Scott Murphy

Scott Murphy is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), he studied under the tutelage of Scottish saxophone icon Professor Tommy Smith, as well as Julian Arguelles, Paul Towndrow, and Konrad Wiszniewski. During his formative years, Murphy served as the lead tenor saxophonist for the internationally acclaimed Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra (TSYJO). Throughout his career, he has performed alongside world-renowned musicians including Randy Brecker, Arild Andersen, and Bill Evans, as well as prominent UK artists like Alyn Cosker, Jacqui Dankworth, and Steve Hamilton. Since relocating to Hong Kong, Murphy has become a highly in-demand figure in the local jazz scene, known for his deep technical proficiency and emotional connection with audiences. He is a key member of the Bowen Li Quintet, contributing to projects such as the "Story of Bebop" performance workshop series, and is a regular member of Tjoe Man Cheung’s #NTBM and the Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra. He frequently performs at venues such as Fountain de Chopin (翻騰三周半) and has collaborated with local artists including Rachel Sung, Nelson Fung, and Dean Li. His discography includes the acclaimed 2024 solo recording "a dream of form," which features a world-class quartet including Janek Gwizdala, Daniel Chu, and Padget Fresh Nanton. Beyond jazz, Scott is a versatile musician across styles including Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Ska, and Classical. In addition to his performance career, Murphy is a dedicated educator, serving as the woodwind specialist at Harrow International School in Hong Kong. He has previously served as an instrumental tutor for the BBC Big Band at the Lockerbie Jazz Festival, a specialist jazz tutor with SYJO for East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Councils, and an International Educator at the Art Jazz Cooperative Festival in Ukraine.