Mike Murley

Mike Murley is one of Canada's most celebrated jazz artists, described as an "engaging, lyrical saxophonist." He was born in Windsor, near Halifax, on December 12, 1961, and earned a BFA from York University in 1986. Murley moved to Toronto from his native Nova Scotia in 1981 and has enjoyed a career spanning a wide stylistic spectrum. His recordings with legendary Canadian artists such as Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, and Guido Basso showcase his talents in the mainstream standard repertoire. He is also well known for his work with the three-time JUNO Award-winning electric jazz group Metalwood. In 2022, Murley retired from U of T and returned to Halifax NS, from where he continues to tour nationally and internationally. Murley has received extensive recognition for his work. He has played on fourteen JUNO Award-winning recordings since 1990, seven as a leader or co-leader, seven as a sideman. His JUNO Award-winning recordings as a leader were in 1990 for "Two Sides" and in 2002 for "Live at the Senator." His most recent JUNOs include "The North" (2018), Metalwood's "Twenty" (2017), and his trio's "Test of Time" (2013). He was a four-time recipient of the Jazz Report Award for tenor saxophonist of the year during the 1990s and was also voted saxophonist of the year four times at National Jazz Awards in the 2000s. His 2005 recording "Extra Time" won the National Jazz Award for best album. Mike Murley's lyrical saxophone playing and commitment to excellence have made him a vital force in Canadian jazz.

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