Thursday, October 29, 2020

THE VALLEY OF SEARCH


⭐️ ðŸŽ¶ CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY ðŸŽ¶ ðŸŒŸTHE VALLEY OF SEARCH ðŸŒŸ... 
A song composed by pianist/arranger Keith Williams,  exemplifies the international harmony of China and the USA and is performed by musicians from both those countries.  Lyrics  by Phil Morrison. 
THE VALLEY OF SEARCH includes traditional Chinese instruments and is performed by the World Unity Jazz Ensemble (WUJE)
Zhen Wei..........erhu
Shao Jun Yan....dizi
Keith Williams....piano
Phil Morrison.....bass
Chu Wei Min......drums
 Music by Keith Williams
 Lyrics by Phil Morrison

VALLEY of SEARCH (vocal)

(Keith Williams, vocalist with the Phil Morrison Trio)
  music by:  Keith William                        words by:   Phil Morrison
 
 verse 1    
 Comes a time in our life
  When the voice in our soul
  Speaks to us....
 
  Midst the stress and the strife
  As we travel this road 
   Filled with dust
 
  Where do we go
  How do we know
  Who to trust
 
  verse 2      
When we're children we're told
 That the lessons of old
  Guide us through
 
   But the time soon arrives
   When events in our lives
    Are brand new
 
    Where do we go
    How do we know
     What to do
 
 
   bridge 1           
The questions in our mind - surround us
The answers that we find - won't do
Traditions of the past - around us
 Maybe before - but now we need more
 
 
   verse 3        
As we look back to see
What His message would be 
 For that time....
 
  Many chose to reject
  Words He gave to protect 
   Humankind
 
    Now we must see
    World Unity
    Don't be blind
 
    
    bridge 2            
The questions in our mind - surround us
The answers that we find - won't do
Traditions of the past - around us
That (once) was the way - but now's a new day
 
    verse 4         
And we move to the new 
Through the Valley of Search
 From the old
 
'Cause we know it's His will 
 That our journey is led 
  By the soul
 
  Open your heart
  Make a new start
  Reach your goal
                                                                (c)2002williams/morrison


The song below “Lonely Beauty”, featuring the erhu, was also composed by Keith Williams with lyrics by Phil Morrison.

“Lonely Beauty”
 Music and arrangement by Keith Williams.
Jiebing Chen ......erhu
Barry Greene.......guitar
Keith Williams......piano
Phil Morrison........bass
Rudy Manuel........drums
Sam Rodriguez.....percussion


             LONELY BEAUTY
 
Music by:  Keith Williams
Lyrics by:  Phil Morrison
Blues in the night  -  When dreams speak within
Gone is the light  -  nocturnal scenes
Above the city  -  high
I see   -   I feel   -   That Lonely Beauty....from

Deep in my heart  -  There’s you in my mind
Right from the start  -  
I always knew
The light of love  -  would last
I see   -   I feel   -   Lonely Beauty
                            
Darkness......with the shadow silhouettes
So still.....until the dawn
Morning has come
the city sounds
The rising sun  -  a new day......
 Is now awake  -  from dreams-but the

Night returns  -  to feel once again
A Flame steady burns  -  from the past
Until the light will fade
In the dark  -  
Lonely Beauty......Gone

        (optional 2nd verse)
Vast is the view  -   
of windows unknown
Lights shining through  -  now all alone
So peaceful  in the quiet
I  see   -    I  feel    -   Lonely Beauty

           (c)2005 williams/morrison

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Phil Morrison-Ken Trimmins Jazz Collective


One of the unique elements of the Phil Morrison/Ken Trimmins Jazz Collective is its inclusion of Afrocentric material which pays homage to those who have dedicated their lives to the promotion of social justice and racial equality.  We consider the genre of Jazz, which originated in the USA, to be America’s classical music, performed and respected worldwide.  Unfortunately, that respect and exposure is sorely lacking in the country of its birth, so it is our hope that this American art form, Jazz, can be performed in our schools, libraries, museums, and concert halls nationwide.

We intend to have our musical group, The PMKT Jazz Collective, available for those who wish to help in the promotion of this worthy art form.
His Message(for MLK)

Mandela 

Monday, August 3, 2020

Barack Obama - "Yes We Can"



music by: Phil Morrison, 
                  Keith Williams
words by: Phil Morrison

Yes We Can! 
That's what he's always said.
Barack Obama!

Yes We Can! 
That's what he's always said. 
Barack Obama!
 



People 'round the world - cheer the mention of his name
You see there's something special in this man
From Paris to Beijing - the voices say the same
Barack Obama,  Yes We Can!!

You could feel the happiness - after his election
Peace between all nations is the plan
His words proclaim..World Unity.. is now the right direction
Barack Obama,  Yes We Can!!

The violence and warfare - we do to one another
Does it matter how our children feel?
To fight against your enemy's to fight against your brother
We're One Human Family....that's for real!

Yes We Can!  That's what he's always said. Barack Obama!
Yes We Can! That's what he's always said. Barack Obama!

"Change" is the battlecry - to find a new solution
Everyone can lend a helping hand
All the nations 'round the earth will work to fight pollution
Barack Obama, Yes We Can!!

His background's international....color..black & white
Although America is his homeland
He's the champion for All people and he will do what's right
Barack Obama, Yes We Can!!

The violence and warfare - we do to one another
Does it matter how our children feel?
To fight against your enemy's to fight against your brother
We're One Human Family....that's for real!

(additional verses 2010...not on recording)

        "Don't Ask Don't Tell" - a policy he made to disappear
        Equal rights for all is our demand
        Noone in this country should be made to live in fear
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can!

        Health Care is a service that we need for everyone
        His deep concern from when his term began
        Many tried before him - but Obama got it done
        Barack Obama.....Yes, We Can!

        Unemployment, poverty....both need elimination
        His words and deeds all tell us where he stands
        Raising up the standards of our childrens' education
        Barack Obama.....Yes, We Can!

        9/11 came and we saw the brave responders
        Saving people through the dust and sand
        Now there's legislation - ignoring them no longer
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can!

        The world moves toward disarmament - nuclear reduction
        The building of more bombs is now banned
        Passage of the "S T A R T Bill"  limits their production
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can!

        International harmony he's striving to attain
        Soon our troops will leave Afghanistan
        The image of America is back to "good" again
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can!

        The industry for autos in this country is now back
        The best cars are not only from Japan
        With help they got from Washington - sales are back on track
        Barack Obama.....Yes, We Can!

(additional verses 2011)

        Committed to the goal that our country come together
        Just listen to his message from Tucson
        That words we say have consequences and may last forever
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can

        Inherited big problems from the last administration
        Solving them for us is why he ran
        We can "Win The Future!" ...his words of inspiration
        Barack Obama....Yes, We Can!

         Yes We Can!
         That's what he's always said.
         Barack Obama!    ....We're Fired Up!!!
         Yes We Can!

         That's what he's always said.
         Barack Obama!

        (....to be continued as we approach the 2012 election....:-)

http://philtrio.blogspot.com (....Obama Song with original lyrics)

Listen on Broadjam
https://philtrio.blogspot.com/2011/02/barack-obama-yes-we-can.html
Striving to be of Service to Humanity
by Promoting International Harmony through Music

(c) 2/2/09 pm/kw

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Justice Now - Black Lives Matter!


This piece was written and recorded to draw attention to and help maintain the positive activism for racial and social justice brought about by the Black Lives Matter movement!

Words & music by Phil Morrison
Vocals & tracks by Joe Watts

(Choruses)
Justice now....we  been waitin’ too long
Justice now....this racism’s wrong
Justice now....that’s why I’m singing this song...
.....Black Lives Matter

Justice Now.... it can’t be denied
Justice Now...Let the Black Standards fly
Justice Now...We’re the Pupil of the Eye
....Black Lives Matter

(Verses)
From 400 years when the slave trade began and
Racial oppression prevailed
It’s still goes on now throughout this land
Your complexion can land you in jail

(Chorus)
Justice Now... give us respect
Justice Now.. it says
“Serve and Protect”
Justice Now... take that knee off our neck.... Black Lives Matter

(Verses)
Work in the fields ‘til you die or
you’re sold
At a place they called the plantation

Free labor we gave worth millions in gold
But deprived an education

Time passes by but injustice remains
Our free labor never got paid
The gap between rich..and poor is the same
Reparations must now be made

(Chorus)
Justice Now.. for all humankind
Justice Now..’cause justice is blind
Justice Now...we won’t stay behind
... Black Lives Matter

Justice Now...we been waitin’ too long
Justice Now...this racism’s wrong
Justice Now...that’s why I’m singin’ this song
...Black Lives Matter

(c)2020 Phil Morrison

philtrio.blogspot.com






Sunday, June 14, 2020

Afro-Centric and Black Lives Matter


Please enjoy listening to these original tribute songs honoring those distinguished persons in the Black community who should be remembered year-round.  I would be happy to email anyone interested in having the music lead sheets for selected songs. (philtrio@gmail.com)
It is fitting that Jazz & Blues which originated in the African American community, be in the forefront of activities celebrating Black Music.
(Hear the following songs in the “broadjam" links which include lyrics)

"His Message"...for MLK Jr"


Remember Ibo(Igbo) Landing: vocal (commemorating the African Rebellion in 1803 on St Simons Island, GA, where Africans walked into the waters to die rather than submit to being enslaved!


“He Was the King” Freddy Cole-vocal
Words-Phil Morrison Music-Freddy Cole


 "Blues for T-Bone"(with sax & trumpet) tribute to bluesman T-Bone Walker who wrote Stormy Monday Blues & popularized the electric guitar to American pop music!


Maya(for Maya Angelou)


Malcolm(for Malcolm X)

Good Locke(for Alain Locke)

Africana Blue

Remembering Dizzy(for dizzy Gillespie)

Shanghai Silver(for Horace Silver)

That’s Miles(for Miles Davis/spoken word)
That’s Miles(for Miles Davis/vocal)

Pupil of the Eye
(honoring Black individuals who have contributed to the betterment of human society)
(Spoken word and Vocal) Inspired by Writings of the Baha’i Faith

Barack Obama…Yes We Can

Tony Song(for Tony Williams(Miles drummer)

Philanthropy(honoring Jazz and its contributors)

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

New World Generation



New World Generation
Phil Morrison/Stark Reality
 
 Like flowers from one garden or waves on the sea
A multitude of people ..all different like you and me
We understand and so should you - how diversity displays

A Master Plan....from the Master's Hand
In many different ways....

'Cause we're a New World Generation
Born of war, strife and hate
The status quo has got to go
We hope it's not too late

You can travel anywhere on earth and you,ll find that all want peace
Be it near or far ..wherever you are - it's the other side who wants it least
It's your point of view that tells you what to do so if you got a narrow mind..

You'll never resolve...the problems involved
But we're not staying behind..

'Cause we're a New World Generation
Born of war, strife and hate
The status quo has got to go
We hope it's not too late

You say to love your neighbor and all men are born free
But when some want to move next to you - just look at Milwaukee
Hypocrisy, deceit, and lies are veiled in old cliches...

But we got hip..so take our tip
And change your sad old ways.....

'Cause we're a New World Generation
Born of war, strife and hate
The status quo has got to go
We hope it's not too late

(c)1969
Lyrics Phil Morrison
Music: Phil Morrison/Stark RealityPerformance: Stark Reality, Monty Stark, Vibes & Vocals, Arrangement
Phil Morrison, Acoustic Bass & Vocals
Vinnie Johnson, Drums and Vocals
Striving to be of Service to Humanity by Promoting International Harmony through Music.
 
3 Generations: Kaela, Phil, Atlas & Mieke!


















Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Stark Reality

In-depth Interview with Justin and Phil Morrison about the Stark Reality…its beginning, recordings, members, and the samples! 

Enjoy these two "Raw Select Music" reviews of the recordings of Stark Reality!  They are very positive and seem to capture the spirit of what SR was about! His reference to my composition Nani was particularly meaningful to me. Nani is a word for “beautiful” as in “pua nani”(Beautiful flower)in the Hawaiian language and Monty gave it some great lyrics.







Nani, Music by Phil Morrison Lyrics, Monty Stark

1970, The Jazz Workshop, San Francisco
Stark Reality 1970, The Jazz Workshop, San Francisco



Sunday, June 7, 2020

That's MILES DAVIS

Miles Davis in 1958. On the fashion front, “I got my looks from my mother and also my love of clothes and sense of style,” he wrote.    
              words & music
                     Phil Morrison
(1)
Feel the mystique of a masterful man
Seek and then soon you will find
Blowin' the blues with horn in his hand
Listen to what he is sayin'
Groove in the pocket swingin'..with his
Tight all star band
Yeah...feelin good...diggin' Miles

(2)
Tunes that he played some are old some are new
Touching what's down in your heart
"Sketches of Spain" then "Kind of Blue"
"Green Dolphin Street" 
Now a classic 
"Someday My Prince" in waltz time..but it
Swings all the while
Ballads...REAL slow... That's Miles

(3)
Bebop & swing..add some funk, rock & roll
Don't make no difference what style
Locked in a groove from deep in his soul
Chill while you feel what he's playin'
Horn pointed downward..growlin'..then he'll
Hit notes up high
Sweet....mellow tones.... That's Miles

(4)
This tribute song that we offer to you
Tries to describe how we feel
Hearing "So What" and then "Bitches Brew"
Music is how he is talking
Time always moving forward..'cause it
Never stands still
Movin' and groovin'...That's Miles
(tag)
His legacy's recorded..from Japan to Brazil
Movin' and groovin'...That's Miles
Stylin' and profilin'...That's Miles
Talkin' 'bout boxin' ...That's Miles
Cat-in' & spat-in'....That's Miles
Livin' & lovin'...That's Miles
Movin' and groovin'...That's Miles

(c)pbm 2017


Striving to be of Service to Humanity
by Promoting International Harmony through Music
Attachments area

DO YOU REALLY KNOW MALCOLM X?














This piece is dedicated to Malcolm's friend "Shorty", who was my cousin. Shorty's real name was Malcolm Jarvis and he shared the vision of Malcolm X in their pursuit of spirituality and justice while turning their lives around from negativity upon release from prison. He frequently spoke to young people giving them inspiration before he died in 1998. Shorty was also the father of the great jazz drummer, Clifford Jarvis.

FYI...in the Malcolm X movie, Spike Lee portrayed Shorty although there were some factual errors.... e.g. Shorty played trumpet, not saxophone.
Phil

DO YOU REALLY KNOW MALCOLM X?
lyrics by: Phil Morrison

Do you really know Malcolm? El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
Do You really know Malcolm? El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

Everywhere you go you see Malcolm on display
In Atlanta or Dallas, from New York to L.A.
His photos on a T-shirt, and you'll always see an "X"
But unless you know his message it's just a pretext

Do you really know Malcolm with his name on your clothes
Or is it just a fashion thing that comes & goes
Do you really know Malcolm or is his name just a word?
Same as others we've ignored like Coltrane & Bird

Do you really know Malcolm how he talked on economics?
And instead of knowin' dope we should know electronics
Do you really know Malcolm how he turned his life around
So no matter your condition, no one can keep you down!

Do you really know Malcolm, do you know his religion?
How it changed his life around when he found it in prison
Do you know what Malcolm said about drugs & alchohol?
'cause if you're messin' up you don't know him at all!

We can't forget our heroes & the people we admire...but
Do you really know Malcolm & why he was on fire?
When cities were decaying from racist neglect
Malcolm told us things we should never forget!

Like when the coffee's black, you know it's strong
And he'd tell you in a minute when you're doin' wrong
Develop your potential 'cause there's no limitation
And a good way to start is to get an education

"By any means necessary" he would say
To defend our people from the KKK!
But violence for Malcolm was not his game
His weapon of choice was using the brain

It wasn't enough just to talk that talk
Cause Malcolm wasn't jivin'..he was walkin' the walk
His message was for unity & don't depend on others
"Do for self, my sisters & brothers!"

He would tell us straight up about moral decline
It's not our culture to be dealing in crime
"Rise up my people" you would hear him say
"Respect the community, don't go astray"

Do you really know Malcolm when his movie's in style?
As if the message that he gave was only for a child
Do you really know Malcolm, how he lived his life
Using self-discipline and lots of sacrifice

Do you really know Malcom and his dignity?
When you curse your mom & grab your crotch for all the world to see
Do you really know Malcolm, wanna further his cause?
Learn about his values . don't be breakin' the laws

He'd shake up some people 'cause what he said was no joke
Check out his speeches & the books he wrote
But with all oppressed peoples he could surely relate
Then go up to Harvard and win a debate

The message he gave was mainly for us
We gotta help one another & that's a must
But helpin' don't come with drugs & a gun
Or gang-bangin' on a brother just for some fun

Let's remember Malcolm, keep his name on your lips
That "X" on your cap means you got to commit
If we acted like we knew what brother Malcolm said
We wouldn't kill each other..we'd unify instead

It ain't about slogans & walkin' round bad
Cause Malcolm was for real not just a fad
We gotta do him proud if we're gonna use his name
Cause some things that we're doin' would bring the brother shame

It takes a lot of heart in order to survive
If it wasn't for our spirit, we wouldn't be alive
Cause we're a noble people still strugglin' to be free
We came from kings & queens..check out our history

We should know by now there's nothing we can't do
Survival & pride has always brought us through
Just turn what you're doing in a positive direction
That's the surest way to make the Malcolm connection

Do you really know Malcom, that he was a family man
And a model for our young to be the best that they can
Do you really know Malcolm, how he traveled 'round the world
And he cared for all people, every boy every girl

Do you really know Malcolm at the Audubon Hall?
Where he sacrificed his life to give a wakeup call
Do you really know Malcolm, why his cause was just?
Let's respect our proud brother..he respected us!

For those who hear his name & say he stood for hate
Check him out just one more time - it's still not too late
Cause Malcolm was a man of peace & justice was his goal
You'll find he wanted harmony when all the truth is told

If you're really into Malcolm, & that's what you say
Learn all about the brother, don't go halfway!
Cause learnin' all you can, no matter what you find
Is what Malcom was about....developing the mind!

(c)1992 phil morrison

Click on the link below to get information about Shorty's book.
He honored me by putting my photo on page 18 along with jazz great
Howard McGhee and jazz pianist and friend Walter Radcliffe.


http://www.amazon.com/Other-Malcolm-Shorty-Jarvis-His-Memoir/dp/0786440570/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274293716&sr=1-7

MALCOLM

MALCOLM X
          

words & music
           Phil Morrison

Strong as the wind in a storm-that was Malcolm
Words that were wise he'd say

Our cause is right
Stand up and fight
There's nothing can get in our way

Life on the streets he survived
That was Malcolm
No one could take him down

His mind was quick
His past was slick..but
He turned his life around

(bridge)
El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was his name
Words that reflect his faith
Justice and peace
Unity he'd proclaim
Goals for the whole human race

Brave under fire standing tall
That was Malcolm
Smart as a man could be

From Detroit Red
The life he led
Noble his destiny

(optional)
Praise for the prince 'round the world
They knew Malcolm...A
Voice heard by those oppressed

His message clear
He had no fear
Great strength in his heart he possessed

(c)2019 pbm

Listen here: “Malcolm X Tribute”