazz Room, The Wag Club Soho W1, The 100 Club, Oxford Street, London W1, The Comedy Store, London W1 and The Sol Y Sombra, Charlotte Street, London W1.

In 1984 to 1986 Paul ran Palladin Records which released the now seminal Venceremos by London based collective Working Week. He also released LP’s by Tommy Chase, Jimmy Mcgriff and Phil Upchurch amongst many others.

Paul Murphy was also the first WIRE Magazine DJ of the Year in 1985.

Eddie Piller of Acid Jazz rediscovered Paul in Ireland after his mysterious disappearance from the club scene at the beginning of the 90’s. Paul took up his offer of a residency at the much missed Blue Note club in London’s Hoxton Square.This put Paul right back in the spotlight and soon offers to record and DJ were pouring in and Paul is now running Afro Art Records, the London based label founded by former Ballistic Brother Ashley Beedle.