Widely regarded as the best jazz steel player of his generation, Joaquin Murphey left the musical spotlight and lived in relative obscurity until fans Michael Johnstone and Chas Smith coaxed him to don the picks once more in 1995. Chas built him a custom pedal steel, and Michael found him some swinging musicians to jam with.
From 1996 to 1999, Joaquin recorded new compositions and old favorites at Michael’s Class Act Studios. Then, on October 25, 1999, Earl James “Joaquin” Murphey passed away. The “Murph” CD is the result of those final recording sessions of his life. “Vicodin Blues” is one of several original tunes on that CD.
