Conversation Starter Willie Morris

• 1 Tina's Dream 06:37
• 2 St. Upton Hin 04:16
• 3 Cries 05:33
• 4 It Is Well With My Soul 04:27
• 5 The Strength Of Those Who Bear The Burden 06:16
• 6 Keep Talking 07:53
• 7 Introspective 04:42
• 8 Isotope 05:26
• 9 Azar 06:30
• 10 Conversation Starter 04:02
• Total Runtime 55:42

Info for Conversation Starter

A definite conversation starter from tenorist Willie Morris – a rich-voiced player who steps out here in a set of mostly original material that really knocks things out of the park! Willie's got this way of wrapping his horn next to the alto of Patrick Cornelius – as the pair move things past conventional hard-bop, maybe in the way that Hank Mobley or Lee Morgan were doing at Blue Note near the end of the 60s, but with a more conventional vibe as well – one that picks up plenty of energy from the rest of the group – Jon Davis on piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, and Ej Strickland on drums! There's a soaring, soulful quality to the whole thing that's wonderful – a shining moment from a leader we'll be watching in years to come – served up on titles that include "Keep Talking", "Azar", "Tina's Dream", "St Upton Hin", and "Cries", and "The Strength Of Those Who Bear The Burden"

Willie Morris, tenor saxophone
Patrick Cornelius, alto saxophone, alto flute on track 2
Jon Davis, piano
Adi Meyerson, bass
EJ Strickland, drums

Willie Morris
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of St. Louis, saxophonist and composer Willie Morris emerges as a fresh and exciting force on the jazz scene. With a deep-rooted appreciation for the Black-American art forms that have flourished in his city, he brings a dynamic and unique perspective to his craft.

In this early stage of his career, Willie has already been blessed with remarkable opportunities that have allowed him to perform and record alongside a distinguished lineup of artists. Collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Jason Marsalis, Montez Coleman, Josh Lawrence, Donald Edwards, Boris Kozlov, Rudy Royston, and Art Hirahara, among others, Willie has had the privilege of immersing himself in diverse musical settings that have expanded his artistic horizons.

A testament to his extraordinary talent, Willie's debut album, "Conversation Starter" (Posi- Tone 2023), serves as a platform for showcasing his exceptional abilities. Teaming up with an exceptional band consisting of Patrick Cornelius, Jon Davis, Adi Meyerson, and EJ Strickland, the album embodies the depth and range of Willie's musical prowess. Through his soulful saxophone melodies and innovative compositions, Willie delivers a captivating listening experience that resonates with audiences on a profound level.

This album contains no booklet.