The Murphy Beds

Biography

The Murphy Beds is a folk duo comprised of Eamon O’Leary, originally from Dublin, Ireland, and Jefferson Hamer, a Massachusetts native based in Brooklyn, New York. The two musicians met in New York City in the early 2000s, bonding over their shared love of traditional Irish, American, Scottish, and English folk songs. O’Leary, who grew up immersed in Irish music, moved to New York in the early 1990s and quickly became a fixture in the city’s vibrant traditional music scene. Hamer, with roots in both Massachusetts and Colorado, brought a background in American roots and acoustic music, as well as a keen interest in the British folk tradition.

Their collaboration began in larger ensembles but soon evolved into a duo, allowing them to focus on close vocal harmonies and intricate instrumental interplay on bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. The Murphy Beds are known for their carefully curated repertoire, blending traditional songs with original compositions, and for their arrangements that highlight the subtle connections between Irish and American folk traditions. Their self-titled debut album and their 2021 release, 'Easy Way Down,' have been praised for their grace and musicality, with performances at major festivals and venues across North America and Europe, including the Kennedy Center and Doolin Folk Festival.

The duo’s legacy lies in their ability to breathe new life into old songs while maintaining a deep respect for the tradition. Their work has contributed to the ongoing dialogue between Celtic and American folk music, influencing both audiences and fellow musicians through their thoughtful interpretations and collaborative spirit.

Fun Facts

• The Murphy Beds often perform standing at right angles to each other on stage, allowing both musicians to maintain eye contact and the audience to see their interplay.
• They sing into a single microphone during live performances, a nod to traditional folk performance practices.
• Their debut album was recorded in Jefferson Hamer’s apartment, emphasizing their DIY ethos.
• Jefferson Hamer won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for his collaboration with Anaïs Mitchell on 'Child Ballads.'

Members

• Jefferson Hamer
• Eamon O’Leary

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Irish traditional musicians in New York - Eamon O’Leary was mentored and influenced by the immigrant Irish music community after moving to New York, performing with many of the great players in Irish music. (Sessions and performances in NYC traditional music scene) [1990s–present]

Key Collaborators

• John Doyle - Collaborated with Eamon O’Leary in groups such as The Alt and The Immigrant Band. (The Alt, The Immigrant Band) [2010s]
• Nuala Kennedy - Member of The Alt with Eamon O’Leary. (The Alt) [2010s]
• Anaïs Mitchell - Jefferson Hamer collaborated with Anaïs Mitchell on the 'Child Ballads' project, winning a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. (Child Ballads) [2013]
• Beth Orton - The Murphy Beds have performed and collaborated with Beth Orton. (Live performances) [2010s–2020s]
• Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - The Murphy Beds have performed and collaborated with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. (Live performances) [2010s–2020s]
• Sam Amidon - The Murphy Beds have performed and collaborated with Sam Amidon. (Live performances) [2010s–2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging folk musicians in the US and Ireland - The Murphy Beds' arrangements and approach to traditional material have inspired a new generation of folk musicians interested in blending Celtic and American traditions. (Covers and reinterpretations of Murphy Beds' arrangements) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. What Do We Tell The Children? (What Do We Tell The Children?)
2. Blackwater Side (Easy Way Down)
3. Holland Handkerchief (Easy Way Down)
4. The Thirty-Foot Trailer (Easy Way Down)
5. When My Love and I Parted (Easy Way Down)
6. Falling In Love (Easy Way Down)
7. Scattery Island / Bonnie Prince Charlie (Easy Way Down)
8. Annachie Gordon (Easy Way Down)
9. Lie Easy (Easy Way Down)
10. Last Go Round (Easy Way Down)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz