24 Artscene · FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009 A novel idea BOOK ART: A woman enjoys History of Art, 2007, a multimedia installation by Adam David Brown, during the Novel Ideas exhibition opening at Centennial Square, 120 Navy St. The exhibit runs until May 31. A second show, Michelle Gay's Interfaces and Operating Systems, runs until June 5 at Gairloch Gardens, 1306 Lakeshore Rd. E. MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Pianist takes home award for work with late great Jeff Healey By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Awards aren't the most important aspect of the music industry, according to Dave Murphy. Although the Oakville pianist and singer recently took home a 2009 Maple Blues Award, it was the circumstances around the recognition that mattered most to him. The honour of Keyboard Player of The Year was bestowed on Murphy for his work on Jeff Healey's final album, Mess of Blues. Having the chance to record with Healey on the project is what Murphy will remember. The award is icing on the cake. "The whole point of winning was that I could say some words about Jeff (at the awards ceremony)," he said. "I talked about what an honour it was to play with him, about the record he made when he was terminally ill and how amazing it was the record got made at all, and how courageous he was to get it done. I also talked about his commitment to music and his generosity to his fellow musicians." Murphy started working with the late Healey in 2003. After a gig with the legendary Toronto blues guitarist, he was hired as the leader of Healey's house band. Murphy enjoyed weekly performances with Healey and the gang in Toronto, as well as additional shows across North America and Europe. It was a dream come true for the key- Dave Murphy boardist, who had contacted Healey several years before requesting to play with the music legend. "Many years previous, like in the early '90s, I actually sent Jeff a letter in braille saying, `You should get me to play in your band,'" he said. "But this was long forgotten by the time I actually joined his band much later on. I asked him about the letter and he had a vague memory, but it was in the midst of his greatest stardom and I don't think he remembered it." Murphy said Healey often let him take lead to be played. Murphy started tinkling the vocals during the weekly gigs at Jeff Healey's ivories around age six, and was soon enrolled in lessons. He started playing in bands when Roadhouse. Healey also gave Murphy the opportunity he was in high school. "No one played it, but because it was there, to shine with his own track called It's Only I ended up learning to play piano," he said. "I Money on Mess of Blues. "On his final record, he actually had myself started with classical music, but as soon as I and another fellow in the band record a song started playing in bands, I sort of dropped clasourselves, which is almost unprecedented and sical music." Murphy pursued a degree in philosophy it shows his generosity towards the band with a minor in music at leader," he said. "It is an original composition by me." the University of Toronto, "The whole point of winning but he soon came to realThe Maple Blues Award was that I could say some ize that music was his was Murphy's first award. calling. The winners of the awards words about Jeff (at the "At times, I had plans are determined by blues fans awards ceremony)." to get a `real job', but at casting their votes online. the end of the day, nothMurphy said the album Dave Murphy ing seemed to be as fun," and subsequent award would Maple Blues Awards he said. not have been possible with- Keyboard Player of the Year Murphy has recently out the unconditional love and support of his wife, Jennifer Paziuk, and returned to his musical roots. He has been their three children, Madison, 14, Natalie, 6, studying classical piano with local teacher and Mark, 4. Susan Mander for the past four years. "She (Jennifer) had all of our friends and Although the Healey House Band disbandcolleagues in Oakville vote for me, and I was ed shortly after Healey's death in March 2008, incredibly appreciative of her and them for Murphy stays busy with the Dave Murphy doing that," he said. "It's never an easy thing Band, which has been around since 1993. being in a family with a musician. The hours Murphy serves as the group's lead vocalist and and the travel are unorthodox, so I couldn't do keyboardist. it without their support." "We do play all sorts of music, but we parMurphy is your above-average musician ticularly love funk, rock, blues, R&B and from average beginnings. His Toronto child- soul," he said. See Murphy page 26 hood home had a lonely piano that was aching