[Dixielandjazz] About James Morrison & A Great Album

[BillSargentDrums at aol.com]

James Morrison
Born:Nov. 11, 1962 in  Australia 
Years Active: 1980s, 1990s 
 
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.
- by by Scott Yanow - All Music Guide
 
 
"Snappy Doo"
 
You Are My Sunshine 
Le Belleclaire Blues 
But Beautiful 
Chega De Saudade (No More Blues) 
A Brush With A Buni 
The Shadow Of Your Smile 
Snappy Doo 
Autumn Leaves 
The Old Rugged Cross 
Jitterbug Waltz 
Zander 
 
 
Review of "Snappy Doo" by Scott Yanow - All Music Guide
 
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.