Friday, December 6, 2013

MANDELA MADIBA



words and music by Phil Morrison

 Nelson Mandela -   His life was dedicated to serving humankind by giving a standard to the world for eradicating injustice, oppression and racism.   I offer this tribute song for use in memorializing this great man from South Africa....Nelson "Madiba" Mandela! 

"Mandela"  (Afro-Cuban & swing)
(click on link below to hear song...."Mandela Madiba"
http://www.broadjam.com/transmit/index.php?id=3054ibay


           Verse 1      Sing this song of praise for Mandela
                              Strong and brave this man
                              Peace and justice for South Africa
                              Long was his fight to save this land

            Verse 2      Years in prison there was Mandela
                              Heart and mind still free
                              Liberation for South Africa
                              Freedom for all ..with dignity

 Bridge.....Faith deep inside gave strength to his cause
                The world...wanting to see...him go free...it would be
                 Father of the Nation that was he
                 Madiba they called him........Mandela

             Verse 3         Liberty the call..from Mandela
                                  Apartheid must go
                                  Racial justice in South Africa
                                  Our one human family will show

              Verse 4        Love was felt by all from Mandela
                                  Kind and Bold and Wise
                                  A new beginning for South Africa
                                  He won the Nobel Peace Prize

                   Faith deep inside gave strength to his cause
                   The world...wanting to see ...him go free....victory
                   Father of the Nation that was he
                   Madiba they called him.......Mandela

                    Loved by the world ...eternally
                    Madiba they called him........Mandela
                              
                                                  (c) 2013  pbm
-- 


Friday, August 2, 2013

Permanent Tourist Article

This write-up is one of the best that's been done on me and our World Unity Jazz Ensemble group with Keith Williams.  It captures the spirit of what we try to do with our music using relevant Videos, Photos & Interview. Thanks for checking it out!           Phil
phil morrison
When I met Phil Morrison I sensed an inner peace not often found during first meetings.  Phil is a very accomplished jazz musician whose talent is known throughout Coastal Georgia as he plays with his trio.
World-Unity-Jazz-Ensemble
There's more to this man than meets the eye.  Phil is an oustanding musician but he is also a true humanitarian.  He believes that music can indeed heal the world.  In 2008 Phil's group, World Jazz Ensemble, appeared in concert with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia in their "Music of America" program.  The audience that evening was treated to a presentation of five songs written by Phil and orchestrated by his partner, Keith Williams.  Of great interest to me, the famous Chinese musician, Xiao Hui Ma, (pronounced Shaow-Way) performed on her "Erhu", an instrument you may have heard her play in the wonderful movie, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", a personal favorite of mine.  Dressed in a traditional Chinese costume,  Xiao Hui Ma, delighted her captive audience.  The entire performance was something different, captivating and likely to be repeated in the not too distant future.
You see, Phil believes that music is the one common denominator among all people of the world.  He believes that music can reunite the world and heal the many troubles and challenges we all face in our hectic lifestyles.  By joining with artists from all around the globe, Phil sees the possibility of truly reconnecting all of the people of all countries.   I hope to stand in the audience and applaud an unforgettable performance by artist's who may not speak the same language, but who definitely play the Universal language of music.
l
Keith Williams, pianist and arranger, has worked with Phil and his trio for years.  He now resides in San Francisco.  Phil and Keith have toured China, Japan and other Asian countries performing their mellow jazz, putting this genre of music on the map where little of it had been heard before.  In 2008 they were honored to have one of their songs selected as the  official song for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Shanghai Expo 2010!  Listen to an interview about their time at the Olympic Games here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KsF7CpxdGo (Preview)
YS-orchestra
Phil's music has been performed by The Coastal Symphony Orchestra as well as  the Honduras Symphony Orchestra.  His song of tribute for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was performed at the National Memorial Unveiling in Washington D.C.  He also wrote and performed "He Was The King" with the great Nat King Cole's brother, Freddy Cole.
Girl From Ipanema Book Inscription from Helo Pinheiro
Phil's song "Helo From Ipanema", actually written about the iconic "Girl From Ipanema" so well known from the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic, received a seal of approval from the girl herself.  Here's a version combining the two songs, performed by Keith Williams and his lovely wife, soloist, Kaori Yamada.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uziQkQyYKPM (Preview)
sea island
Currently the Phil Morrison Trio performs on Sea Island, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, for members and their guests at the Southern Tide Restaurant, part of the fabulous beach club.  You'll be treated to original pieces as well as old favorites from artists such as Cole Porter, Nat King Cole and other great jazz artists.
georgia_coast_llewllyn2
I was thrilled to hear the recording of Phil's "Take Me To The Coast Of Georgia" which was chosen as the Official Song for Brunswick and the Golden Isles.  Treat yourself to a listen here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC1E3gzxRd0 (Preview) .
mother_earth_heart
At the bottom of Phil's business card you will read:  "Striving to be of Service to Humanity by Promoting International Harmony through Music!  Music from the heart....Phil Morrison, healing through music, one note at a time.
 Phil Morrison - 912-399-3351 - philtrio@gmail.com - http://philtrio.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

PUPIL OF THE EYE



PUPIL OF THE EYE

                                     Words & Music by Phil Morrison
                                       Arrangement by Keith Williams

Pupil of the Eye - The source of our vision
Teachings of a Holy Man who spoke to us from prison
Pupil of the Eye - The Creator's gift of sight
A gift for all humanity - Seekers of the light

1)
There are so many things we say that influence the mind
Those hidden little messages that are so hard to find
To show just one example, let's talk about a color
How black is shown as negative in one way or another


2)
Of course we know that's not the case when we refer to white
In fact we use the color white to represent what's right
But those of us who have a tone that's of a darker hue
See Blackness in a different light... another point of view

(chorus)
Pupil of the Eye - The source of our vision
Teachings of a Holy Man who spoke to us from prison
Pupil of the Eye - The Creator's gift of sight
A gift for all humanity - Seekers of the light

3)
Sounds that enter through the ear - melodies of old
Orchestrating different notes to touch and soothe the soul
A symphony of music creating harmony
Appreciating differences with its diversity

4)
A special walk, that soulful talk flavored with pizzazz
Innovative music - just listen to some jazz
Reggae, Hip Hop, Samba, and don't forget the Blues
Ways to find expression, years of payin' dues

(chorus)
 Pupil of the Eye - The source of our vision
 Teachings of a Holy Man who spoke to us from prison
 Pupil of the Eye - The Creator's gift of sight
 A gift for all humanity - Seekers of the light
      
5)
The Queen of class and dignity, Oprah - seen and heard
America's classical music from Duke, Diz and Bird
International leadership with strength yet always calm
Promoting Peace and Unity... Mr. Kofi Annan

6)
Uplifting words that touch your heart from Maya Angelou
A pioneer in medicine... Dr. Charles Drew
Arthur Ashe and Jim Brown, speaking out, they weren't afraid
Marva Collins, Colin Powell.. helping youth to make the grade

(chorus)
 Pupil of the Eye - The source of our vision
 Teachings of a Holy Man who spoke to us from prison
 Pupil of the Eye - The Creator's gift of sight
 A gift for all humanity - Seekers of the light

7)
Malcolm, Martin, Mandela... standards for the world
To make this earth a better place for every boy and girl
Beige, Brown, Black and White, a variety of colors
Yet one human family... all sisters and brothers

8)
(these lyrics are updated from what is on the recording)
Bearing burdens from the past - enslaved and sometimes sold
Enduring untold horrors while survival was the goal
With faith and perseverance - despite the racist drama
Came forth a U.S. President - his name...Barack Obama

9)
The earth's human garden we see before our eyes
Representing Unity, if we'd only realize
But as we care for flowers, so none will be neglected
Humanity is much the same, we all must be respected

chorus
 Pupil of the Eye - The source of our vision
 Teachings of a Holy Man who spoke to us from prison
 Pupil of the Eye - The Creator's gift of sight
 A gift for all humanity - Seekers of the light

Seekers of the light... Baha'u'llah... World Unity

c 1990 Phil Morrison


--Listen on Broadjam 
https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/pupil-of-the-eye-spoken-word-vocal?pg=4

The central theme of the Baha'i Faith is the Oness of Humankind. The Prophet-Founder, Baha'u'llah, spoke out at a time when the color black had a negative connotation that contributed to racist attitudes. The Baha'i writings remind us that the pupil of the eye, the source of our vision, is indeed black thus helping to put in balance the social implications of the color spectrum.
Striving to be of Service to Humanity
by Promoting International Harmony through Music