Rose Hollow Production - Mature Innocense

By Nancey Kolh Choque Staff Reporter

     You heard it said that if you want something done - and done right - do it yourself. Well that is exactly what one Shasta College student did.
     "I was tired of wailing for the major labels to decide to come down from the mountain top - where the air and brain functions are impaired - to take a look at a really good band, Mature Innocense," Craig Murray said. He is a SC student who has decided to take the future of his music into his own hands.
     Murray is majoring in Music Business / Theory and Composition.
     "I decided to return to college to study business so that I would be able to discuss subjects on the same level as the rest of the business world," Murray said. He is presently being scouted by nine major U.S. labels, four international labels - Japan, Ireland, France and Denmark - and has three industry sponsors.
     Sounds like a real success story; But not without many trials and long hours.
     It's like the Beatles song, "It's a long and winding road...," Murray said, "actually it's more like the bumpy long and winding road from here to Neptune."
     Musicians who have ever aspired to succeed in their profession are well aware of the long hours needed.
     It was nothing to put in 13, 14 hour days, Murray said of the band's beginnings. It has been three years of back breaking schedules, and practices and working to climb that ladder to success. And the group is really only getting started.
     The group, Mature Innocense, is based in Sacramento. Murray commutes twice a week from Redding to do business with his group.
     Mature Innocense has been working on their new release, When You Call, which is being presented at the Cattle club at 9 p.m. (until it's over) Saturday, Oct. 5, in Sacramento.
     The "New View Music Productions" with radio station KWOD 106.5 FM, will feature the CD release of Mature Innocense. Special guests will be ""l love Ethyl," "the Sketch Olives," from Davis, and finally the "Madness of Dean."
     The cost of this event is $6 to $7 for 18 year-olds and older. The address is 7042 Folsom Blvd. (between 65th & Howe) for those who are interested. Or you could call (916) 442-3106 for more information.
     "I began playing in the, fifth grade on the drums Murray, "and I quickly changed to the trumpet." He played that instrument for the next three years then realized that the competition was more than he expected so switched to the euphonium. In his sophomore year he was introduced to Jazz and has played it ever since.
     Presently you can find Murray in the music department; he is involved in Dr. Larry Grandy's jazz band and in Deborah Kendis' vocal jazz group. The music of Mature Innocense is sold locally at Harreids Music (243-7283) in Redding.
     Murray started his own business called EGA Records. He is also a member or the Society of Composers, Inc., and has been received several awards for his involvement in community college honor bands, musicals, and vocal choirs.