Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Murtaugh hails from Southern New Jersey, USA. He has been the bassist for The Poet-Lariats (David Scott Smith) from Philadelphia for several decades and is credited for his work on "Just Passin' Thru" (i.e records #007). He has also led his own 3-piece power pop band Mike James which featured highly creative interpretations of "one-hit wonders" featuring Jim's vocals, lead guitar and alternate arrangement skills. Jim was the guitarist and leader of the band TODD, a four-piece unit which rose from the ashes of Mike James in addition to working actively with The Poet-Lariats.

With the release of TOPSY, Murtaugh realizes a career-long fascination with the production values of such recording giants as Phil Spector and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Layered with natural doubling as an effect in and of itself and using the studio as an instrument, one can hear that this work could not have been done any other way- even upon a casual listening. Combined with thoughtful lyrics and skillful arrangements across several diverse musical genres, it is a remarkable body of work.

Currently, Jim continues recording songs co-producing with Mitch Kricun in his South Jersey studio. Beyond “TOPSY”, these are released as videos produced by David Scott Smith/PHL as singles, available to watch on You Tube as well as accessible from this site.