James Murphy: Maid behind the Bar (reel)

This week's disc features accordionist James Murphy on the well-traveled reel, The Maid behind the Bar, recorded in 1920. Murphy was a popular accordion player in New York during the early 1920s. According to articles in the Irish Advocate, he recorded and performed frequently, as well as being a member of the Shamrock Four along with Joe Garry, Joe Flanagan, and Eddie King. Murphy also joined the police force between 1925 and 1927 (it's hard to discern the year on the article), and the Advocate notes "The New York Police Department has in its ranks at present two of the best Irish accordion players in James Murphy and Frank Quinn."

Released on the Columbia label (E4792). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-202.