Gene Harris And The Philip Morris Superband - Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

Styles: Piano Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:39
Size: 151,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(4:42)  2. Creme De Menthe
(4:25)  3. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(5:31)  4. Love Is Here To Stay
(6:39)  5. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
(6:41)  6. Serious Grease
(4:14)  7. Like A Lover
(5:05)  8. Old Man River
(5:57)  9. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(6:26) 10. Porgy And Bess Medley: Strawberry Woman / I Loves You Porgy / It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:18) 11. You're My Everything
(3:48) 12. There Is No Greater Love
(4:06) 13. Things Ain't What They Used To Be

This CD documents one of the first concerts by Gene Harris' star-studded big band, an orchestra heard at the beginning of an 80-day world tour. Unlike his earlier big band Basie tribute album, Harris is not the only musician to get significant solo space on this set although, due to the overflowing lineup, not enough is heard from everyone. The straightforward arrangements (by John Clayton, Frank Wess, Torrie Zito, Bob Pronk and Lex Jasper) balance swingers with ballads. Among the more memorable tracks are Harry "Sweets" Edison's feature (both muted and open) on "Sleepy Time Down South," a pair of fine vocals apiece by Ernie Andrews and Ernestine Anderson, the roaring "Old Man River" and Harris' interpretation of Erroll Garner's ballad "Creme de Menthe." Toss in short solos from the likes of Ralph Moore, James Morrison (on trombone), Frank Wess, Michael Mossman and baritonist Gary Smulyan and the result is a satisfying, swinging and fairly fresh big band date.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-town-hall-nyc-mw0000202851

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Flute – Frank Wess, Jerry Dodgion;  Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan;  Bass – Ray Brown;  Bass Trombone – Paul Faulise;  Drums – Jeff Hamilton;  Guitar – Herb Ellis;  Piano – Gene Harris;  Tenor Saxophone – Ralph Moore ;  Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – James Moody; Trombone – Eddie Bert, James Morrison, Urbie Green;  Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison, Joe Mosello, Johnny Coles, Michael Philip Mossman;  Vocals – Ernestine Anderson, Ernie Andrews .

Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

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James Morrison - Higher Than Here

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:10
Size: 104,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:17) 1. Demons
(3:39) 2. Stay Like This
(4:16) 3. Heaven To A Fool
(3:51) 4. Right Here
(3:14) 5. Reach Out
(3:43) 6. We Can
(4:16) 7. Too Late For Lullabies
(3:50) 8. Something Right
(3:36) 9. Easy Love
(5:02) 10. I Need You Tonight
(3:17) 11. Just Like A Child
(3:03) 12. Higher Than Here

The album opens with Demons. Very apt and it certainly pays for him getting his demons out of the way in the first track, the pop-auto-tune experimentation is far from the guilty pleasure crooning we are used too. Higher Than Here is Morrison’s 4th studio album, and the first in 4 years. Luckily it doesn’t Stay Like This in the next song and does highlight the fact that he has a great and enjoyable singing voice. The composition here is still quite safe, although that is forgivable after the first track.

Heaven To A Fool immediately catches your attention with a throaty opening of what sounds like a didgeridoo, closely followed by a choral backing that gives the piece a very complete and composed feel. This smooth soul track has a much more individual sound and Morrison’s voice bends itself to it very well. Channelling The Wanted or 1D, the next song takes a bit of a dive until We Can in the middle of the album reels us in again. Sounding like the interlude to Interstellar, the airy, atmospheric ballad may not be for everyone but it is ear-catching and relaxing.

Too Late For Lullabies maintains a strong soul feel, created by well-timed drums and punchy rhythmic lyrics. The verbal imagery may be cliché in places but it is tastefully included and overall creates an enjoyable atmosphere, reminiscent of his old hit Wonderful World. The following track Something Right does just that. It’s listenable, familiar but a little bit vague musically and lyrically.

Easy Love is the penultimate pleasure on the album. Jubilant, busy and raucous, the song has some real passion to it. Listened to through a good sound system, however, you may find the additional electronic fizzes and whirls a bit unnecessary to the mix. Skipping a song to Just Like a Child would have been the perfect album finisher slow, soul searching and sincere. With the acoustic backing not distracting anything from Morrison’s voice and a clear link to an actual event into his life, this song feels the most real on the entire album.

Unfortunately, the album finishes with Higher Than Here which sounds over-written, musically forced and much too obvious. There are moments when you feel like Morrison is actually fighting the supporting musicians for his space on the track, not helped by the background clapping used as an unnecessary signpost for an audience to join in. Morrison is a talented musician and you can hear that, he has a strong following amongst easy listeners and most of this album will please them. https://blog.richersounds.com/album-review-james-morrison/

Higher Than Here

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Ray Brown - Some Of My Best Friends Are ... The Trumpet Players

Styles: Contemporary Jazz, Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:05
Size: 142,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:02) 1. Roy Hargrove / Our Delight
(6:29) 2. Jon Faddis / Bag's Groove
(5:49) 3. James Morrison / I Thought About You
(4:07) 4. Terence Blanchard/I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(5:48) 5. Nicholas Payton / Violets for Your Furs
(3:01) 6. Clark Terry / Itty Bitty Blues
(4:28) 7. Roy Hargrove / Stairway To The Stars
(5:06) 8. Jon Faddis / Original Jones
(4:50) 9. James Morrison / When You Go
(4:21) 10. Nicholas Payton / The Kicker
(5:00) 11. Clark Terry / Clark's Tune (Legacy)
(7:57) 12. Terence Blanchard / Goodbye

In the latest edition of his "Some Of My Best Friends Are..." series, Ray Brown honors the trumpet players as they honor him. Having already musically expressed his friendship with singers, pianists and saxophonists, Brown's next group of honorees will include...trombonists? Drummers? Guitarists? The interesting aspect of Some Of My Best Friends Are...The Trumpet Players is the influence of Dizzy Gillespie. An inspiration to Brown, who first received recognition in Dizzy's group, as well as to jazz trumpeters everywhere, Dizzy's spirit infuses especially the Nicholas Payton, Jon Faddis and Roy Hargrove tracks.

Deeply indebted to Dizzy for spiritual as well as technical guidance, Faddis' work on "Original Jones" is the most obviously referential. As a result, it also is the most thrilling trumpet work, commanding the instrument's extreme upper register and negotiating intervallic leaps with ease. James Morrison, on the other hand, concentrates on a rounder tone that expresses the melodic intent of the tunes, particularly Brown's composition, "When You Go." Roy Hargrove introduces Some Of My Best Friends Are...The Trumpet Players with a confident bop sensibility on "Our Delight," combining a concise voice and clarity of thought.

Nicholas Payton proves that he is moving more and more away toward explorative work on Joe Henderson's "The Kicker," as he did recently on Steve Wilson's CD. Balancing aggressive work with a ballad, as do all of the other trumpeters on their two tunes apiece, Payton plaintively sings through his horn on "Violets For Your Furs," wavering a slight vibrato on the long tones, buzzing ever-so-perceptively on lower notes to balance the sweetness of his sound in the middle register.Terence Blanchard's ballad turns out to be Tadd Dameron's "Goodbye," the famous Benny Goodman closer, while in contrast Blanchard enlivens "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" at greater than twice the tempo of the famous Dorsey version.

And then there's Clark Terry. Being himself. Trading horns on "Clark's Tune." Creating an inimitable opening chorus, and well as solos, on Brown's "Itty Bitty Blues" with the apparent ease of a 30-year-old, although Terry will be 80 years young in two more months. Once again, Ray Brown has assembled a stellar trio. Geoff Keezer remains within the groove of the album, although his recent Zero One CD proves that he can be explorative and unconventional when he leaves the accompanist's role. And drummer Karriem Riggins propels the group with colors and drive without overpowering, as he does to animate Faddis' work on "Original Jones."

Then there's Ray Brown, sturdy and inspirational, establishing the mournful languor of "Bag's Groove" in tribute to Brown's and Faddis' friend, Milt Jackson. Conversing with Faddis, Brown responds to Faddis' groove with elaboration and eloquence. While it seems that Ray Brown makes friends wherever he goes, as his "Friends" albums prove, his circle of friends has widened to encompass his listeners, who no doubt will respond with affection to Some Of My Best Friends Are...The Trumpet Players , yet another estimable album in Brown's estimable series.~AAJ Staffhttps://www.allaboutjazz.com/some-of-my-best-friends-arethe-trumpet-players-ray-brown-telarc-records-review-by-aaj-staff

Personnel: Ray Brown, bass; Geoff Keezer, piano; Karriem Riggins, drums; Terence Blanchard, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, James Morrison, Nicholas Payton, Clark Terry, trumpet

Some Of My Best Friends Are ... The Trumpet Players

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Deni Hines & James Morrison - The Other Woman

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:25
Size: 154,4 MB
Art: Front + Back

(3:29)  1. I Only Have Eyes For You
(5:21)  2. Lady Sings The Blues
(3:04)  3. Too Darn Hot
(4:51)  4. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:45)  5. All The Kings Horses
(3:06)  6. Them There Eyes
(3:34)  7. The Man I Love
(3:25)  8. Summertime
(4:58)  9. The Other Woman
(4:01) 10. Strange Fruit
(5:07) 11. God Bless The Child
(2:54) 12. Wake Up
(3:44) 13. The Very Thought Of You
(3:46) 14. Turn Me On
(6:41) 15. (Tired Of Being) Other Woman
(4:34) 16. Someone To Watch Over Me

The Other Woman; World renowned Jazz artist James Morrison and leading Soul/RNB singer Deni Hines join forces and show off their exceptional, diverse talents with the release of The Other Woman. The Other Woman is a dynamic 16 track album, covering some of the most respected female Jazz artists in history, such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. An unique and dynamic album in every sense, The Other Woman is truly a 'must have' release from two of Australia's most talented artists.  http://www.birdland.com.au/catalogue/category634/p46959

The Other Woman

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Don Burrows, James Morrison - In Good Company

Styles: Flute, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 121:09
Size: 279,6 MB
Art: Front

( 5:57)  1. (You’d Be So) Easy To Love
( 3:46)  2. A Day In The Life Of A Fool (Manhã de Carnaval)
( 3:44)  3. I Fall In Love Too Easily
( 5:13)  4. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone
( 7:29)  5. I Thought About You
( 5:55)  6. The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else)
( 5:05)  7. Teach Me Tonight
( 6:11)  8. What’s New?
( 8:05)  9. Sweet Georgia Brown
( 7:51) 10. Donna Lee
( 8:00) 11. The 6th Variation
( 3:55) 12. Honeysuckle Rose
( 9:40) 13. Lace Embrace
( 3:48) 14. Squeeze Me
(12:10) 15. Basin Street Blues
( 7:12) 16. There Will Never Be Another You
(10:48) 17. Satin Doll
( 6:11) 18. Essa Cara

James’s latest release “In Good Company” with Don Burrows has remained in the Top 10 of the Aria Jazz Charts since its debut at No 2. After 10 weeks, fans still can’t get enough of this landmark recording. Don Burrows, widely regarded as the Father of Australian Jazz, recently retired from live appearances after a stellar career at the forefront of world jazz for more than 60 years and its fitting that his last recording should be with his protege, James Morrison. As James says “Don has many great sayings but one struck me the most Don loved playing with other people and he said ‘You’re only as good as the company you keep’. In his company, I’ve been at my best.” http://www.jamesmorrison.com/latest-news/in-good-company-with-don-burrows/

Personnel: Don Burrows (alto flute/clarinet/alto saxophone), Morrison (trombone/bass trumpet/trumpet), Phil Stack (acoustic bass) and a range of excellent ensembles.

In Good Company

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Lalo Schifrin - Jazz Meets The Symphony 6 - Kaleidoscope

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:12
Size: 157,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. Paraphrase
(5:53)  2. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
(9:14)  3. Jazzette
(9:21)  4. Peanut Vendor
(5:05)  5. Pavane
(8:41)  6. To Be Or Not To Bop
(6:42)  7. El Salon Mexico
(3:59)  8. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue
(5:10)  9. Prelude No. 2
(6:51) 10. The Cincinnati Kid

"Schifrin has scored so many movies that he can probably come up with luminous orchestral textures and ear-tingling timbral effects in his sleep." ~ JazzTimes 

"The immovable objects of symphony orchestra and jazz group are getting more closely in sync, thanks to the irresistible forces of Schifrin's long experience in both camps and his own luscious personal orchestral signatures." ~ All Music Guide 

The latest edition in the Grammy-nominated series featuring new works by Lalo Schifrin. From the outset, Jazz Meets the Symphony testified to Schifrin's sparkling vision as well as his genius, and this sixth incarnation offers newly resplendent proof of both. 

From France to South America via New York and Mexico, from ballet to film via chamber music and bop, Kaleidoscope recorded in the Sydney Opera House is "jazz symphonic" at its finest. https://www.amazon.com.br/Kaleidoscope-Jazz-Meets-Symphony-6/dp/B000AAF1UY

Personnel: Lalo Schifrin (piano, composer);  James Morrison (trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone);  Christian McBride (acoustic bass);  Gordon Rytmeister (drums);  Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Jazz Meets The Symphony 6 - Kaleidoscope

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James Morrison & Patti Austin - Ella And Louis

Styles: Vocal And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 86:06
Size: 198,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:31)  1. Hello, Dolly!
(6:11)  2. (Up A) Lazy River
(3:28)  3. Too Close For Comfort
(5:21)  4. Let’s Do It
(4:46)  5. (If You Can’t Sing It) You’ll Have To Swing It (Mr Paganini)

(5:30)  6. Our Love Is Here To Stay
(2:56)  7. A Tisket, A Tasket
(2:26)  8. Satin Doll
(3:54)  9. Lullaby Of Birdland
(4:29) 10. Basin Street Blues
(5:08) 11. Miss Otis Regrets
(2:58) 12. Hard-Hearted Hannah (The Vamp of Savannah)
(4:30) 13. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:25) 14. I’ve Got The World On A String
(6:41) 15. Struttin’ With Some BBQ
(4:50) 16. But Not For Me
(3:48) 17. Mack The Knife
(4:58) 18. How High The Moon
(6:07) 19. Get Happy

James Morrison is a man indebted to jazz’s past and committed to preserving its future. Next month the 54-year-old trumpet virtuoso will team up with American singer Patti Austin in a tribute to jazz giants Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.The concert will put Morrison and Austin together with the WASO Big Band Horns. Morrison said it was hearing Armstrong play Basin Street Blues as a seven-year-old that set him on his way. “Hearing him was what made me want to be a jazz musician,” Morrison said. “The feel of that music I said ‘That’s that I want to do’.” The concert with Austin marks 100 years since the birth of acclaimed singer Ella Fitzgerald. “We’re doing this tribute to Ella and Louis, two of the greats, but Patti is one of the greats herself,” Morrison said.

“She’s a Grammy Award-winning artist.” Once a wunderkind of Australian jazz, Morrison is now bridging generations. His two sons, bassist Harry (19) and guitarist William (21), are part of his touring band. “Playing with younger musicians is a great tradition in jazz,” he said. https://www.communitynews.com.au/eastern-reporter/lifestyle/james-morrison-celebrates-ella-and-louis-with-patti-austin-and-waso/

Ella And Louis

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Jools Holland - The Golden Age Of Song

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:16
Size: 133.4 MB
Styles: Jazz/Pop/Rock vocals
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:15] 1. Something's Got A Hold On Me (With Paloma Faith)
[3:40] 2. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
[2:36] 3. Lovin' Machine
[4:17] 4. Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (With Joss Stone)
[3:01] 5. Get Here (With Jessie J.)
[3:53] 6. A Place In The Sun (With James Morrison)
[4:07] 7. Don't Go To Strangers (With Amy Winehouse, Paul Weller)
[3:34] 8. And That Ain't Good (With Mick Hucknall)
[3:37] 9. My Baby Just Cares For Me (With Florence Welch)
[3:13] 10. Mad About The Boy (With Caro Emerald)
[3:35] 11. I'll Sail My Ship Alone (With Tom Jones)
[2:56] 12. Reet Petite (With Cee Lo Green)
[3:11] 13. Sweet Country Love Song (With Gregory Porter)
[3:09] 14. September In The Rain (With Paul Weller)
[2:54] 15. The Lady Is A Tramp (With Lily Rose Cooper)
[3:30] 16. Get Away Jordan (With Ruby Turner)
[3:41] 17. When You're Smiling The Whole World Smiles With You

2012 release from the musician and entertainment personality. It's true to say that Jools Holland has become a national treasure, and The Golden Age Of Song is the perfect way to celebrate not only Jools' on-going musical odyssey but also an amazing 20 years of Later. The album features a who's who of contemporary artists, with everyone from Cee Lo Green and James Morrison to Paloma Faith and Lily Rose Cooper (nee Allen). The songs are instantly recognisable and have become staples of any discerning music lover from the last 50 years. Tracks include Nina Simone's 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' as performed by Florence Welch, as well as Lily Rose Cooper's take on The Lady Is A Tramp, and Get Here originally by Oleta Adam as sung by Jessie J. The tracks are a combination of brand new exclusive tracks recorded specifically for this album, along with a smattering of re-mixed tracks from Jools' New Year's Eve favourite, 'The Hootenanny'.

The Golden Age Of Song mc
The Golden Age Of Song zippy

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James Morrison - Snappy Doo

Styles: Trumpet And Trombone Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:49
Size: 121,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:42)  1. You Are My Sunshine
(4:17)  2. Le Belleclaire Blues
(5:12)  3. But Beautiful
(3:53)  4. Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)
(3:25)  5. A Brush With Bunj
(4:41)  6. The Shadow of Your Smile
(2:44)  7. Snappy Doo
(5:58)  8. Autumn Leaves
(6:39)  9. The Old Rugged Cross
(4:42) 10. Jitterbug Waltz
(4:31) 11. Zander

This is an impressive outing. James Morrison, who is equally skilled on trumpet and trombone (exhibiting wide ranges, a skill at improvising in a personal bop style, and a witty sense of humor), creates his own big band on six selections, augmenting his main axes by overdubbing on euphonium, alto, tenor, baritone, and piano while joined by guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Jeff Hamilton. In addition, Morrison's arrangement of "Le Belleclarie Blues" shows off his writing talents. The wide variety of music (mixing together standards and originals) makes for a very colorful set, and Morrison displays his own personality on each of his many axes. Working within the tradition, James Morrison is heard finding his own unique niche. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/snappy-doo-mw0000310712

Personnel:  Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Euphonium – James Morrison;  Bass – Ray Brown;  Drums – Jeff Hamilton;  Guitar – Herb Ellis

Snappy Doo

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James Morrison - The Great American Songbook

Size: 161,1 MB
Time: 69:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. They Can't Take That Away From Me (6:22)
02. The Way You Look Tonight (4:41)
03. A Time For Love (7:29)
04. Our Love Is Here To Stay (5:30)
05. Love Is A Many-Splendoured Thing (3:55)
06. I've Got The World On A String (5:43)
07. Tenderly (7:23)
08. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) (2:35)
09. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye (5:17)
10. My Funny Valentine (5:46)
11. The Shadow Of Your Smile (6:00)
12. Summertime (5:04)
13. A Foggy Day (In London Town) (3:27)

Jazz great James Morrison returns with an essential new album: timeless hits from The Great American Songbook, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London with the BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart.

Performing on a range of instruments (including trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, tenor sax and piano), Morrison brings his trademark virtuosity and flair to classics by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern and more. These tunes were originally made famous by many of the great singers of all time; for this album, Morrison especially commissioned arrangements that bring alive the melodies, styles and meanings that have made these songs so immortal and beloved.

These jazz ‘standards’ are close to Morrison’s heart: “I proposed to my wife by walking into the bathroom playing My Funny Valentine, Every Time We Say Goodbye was played at the funeral of a dear friend, Summertime was the first time I worked with a singer, A Foggy Day was the first song I performed in public on the piano (aged 10), and of course Duke Ellington answered the unanswerable question ‘what is jazz’? (It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing).”

James Morrison is regarded as one of the finest musicians of his generation, with a distinguished career featuring collaborations with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles, invitations to perform at the world’s great venues and for multiple US presidents and Queen Elizabeth II, and pioneering education work.

The Great American Songbook

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James Morrison & Marian Petrescu - A Fine Bromance

Styles: Trumpet And Piano Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:59
Size: 183,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. My Romance
(9:54)  2. On The Trail
(6:55)  3. The Man I Love
(7:22)  4. Gentle Rain
(9:59)  5. In A Mellow Tone
(4:57)  6. A Fine Romance
(8:11)  7. If You Never Come To Me
(9:32)  8. Body And Soul
(5:30)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(6:06) 10. What Is This Thing Called Love

A natural musician able to play many instruments in numerous styles, James Morrison has made a strong impression every time he has played in the United States. Born into a musical family, Morrison began on the cornet when he was seven and was soon also playing trombone, tuba, and euphonium. Within a few years, he was also playing alto sax and leading a Dixieland band. He worked steadily as a teenager and at the age of 18 joined Don Burrows' quintet, touring Australia and the Far East. In 1987, he visited the U.S. as a member of Red Rodney's group and was soon a popular fixture on the European jazz festival circuit. Two years later, a pair of his albums (Postcards From Down Under and Swiss Encounter) were released on Atlantic at the same time in the U.S., and he toured with Gene Harris' Philip Morris Superband as a trombonist. 

To show off his versatility, on his 1991 album Snappy Doo (which also includes a rhythm section), Morrison overdubbed himself on four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, and piano. In addition to playing music (he has the ability to trade fours with himself on trumpet and trombone), James Morrison does stunt flying, climbs mountains, and drives a racing car. ~ Scott Yanow  https://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/james-morrison/id263793377#fullText

A Fine Bromance

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James Morrison - Snappy Too

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:53
Size: 155,8 MB
Art: Front

( 5:43)  1. All of Me
( 6:35)  2. The Master Plan
( 6:11)  3. Getting Sentimental Over You
( 6:53)  4. The Call
( 7:25)  5. No Regret
( 4:24)  6. Zog's Jog
( 4:20)  7. Sad Blues
( 5:27)  8. Up a Lazy River
( 4:14)  9. Some Day My Prince Will Come
(12:05) 10. Going Home, Pt. 1
( 4:31) 11. Going Home, Pt. 2

The first question that arises about Snappy Too, the latest mind-blowing enterprise by Aussie James Morrison, is how is it to be filed: under "big band" or "duo"? The fact is, the album is both, as the personnel consists of Jeff Hamilton on drums and Morrison on everything else, from brass to reeds, bass to piano, even guitar, bass trumpet and banjo. That's no misprint. Morrison, the jazz world's consummate do-it-yourself enthusiast (not to mention musical genius), produced a similarly phenomenal album, Snappy Doo, more than twenty years before this one was conceived. He had more help the first time around with Hamilton, guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown comprising the rhythm section. As Ellis and Brown have since passed on, Morrison decided they couldn't be replaced, so he simply "brushed up his chops" and added guitar and bass to his ever-growing repertoire. What's next? Harmonica? Accordion? Conch shells? (Watch out, Steve Turre; he may be coming for you!)

Besides performing (brilliantly) throughout, Morrison wrote seven of the eleven numbers on Snappy Too and arranged everything save the standard "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," on which his Tommy Dorsey-inspired trombone enhances Evan Lohning's lustrous chart. Morrison departs twice from the big-band format, on "Sad Blues" (scored for a traditional six-piece Dixieland ensemble) and "Someday My Prince Will Come" (a "duet" for guitar and bass trumpet). For those who believe no one person should embody that much talent, it is our sad duty to report that Morrison writes and arranges about as well as he plays, which is impeccably on every instrument. While he stops short of singing, it's not hard to envision his causing Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr. or Michael Buble some sleepless nights. He's that good at everything he does.

Lest there be any inclination to dismiss Snappy Too as no more than a "gimmick," it should be clearly noted that Morrison not only plays every instrument except drums, he plays them without exception, singly or in unison about as well as anyone on the planet. Not to belabor the point, but the man is beyond any question an unrivaled virtuoso. As to how the album was meticulously put together, Morrison writes: "We started most charts with a 'click' or 'guide' track and I put down the lead trumpet first. The reason . . . is that when you play live with a big band, everyone listens to the lead trumpet (or they should) so I needed that first to 'hang' everything else from. It's the hardest gig I've ever done on lead trumpet playing with no band and having to play as though you are leading another fifteen musicians who aren't there yet . . . "After the first trumpet I added the rest of the section, then moved on to saxophones, lead alto first. Then came the 'bones and on to the rhythm section. I went with the bass first, then guitar, piano and finally took the whole thing to Los Angeles to record Jeff on drums. . . . The way the drummer plays, both time and dynamics normally [have] a huge effect on the band. Jeff is used to having this effect as he plays and 'drives' the band. It was a new experience to have to sound like that whilst actually playing along to what was already there. Of course he did a superb job and made it look easy. The very last things to go down were the improvised solos. Some of these I did 'live' when Jeff was putting down the drums, and some were done back at my studios in Sydney." Central to the process, Morrison points out, was recording engineer Tod Deeley, "a musical magician who seems to know instinctively what I need when capturing music."

Speaking of the music, it begins with a bravura version of the standard "All of Me" (seductive Armstrong-like trumpet solo by you-know-who following a clever "trad" intro that sounds like it was lifted from an old 78rpm recording), Morrison's charming "Master Plan" (tenor sax, bass solos) and "Getting Sentimental." Another Morrison original, "The Call," is a mid-tempo blues for his eloquent trumpet, the easygoing "No Regret" a showcase for his equally evocative soprano sax and flugelhorn. The bright, fast-moving "Zog's Jog," yet another highlight, lends Hamilton a brief solo spot along with trumpet and trombone, which re-emerge in a more archival vein on the suitably heavy-hearted "Sad Blues." Morrison excels on baritone sax and trumpet on "Up a Lazy River," on guitar and bass trumpet (sans rhythm) on "My Prince." The album closes as it began, with Morrison in superior form on his impassioned two-part Gospel anthem, "Going Home," wherein he channels trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and pianist Oscar Peterson. Playing one or two instruments well is remarkable enough; playing almost all of them flawlessly is akin to superhuman. To the best of our knowledge only one other musician, Bill Prince, has recorded an album (Happy Thoughts) on which he plays everything but drums. Prince's album is splendid, Morrison's even more so. When the Grammy electors cast their votes this year they may have to reserve two statues for Morrison, one for Best Large Ensemble, the other for Best Small Group. Either one (or both) would clearly be well-deserved. ~ Jack Bowers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/james-morrison-tall-and-small-millennium-jazz-orchestra-by-jack-bowers.php?&pg=1

Personnel: James Morrison: composer, arranger, trumpet, flugelhorn, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, trombone, bass trombone, piano, guitar, banjo, bass. Jeff Hamilton: drums.

Snappy Too

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James Morrison Trio - Three's Company

Size: 138,5 MB
Time: 59:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz: Trumpet Jazz
Art: Front

01. I've Never Been In Love Before (4:52)
02. I'll Remember April (6:22)
03. The Way You Look Tonight (6:51)
04. Air (Bach) (5:17)
05. Every Time We Say Goodbye (6:02)
06. Greensleeves (5:50)
07. In Your Own Sweet Way (6:57)
08. My One And Only Love (6:41)
09. Prelude (Chopin) (4:14)
10. Blue Bolivar Blues (6:29)

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays piano, all the brass, saxophones, and double bass.

At the age of six he began on piano, at seven, he was given his first brass instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly. At only age sixteen James debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Following this were performances at the major festivals of Europe including Montreux, Pori and the North Sea, playing with many of the legends of jazz; Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. There were also gigs in the world’s most famous jazz clubs – The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris, The Tokyo Blue Note and Ronnie Scotts in London.

Now 51, James Morrison’s career thus far has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians. He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne. Royal command performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. James has also performed his own ‘Concerto for Euphonium’ with the Tonkünstler Orchestra at the Muskverein in Vienna.

Other highlights include performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Bill Cosby’s All Stars and Dave Brubeck and guesting with artists as diverse as Phil Collins, Chaka Khan and rock legends INXS. In 2000 James composed and performed the opening fanfare for the Olympic Games in Sydney.

James was also the artistic advisor to the Sydney Symphony’s “Kaleidoscope” series, which has included performances by Chick Corea, Dianne Reeves, Gary Burton and Kristjan Jarvi.

James spends much time in education, doing master classes and workshops all over the world and presenting the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship at Generations in Jazz.

When not writing film scores, composing or being patron of several youth orchestras, James relaxes in some fairly unconventional ways for a musician – flying his private plane or driving in a rally championship. His love of cars is well known, as he was a host on the TV program Top Gear Australia.

In 2012 James was appointed Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival, a State-wide music initiative whose vision is to “transform lives through unforgettable musical experiences.”

In 2013 James conducted the World’s Largest Orchestra, breaking a Guinness World Record with 7,224 musicians at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

In 2014 James presented ‘A Tribute to Oscar Peterson’ at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations.

James has been recognized for his service to the arts in Australia by being awarded a medal of The Order of Australia by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with particular mention of his contribution to music education. He is a Doctor of the University at Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has received a Doctor of Music from the Edith Cowan University Western Australia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia and Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow.

The latest chapter in his diverse career sees James in Mount Gambier, South Australia, establishing the James Morrison Academy of Music, an innovative school dedicated to teaching jazz and offering an Associate Degree in Music. This exciting initiative involves educators from all over the world, transforming young musicians’ lives with inspiration and a love of jazz.

With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that James Morrison must have done just about everything he could want to do – but not so…

When asked, “What is there left to do?” James’ reply is typically “This is just the warm up!”

Three's Company

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James Morrison - Quartet

Size: 146,0 MB
Time: 62:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1998
Styles: Jazz: Bop, Swing
Art: Front

01. S'wonderful (3:13)
02. Fugue (4:35)
03. All I Need Is A Girl (4:51)
04. If You Never Come To Me (4:42)
05. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (4:57)
06. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:24)
07. They Can't Take That Away From Me (5:12)
08. The Nearness Of You (5:54)
09. One Note Samba (3:37)
10. St Louis Blues (7:33)
11. Misty (6:16)
12. Along The Road To Gundagai (8:33)

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word.

Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones, double bass and piano.

At the age of seven, he was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly. At only age 16 James debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Following this were performances at the big festivals in Europe including Montreaux, Pori, North Sea, Nice and Bern - playing with many of the legends of jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ray Brown and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. There were also gigs in the worlds most famous jazz clubs - The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris and Ronnie Scotts in London.

Now 51, James Morrison’s career thus far has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians. He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne. Royal command performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. In 1997, James was recognized for his service to the arts in Australia and awarded a medal of The Order of Australia...

Quartet

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