It’s every musician’s dream, and Al Murphy is living it.

In fact, other than serving for a year in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War, playing fiddle is really the only job Murphy has ever had.

“I went to school at the university here for a couple years, and I had a little part-time job,” Murphy said. “But that’s about it.”

For more than 40 years, Murphy has made a living playing the fiddle. His music styles include bluegrass, Western swing and old-time country music. He’s played with bluegrass great Kenny Baker, local singer/songwriter legend Greg Brown and the Mike and Amy Finders Band. Not to mention one of the best banjo pickers ever, Bob Black.

“One thing that keeps me fresh is playing with younger people like Mike and Amy Finders, for instance,” Murphy said. “They’re young enough to be my kids — if I had kids.”

Although the fiddle is his strong suit, Murphy started on the guitar. His uncle played the fiddle and the two would jam, Murphy said.

Eventually, Murphy picked up the fiddle, but still counts guitar and mandolin among his instruments. He can play them all without reading a lick of music.

“The first time I ever heard a fiddle, I was really taken by it. I wouldn’t say it’s probably the easiest instrument to start out on, but, I don’t know, I just love the music,” Murphy said. “It’s a limitless kind of instrument — what you can do with one, the kind of music you can play on one.”

For the past couple of years, Murphy has fiddled at The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., every Wednesday night. His wife, Aleta Porcella, plays bass.

Truth be told, Murphy does have a job outside of fiddle gigs. He gives violin lessons. His wife also has a day job to help pay the bills.

“It’s been slim pickings at times,” Murphy said. “My wife, she works so I don’t think we’d be paying quite as many bills if it were just me … but she manages to do both.”

— Mike McWilliams

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