Canadian saxophonist Mike Murley has emerged as one of the country's finest jazz artists since moving to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981. His critically-acclaimed recordings have placed him at the forefront of Canada's jazz scene for more than a decade. Since winning the Juno Award (Canada's Grammy equivalent) in 1991 for his "Two Sides" CD, Murley has appeared on eight other Juno award-winning recordings and received over twenty nominations for other albums as both a leader and a sideman.

Award-winning recordings and groups:

as a leader:

In addition to “Two Sides” (1991) , Murley's 'Live at the Senator' CD won a Juno Award in 2002. This Cornerstone recording finds the saxophonist in an intimate trio setting with legendary guitarist Ed Bickert and bassist Steve Wallace. A collection of six standards and two idiomatic originals, it captures Murley at his lyrical best. Often referred to as a classic Canadian jazz album, it holds the distinction of being Bickert’s final recording before his retirement from performing.

Murley has released a total of eight critically acclaimed recordings as a leader. His most recent,“Extra Time”, won the 2005 National Jazz Award for best album. "Conversation Piece" also received the 1997 Jazz Report Award for best album. He was a four-time recipient of the Jazz Report Award for tenor saxophonist of the year during the 1990s and more recently was voted saxophonist of the year at the 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 National Jazz Awards.

as a co-leader and sideman:

- with David Occhipinti

One of Murley’s most frequent musical collaborations is in a duo setting with guitarist David Occhipinti. Their first recording, “Duologue” met with great critical acclaim and was nominated for a Juno in 2004. Their second recording, "Duologue Vol 2", was released in the October 2005. Murley has also toured and recorded as a sideman with Occhipinti’s quartet.

- with David Braid

Murley is a prominent soloist on David Braid’s 2005 Juno award-winning septet recording, “Vivid”. Murley also co-leads a quartet with Braid that toured nationally in 2004. Their debut CD, "Mnemosyne's March", was released in March 2006 with another tour planned for this coming fall.

- with Rob McConnell

Murley is a member of the Juno award-winning (2001) Rob McConnell Tenet. Their first of three albums on the Justin Time label was also nominated for a 2002 Grammy Award. The group features some of Canada's finest jazz artists playing masterful arrangements by the legendary valve trombonist.

- with Metalwood

The electric jazz group, Metalwood, featured the more robust side of Murley's saxophone during the quartet's prolific recording period from 1996-2003. The two-time Juno winners ('99 and '98) were signed by Verve/Blue Thumb in 2002 and produced "The Recline", featuring special guests John Scofield, Mino Cinelu, and DJ Logic. Their last CD, "Chronic" was released in June 2003.

International experience:

Murley's playing experience on the international level includes performances with a diverse cross-section of artists including Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, and the late Jack McDuff. He has also appeared as a featured soloist on four different CDs with trumpeter/composer Wheeler, including two Maritime Jazz Orchestra CDs featuring John Taylor and Norma Winstone. He has also appeared as a featured soloist on four different CDs with trumpeter/composer Wheeler, including the latest two Maritime Jazz Orchestra CDs featuring John Taylor's Azimuth. In addition Murley has worked with some of the most well-respected New York musicians of his generation including trumpeter Dave Douglas, pianist Renee Rosnes, and drummer Bill Stewart.

In July 2004, Murley was invited to perform as part of Solos: The Jazz Sessions – a series (produced for Bravo: Canada’s Arts Network) which captures renown jazz artists in the challenging solo performance format. In addition to Murley, other artists featured in the series include international luminaries such as saxophonists Joe Lovano and Lee Konitz, guitarists Bill Frisell and Kurt Rosenwinkle, and pianists Brad Mehldau and Andrew Hill.

Murley has also recorded and toured internationally with Cornerstone label-mates Time Warp and the Barry Elmes Quintet as well as numerous other Canadian artists including Kevin Dean’s B3 band, Stich Wynston's Modern Surfaces, and NOJO. His work as a sideman has taken him to concert halls and clubs in Europe, South America, and Asia. As a leader Murley has played all of the major Canadian jazz festivals and performed high profile international engagements at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and at Expo '92 in Spain.

Educator:

Murley has kept a busy teaching schedule at various institutions for more than a decade. He taught part-time at the University of Toronto jazz studies program from 1993 until spring 2005. Presently he is teaching at York University (Murley graduated with a BFA from York in 1986). Since 2002 Murley has been a visiting faculty member at the Banff Centre and was part of a prestigious international faculty at the Banff Jazz Workshop in May 2003 and 2004 under the direction of trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas.