Boston multi-instrumentalist and one-man-band Gordy Murphy recently returned with his latest single, written Murphy’s tiny Boston apartment. Wash is a contemplative yet uplifting indie-rock track that reflects on memory, identity, and the quiet fight against life’s monotony.

True to Murphy’s one-man-band ethos, the single showcases his multi-instrumental prowess and keen ear for
atmosphere. His signature style, blending music with visual imagery and psychological reflection, shines
through in the song’s layered arrangement and evocative mood shifts. Each element feels purposeful,
contributing to a soundscape that mirrors the act of reflection itself: looking back, reassessing, and choosing
to move forward with intention.

Gordy joins us to talk about Derek Trucks’ (the master of slide blues guitar) influence on his music.

MOVED BY SLIDE

Ever since I was a kid, the sound of the slide guitar has always moved me. I think because it mimics the human voice so much…it just sounds so…alive. And organic.

There have been many talented slide players throughout history, but my favorite has to be Derek Trucks. The first concert I ever went to was The Allman Brothers Band, which I felt very lucky about since they were just coming off of the release of their Hittin’ The Note record, which rocks so much thanks to the addition of Warren Haynes. I couldn’t stop listening to Derek Trucks on this record, but also as the years went on, his own band.

SHOWING THE FEELING

What I love about his sound are the scales and licks he borrows from more Eastern-influenced cultures, things we don’t hear much these days. It catches your ear particularly when using a slide because it bypasses the frets on the guitar, giving it the human voice quality I mentioned before. I think of anyone else out there today, he can make is guitar sound the most expressive for this reason.

As I write my own music, I always try to keep Mr. Trucks in mind…sure, I can’t play the slide like he can…but what matters the most is the expression. How can I show this feeling I’m trying to convey to my listeners? With endless dynamic ability, Derek Trucks will always be one of my favorite musicians because I just get the sense that he’s really connected to something bigger. That’s what music is all about anyways.

Our thanks to Gordy for highlighting an under the radar musician to many of us.

Here’s Leather Cigarette from Gordy Murphy’s debut album, Memory’s Edge:

You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.

Gordy Murphy: Website

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