“With hauntingly atmospheric modal grooves, tender, reflective ballads and invigorating, angular free bop, Morris's singular talents as a guitarist have never been more evident," wrote AllAboutJazz.com's Troy Collins in his review of Beautiful Existence. “Operating conceptually outside of current trends, the quartet eschews electronics, sampling and postmodern structures, opting instead for a stripped-down, classic but free-leaning post bop sound. A stunning album and a welcome return to form, Beautiful Existence is one of the year's finest jazz guitar records, if not one of the finest period."
For nearly 35 years, the self-taught guitarist has forged his own distinctive path on his instrument, working with a long list of improvised music's most respected performers and appearing on more than 50 recordings. Critics have called him “an uncompromisingly original guitarist" (Wilson McCloy, All Music Guide), “one of the most profound improvisers at work in the U.S." (Will Montgomery, The Wire) and “the most exciting guitarist working in the jazz tradition" (Ed Hazell, Boston Phoenix). His latest CD is 2007's Rebus (Clean Feed) with saxophonist Ken Vandermark and drummer Luther Gray.
2008 Spring Jazz Series schedule:
03/14 :: David Torn's Prezens
03/21 :: Susie Ibarra Trio
03/28 :: Dezron Douglas Quintet
04/04 :: Aaron Goldberg Trio
04/11 :: Joe Morris Quartet
04/18 :: Peter Brotzmann/Han Bennink Duo
04/25 :: Andy LaVerne's One Of A Kind
05/02 :: BassDrumBone
05/09 :: Miguel Zenon Quartet
05/16 :: Ralph Alessi and This Against That
05/23 :: Min Xiao-Fen Asian Trio
05/30 :: Amir ElSaffar's Two Rivers
06/06 :: Ben Wolfe Quartet
For more information contact Improvised Communications.
