Morris, Willie
Posi-Tone, 2023, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 29.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 74
O’s Notes: Conversation Starter is the debut recording for tenor saxophonist Willie Morris. It’s a worthy dialogue with Willie serving as bandleader, composer, and arranger over ten selections. His rhythm section is formidable with Jon Davis (p), Adi Meyerson (b), and EJ Strickland (d). Patrick Cornelius adds alto sax. The bookends are vibrant improvisational medleys between the musicians while most of the set is hot, modern jazz that is intriguing. They slow down with a ballad on “It Is Well With My Soul”, one of two covers and on “Introspective”. Strickland lights it up on “Azar” before they close with the title track, preceded with a lengthy solo by Meyerson.
Publicist: Posi-Tone