“Meg and I have been working together since around 1996,” Miller says. “It’s a ball to be able to play music with one of my closest friends who is also an amazing singer and performer, not to mention the fact that she plays a mean tambourine.”
Miller, on the other hand, attributes her musical expansion to Murray’s guidance. When describing her addition of jazz standards into her set lists, she says, “Meg is the one who first encouraged me to go in that musical direction and I’m really glad I did.” Still, Murray refuses to take all the credit. When speaking about their duo’s success, she stresses that theirs is a collaborative effort. “The ability of an artist to work with friends and people you respect and trust creates a tremendous amount of room for growth, experimentation and fun. Angie is that person for me—to tell me what is cool, what needs work and to encourage me, and to tell me ‘you are not gonna wear that shirt.’” And, in a moment of special graciousness, Murray adds, “Angie is also a very good guitar/music teacher, but shhh—don’t tell her I said that.”
For both Murray and Miller, playing music is a cathartic experience. Although Miller’s current interest lies in telling stories through her songs, her early work focused on her inner life.
“Most of my writing was a reflection of what I was experiencing personally,” she says. Murray describes her songwriting as therapeutic. But, she believes that playing with others is even more beneficial. “I find I am now more interested in the shared experience of a gig, the songs we play and the audience—the fun, the humor, and the excuse to get a babysitter.”
Miller and Murray have long lists of influences. Among Miller’s are artists on her mom’s records—musicians like the Beatles, the Jackson 5, and the Supremes. Murray also attributes her first inspiration to her parents, saying that their favorite artists—among whom are Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Emmylou Harris—probably had an influence. But, true to form, she adds that the people that she’s worked with have been as much of an influence as any of the music to which she’s listened. “Being on stage with talented players helps make you a better musician,” she says.
Miller and Murray have a couple of shows coming up in February. You can catch them at Heroes Pub in Annapolis at 9 p.m. on the 3rd and at Leaky Pete’s in Cambridge on the 17th at 8 p.m. From here, “I just want to keep playing, writing, and recording. I feel blessed to be able making a living doing something that I love,” says Miller, adding, “I also like being an independent artist—running my own business on my own terms. I’ve always seen that as one of the serious perks to this job. And, I get to work with a lot of amazing artists.” Murray replies: “Amen, sister.”
To find out more about Miller and Murray, visit either of their websites: Angiemiller.com and Megmurray.com. Be sure to stay on the lookout for their solo gigs—the 9th at O’Loughlin’s in Arnold, and the 23rd at The Rockfish in Annapolis for Miller and Murray and their performances as part of other duos. Murray plays in Heroes Pub every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. with her longtime partner Bryan Ewald, and Miller performs in a Jazz Duo with either Jim Cunningham or Michael Raitzyk on guitar.r
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A selection of notable artists playing area venues:
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2/2 Quincey Mumford & The Reason Why at NightCat, Easton.
Everything under the sun: surf, reggae, pop, funk, rock
2/3 Charlie Mars at Night Cat, Easton.
Solo rocker returns to Night Cat with a new album in the wings
2/4 Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at Rams Head.
Live, Baltimore. Annapolis’ own reunite for a night of groove rock
2/5 Pyxis Piano Quartet at Mainstay, Rock Hall
Performing classic and contemporary materpieces
2/7 George Clinton & P Funk at 9:30 Club, D.C.
Granddaddy of space funk returns to this fave venue
2/8 Six String Girls at Maryland Hall, Annapolis.
Featuring Ruthie Logsdon, Patty Reese, and Jennifer Van Meter
2/8–9 Todd Snider at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis.
Can’t-miss roots rock, blues troubadour
2/10 Zoso at Avalon Theatre, Easton
Led Zeppelin tribute band plays the hits to a T
2/11 Ryful at Avalon Theatre, Easton
Mid-Shore up-and-comers play rock/blues/alternative
2/11 Clones of Funk w/ Mike McHenry Tribe at The Whiskey, Annapolis.
Two longtime regional favorites, one pure funk, the other classic rock, both a party
2/12 Allen Stone at 8x10 Club, Baltimore.
West Coast soul, folk, groove rock crooner
2/15 Damon Fowler Group at Night Cat, Easton.
One of the hottest up-and-coming blues guitarists (traditional, slide, do-bro, lap-steel)
2/17–18 Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at Maryland Hall, Annapolis.
Performing Debussy, Ginastera, and Brahms
2/17 They Might Be Giants at Rams Head Live, Baltimore.
Popular alt-rock band is back with a new album to boot
2/17 Vance Gilbert at Avalon Theatre, Easton
Impressive folk rock vocalist/guitarist
2/18 The Crawdaddies Mardi Gras Party at Avalon Theatre, Easton
Celebrate Nawlins-style at the Avalon with regional roots/rock/zydeco/cajun faves
2/18 Johnny Neel & Joshua Woodard at NightCat, Easton
Neel is a Nashville singer/songwriter/pianist who's written a number of tunes for industry great like the Allman Brothers and O.A.R.
2/20 John Mayall at Avalon Theatre, Easton
Legendary British blues guitarist
2/22 Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis.
Powerful and enduring large-scale African vocal group
2/24 Dr. Ralph Stanley at Avalon Theatre, Easton.
Godfather of banjo pickin’ bluegrass
2/27 Hot Tuna at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis.
Jorma and Jack are back at one of their fave venues
