Artist description Murl Allen Sanders is a Seattle Accordionist, Pianist and Composer dedicated to bringing the accordion back into contemporary pop music by playing zydeco, blues, jazz, country, rock, celtic and other ethnic styles.

Music Style Pop/Zydeco/Country/Celtic/Jazz/Blues

Musical Influences Stan Boreson, Sivuca, Art Van Damme, Leon Sash, Tommy Gumina, Frank Marocco, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Billy Preston, Clifton Chenier, Phil Cunningham, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Etta James

Similar Artists Steely Dan, Buckwheat Zydeco, Beau Soleil

Artist History Murl Allen Sanders is a freelance musician who has been active in the Seattle Area for over twenty years. He performs regularly with his own band as a soloist, and with numerous bands in the Northwest. Murl does studio work and is featured on dozens of CDs, TV and Radio commercials, and his music is currently heard on the MUZAK Network and on Nordstrom's own background music system. Murl has worked with such diverse national artists as Chuck Berry, Etta James, Leslie Gore, Peter Duchin, Theodore Bikel and a host of regional luminaries including Michael Tomlinson, Papaya, Kelly Harland, Nadine Shanti, Michael Powers, Jim Valley, Susan Pascal, Danny Deardorff, Tickle Tune Typhoon, Magical Strings, Ken Boynton, Renee Redeker and Leon Lishner among others. His latest recording is "Can You Dance To It" featuring his accordion and original tunes in a lively danceable mix of styles he's been calling "zyfusico" including pop, zydeco, rock, country, jazz and blues influences.

Group Members Murl Allen Sanders-piano, accordian and vocals; Garret Smith-bass; Chris Leighton-drums; John Morton-guitar; Jennifer Lind-vocals; Marty Tuttle-bongos, congas and percussion; Rod Cook-guitar; Cary Black-string bass; Libby Torrance-vocals; Rich Cole-tenor sax; Ron Cole-trumpet; Jeffrey Sick-violin; Warren Rand-alto sax; Jon Goforth-tenor sax; Dan Tyack-pedal steel guitar

Instruments Piano, Accordian, Hammond B-3, Harmonica, Electronic Keyboards

Albums Can You Dance To It?, New Romances and Doin' All Right, Soon, Guides and Spirits

Press Reviews The Seattle Times:"One of the Northwest's top jazz musicians" - Critics Choice 1991"Sanders is a singer, songwriter, accordionist, pianist and creative musical personality... this is music that will make you unwind and smile." - Melinda Bargreen"Sanders displays his versatility on a 12-song album, 'SOON'..."- Phil West"KEEN TUNES..." - Carole BeersEarshot Jazz:"SOON (Murl's first CD) is a sampler of what Murl does...nicely paced between the styles.""Sanders shows he knows the standard repertoire..." "...vibrant pop jazz..." - Joseph Murphy"Sunday's delight was the unique accordion and keyboards of Murl Allen Sanders..." - Sandy BurlingameVictory Review:"His jazz accordion is outstanding and his piano chops very accurate, warm... At the same time he is a fine composer and jazz stylist..." - Chris LunnNorthwest Accordion News:"Murl Allen Sanders' Trio dazzled the audience with his unique accordion style and energy...a mix of zydeco, blues and jazz..." - Doris Osgood 1997About "NEW ROMANCE AND DOING ALL RIGHT":"It's like an old friend...makes you feel good." - Martin Lund, MLM records, Los Angeles

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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