Morris, affectionately known as "Butch" Morris is my cousin. The first time I remember meeting him, I was 12 years old and my mother told me that he wrote the theme music to the "Spencer for Hire" spin off series, "A Man Called Hawk."
Once I moved to New York, I spent family time with Butch and saw him perform for the first time. I loved it! The music moved through an abstract cacophony of rhythms and notes to a beautifully blended aural tapestry, each instrument providing its own color to the sound.
The secret to Butch's sound is a technique called "Conduction." It is where musicians must watch Butch's movements and give him what he wants. It's a conversation where the musicians get the opportunity to contribute whatever melody or harmony happens to be inside them at the moment. There is no sheet music.
Butch: "Flute, give me a tune."
Flute: "Okay Butch, how about this?"
Butch: "That's nice! Keep it up. Trumpet, what do you have to say?"
Trumpet: "I'm feeling this."
Butch: "Hmmmm. I'll keep that in mind. But let's go back to the flute for now. Everyone, follow the flute."
And it goes on from there.
Butch has worked with all types of instruments in his travels. He even works with poets and actors. I can't wait until he works with dancers.
He'll be at NUBLU, which is on Ave C between 4th and 5th street.
So when your friends tell you that they just saw someone at The Jazz Standard, you can reply that you went to see Butch Morris play at NUBLU and they will be impressed.
2 comments:
Wow, small world time. One of my co-workers is a film maker and has just completed his documentary on your cousin!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-February/126950444004972?ref=ts
Fascinating guy.
Tom
Believe it or not I've met your co-worker. Tell him I said "Hi!"
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