Alex Murphy: Exploring the Piano Trio

Hailing from Chicago, pianist Alex Murphy brings a rich, genre-spanning influence to his trio, blending the soulful depth of hip-hop and R&B with the timeless traditions of jazz. His musical foundation was shaped by the music of modern greats like Mulgrew Miller, Robert Glasper and Brad Mehldau, but his artistry is equally rooted in the masters who defined the piano trio—from Nat King Cole, Thelonius Monk, and Ahmad Jamal to Bud Powell, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett.

Since relocating to Nashville in 2022, Alex has developed a sound that is both deeply personal and ever evolving. His playing embodies the rhythmic drive, harmonic richness, and melodic storytelling that make the piano trio a cornerstone of jazz's history and evolution.

In this first installment of Exploring the Piano Trio, Alex invites listeners on a personal journey through jazz history and Black American Music, tracing the trio's evolution and uncovering its power to connect, inspire, and open the mind of the listener.