Chris Murphy – Songs from the Trees (2026)

Chris Murphy, a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter rooted in a rich cultural heritage, has unveiled his latest musical project, Songs from the Trees, scheduled for release in 2026. Born in New York to an Irish-Italian family, Murphy’s early exposure to traditional Italian, Irish, and Latin rhythms laid the groundwork for his diverse musical palette. His academic journey further broadened his scope, incorporating Turkish and Indian musical traditions, which have informed a distinctive sound that traverses jazz, blues, Celtic, folk, ambient, and country rock genres.

Now based in Los Angeles, Murphy has earned recognition primarily as a violinist but is equally accomplished across multiple instruments and boasts a prolific catalog exceeding 500 compositions. His latest offering, Songs from the Trees, marks a significant collaboration with English folk artist Seth Lakeman, known for his folk singing, songwriting, and multi-instrumental talents.

The album is the result of a creative partnership in which Lakeman took on production duties, contributing vocals and a variety of instruments, including banjo, violin, guitar, percussion, and harmonium. The core ensemble also features Josiah J. Manning, who provided guitar, bass, piano, and percussion, with occasional vocal and lap steel input from Barney Kenny. This trio-centric configuration led to a cohesive yet richly textured sound.

Songs from the Trees comprises seven tracks, six penned solely by Murphy and one co-written with Lakeman, titled The End of Charlie Lee. The recording sessions were notably conducted in a 16th-century monastery nestled within Dartmoor National Park near Plymouth, UK, a setting that evidently imbues the work with atmospheric depth. The remaining compositions were completed at Manning’s Momentum Studio in Plymouth, reflecting a blend of historic ambiance and contemporary studio craftsmanship.

Musically, the album navigates a fusion of americana, progressive folk, and elements of world music underscored by cinematic storytelling. Murphy’s vocal approach alternates between spoken word verses and sung choruses, a technique reminiscent of narrative-driven works by artists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. While this vocal style may not appeal universally, it complements the album’s introspective and evocative mood.

The opening track sets an atmospheric tone, inviting listeners into a soundscape where violin weaves through layered textures. Subsequent songs like Clean Break elevate the tempo, showcasing the violin in a lead capacity akin to an electric guitar, alongside prominent banjo and guitar lines, making it one of the standout moments on the record.

Do You Ever Wonder? emerges as a contemplative highlight, shifting to a fully sung format where Murphy reflects on hypothetical emotional crossroads, adding a poignant narrative depth. Bitter Tea follows with a sharper lyrical edge and vocal performance, exploring themes of unreciprocated feelings and personal reckonings.

Murphy’s storytelling prowess is perhaps most evident in 300 Days at Sea, a track bearing the cadence and spirit of a sea shanty. The song paints a vivid picture of nautical endurance and longing, capturing the tension between the hardships of maritime life and the crew’s restless yearning for the open water.

The album closes with When She’s Around, a slower, reflective piece characterized by gentle instrumentation and emotive lyrics, conveying a sense of solace and emotional grounding. At just over 28 minutes in length, Songs from the Trees occupies a space between an EP and a full-length album, presenting a concise yet substantial artistic statement.

Through this project, Murphy demonstrates his ability to synthesize his varied musical influences into a cohesive narrative that honors tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities. The collaboration with Seth Lakeman has been particularly impactful, merging Murphy’s expansive instrumental talents with Lakeman’s grounded folk expertise to create a work that resonates across multiple folk subgenres.

While details about the album’s broader reception and promotional plans remain limited, Songs from the Trees stands as a testament to Chris Murphy’s evolving artistry and dedication to blending cultural musical forms into innovative expression, continuing to build on his extensive body of work.