Known as a humorous, witty and outspoken individual who was deeply influenced by Beat generation guru Jack Kerouac, Murphy has never compromised his music, focusing instead on animated standards, surging originals, sensitive ballads and his characteristic scatting. Consequently Mark Murphy has enjoyed a four decade recording career and is, in essence, the epitome of the hip Jazz vocalist. Respected Jazz critic Dan Morgenstern says of Murphy, "I can't help relishing his sure and swinging time, his musical and ever-inventive phrasing, and that certain quality of sound and feeling combined with time and taste that to me spells Jazz."