Inducted into the Savannah jazz Hall of Fame!

Jazz Bassist, Composer, Songwriter Phil Morrison Inducted into the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame!  September 21, 2024

The Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the city's jazz scene. Notable members include Joe "King" Oliver, Johnny Mercer, Ben Tucker, James Moody, and Teddy Adams. The Hall of Fame, overseen by Savannah Jazz, features over 50 inductees, including prominent musicians and figures who have impacted jazz locally, nationally, and internationally. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/14GpJcnmwVT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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

Good Locke for Alain Locke

Honoring the great philosopher, ALAIN LOCKE,
born on September 13, 1885 who was considered “DEAN” of the HARLEM RENAISSANCE and the
first African-American Rhodes scholar in 1907.
 He was also an early member of the
BAHA’I FAITH in America.

 Please give a listen to this original tribute song for a great humanitarian and an activist for social and racial justice!



“Good Locke”

https://youtu.be/fvXxXctN3II?si=ZKkbI7mI5JqhuO-o

Thanks for listening to this original tribute song for a great humanitarian!

Golden Isles Lifetime Achievement Music Award

My good friend Anthony Stubelek, who is the premier recording engineer, producer, band leader, videographer and all around music person in this area of the Georgia coast, put together a Music Awards event which was presented on St Simons at Palm Coast Coffee shop!

I was so humbled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, as indicated in the below video.  A big thank you to Anthony and our community for this unexpected but greatly appreciated  token of acknowledgment!      
Phil

A Career Spanning Decades in the World of Jazz: Phil Morrison

This interview on International Jazz Radio with Jazzmeeting host Cynthia Thijs Coenraad from the Netherlands, encapsulates Phil Morrison's decades-long career in the world of jazz!  In his own words, Phil describes his experiences, from the time he was a teenager to the present, as a bassist, composer, and songwriter.   The program presents some recordings of Phil’s original music, which includes tribute compositions, dedicated to the great activists for racial and social justice, MLK Jr and Nelson Mandela as well as originals "Remember Ibo Landing" and "Down in Rio".  The great jazz vocalist, Freddy Cole, opens the program with a beautiful song co-written by Phil Morrison and Ron Zack!

Link to Interview with music.
https://www.jazzmeeting.com/october-19-2022-i-interview-with-phil-morrison/

Freddy Cole – Speak to Me of You – 5:04
Interview Phil Morisson Part I – 11:36
The Phil Morrison Trio; Joe Watts – Remember Ibo Landing – 4:31
Charlie Parker; Dizzy Gillespie – Dizzy Atmosphere – Live – 4:05
Bud Powell – All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm – 3:02
The Phil Morrison Trio; Joe Watts – Mandela – 4:48
The Phil Morrison Trio; Joe Watts – His Message (For MLK Jr.) – 4:11
Interview Phil Morisson Part II – 14:45
Harry Allen; Dave Blenkhorn – Down in Rio – 4:24
Christian McBride Trio – Hallelujah Time – 4:03

 

"Striving to be of Service to Humanity by Promoting International Harmony through Music!" Phil Morrison

WE'RE ONE HUMAN FAMILY

 

Words and Music by Phil Morrison (c) 1991

When we read the paper, watching news on TV

The world it seems is heading for disaster

War, crime, and racism is what we always see

Yet we claim it's harmony we're after

There's wide separation between the rich and poor

Hey... now's the time to change that situation

One thing we can do is open up the door

So every child can get an education

We're One Human Family

And all we want is peace

If only for our children

Disunity must cease

We're One Human Family

To care for one another

Regardless of your country

religion, class, or color

Look after the environment, eliminate pollution

Help stop the widespread burning of our trees

If we come together we'll find a solutiion

Instead of dumping plastic in our seas

People starve around the world, we still throw food away

Who cares; it's not our family or friend

But no person should suffer, at least that's what we say

Let's practice what we preach and not pretend

We're One Human Family

Our needs are much the same

We eat, sleep, work and play

No matter what's our name

We're One Human Family

There's no need for strife

We have too much in common

And that's a fact of life

We're One Human Family

All Sisters and Brothers

Appreciating differences

We don't believe in "others"

We're One Human Family

Whose lives are connected

The Earth is but One Country
We all must be respected.

THE VALLEY OF SEARCH

⭐️  CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY  THE VALLEY OF SEARCH ... 

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. 

https://youtu.be/1mRFvJL3jK0?si=fclqehQbf4X-4Qma

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 (with vocal)

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/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

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/lonely-beauty-slow-bossa-vocal 

https://youtu.be/qtbBCzRjfs4?si=ysGLiUTPtwNCdUXX

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

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.

At the Ritz
https://youtu.be/Hjn-JRMTPMg?si=Kl1y1iK-mmXhu3k9

Harlemology
https://youtu.be/7yPmhnR8eMk?si=jjwNEVBIKoLk-DIZ

Shanghai Silver 

https://youtu.be/aetLL_OG1hY?si=uajPUFdr5riuQphu

His Message(for MLK)

https://youtu.be/D5Kg7ToOBWs

Mandela 

https://youtu.be/P-RGQ7odgF4

Remember Ibo(Igbo) Landing

https://youtu.be/dx0f-ouW4Fo

The Guardian 

https://youtu.be/mt9sumzj6M8

Strasbourg St Denis

https://youtu.be/3Ioo1uquFG8

Groovin in Honduras 

https://youtu.be/soQFqJIpHf8

April and U

https://youtu.be/m2f6GIHU0RQ

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

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

Afro-Centric Music Honoring Black Luminaries & Articles that Relate to Black History!

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.

    Black Lives Matter (Song/Lyrics Video)

    https://youtu.be/kebwyEdVWvw?si=psYni2ghGmFbN-JI

Hear the following songs in the “broadjam" links which include lyrics
    His Message (MLK)

https://youtu.be/YAv6zaQf-S4?si=CvvaGvxkybTK9ctS

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!

https://youtu.be/f1mYaJIm3jE?si=ZFkbHaaWjZl2dLTG

“He Was the King” Freddy Cole-vocal

Words-Phil Morrison Music-Freddy Cole

https://youtu.be/JRidw0o07Mo

 "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!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG4cYiD9T2k(with  (sax & trumpet)

Maya(for Maya Angelou)

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/maya-w-vocal

Malcolm(for Malcolm X)

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/malcolm-tribute

Good Locke(for Alain Locke)

https://youtu.be/fvXxXctN3II?si=pQuR4O1Jq7t6xMB3

Africana Blue

https://youtu.be/ZE4Ozq5T2gs?si=JSwKQaSxTE9FVXRY

Remembering Dizzy(for dizzy Gillespie)

https://youtu.be/D0rfJ4eWZW0?si=w21bNE7SmzYK-HUY

Shanghai Silver(for Horace Silver)

https://youtu.be/aetLL_OG1hY?si=PUrYKb6-v85yvblQ

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

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/thats-miles-spoken

That’s Miles(for Miles Davis/vocal)

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/thats-miles-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

https://youtu.be/Gtaspto0JSE?si=Sw8R6W0r3gE_Hgi9

Barack Obama…Yes We Can

https://youtu.be/4XSJvQ7Q2GU?si=bo2q8iFDGpsIlJtp

“Mandela”(Tribute song for Nelson Mandela)

https://youtu.be/fMQvdUCZJZs?si=QZDC7cF9PsQSm0RZ

Tony Song(for Tony Williams(Miles drummer)

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/tony-song-miles-drummer-from-boston

Philanthropy(honoring Jazz and its contributors)

https://youtu.be/vSFCvRv6vAU?si=rHxp1J11jft-IKAa

Historic Context Regarding Racial and Social Issues in America 

https://philtrio.blogspot.com/2020/09/historic-context-regarding-conditions.html

Reparations for Slavery in America…Yes or No?

https://philtrio.blogspot.com/2010/11/reparations-for-slavery-in-americayes.html

**************************************************

(Afrocentric blog page)

https://philtrio.blogspot.com/2020/06/afro-centric-and-black-lives-matter.html

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

New World Generation-Stark Reality

https://www.broadjam.com/songs/philmorrison/new-world-generation-stark-reality

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

 

3 Generations: Kaela, Phil, Atlas & Mieke!

Stark Reality

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

https://www.soundsvisualradio.com/podcast/sounds-visual-radio-episode-102-phil-morrison-stark-reality/

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

Stark Reality 1970, The Jazz Workshop, San Francisco