Missed the Boat, the latest album from baritone saxophonist Mike Morrison, is now available on Lucky Buck Records. The album offers a fresh take on modern jazz, weaving together intricate melodies, deep grooves, and emotive improvisation in a powerful, highly personal release. Featuring an all-star lineup of Dallas-Fort Worth’s finest musicians, Missed the Boat is a collection of original compositions that reflects Morrison’s diverse influences and years of experience as a performer, educator, and sideman.
Born and raised in Levelland, Texas, Morrison’s musical journey began early, rooted in the rich jazz tradition. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music/Performance with an emphasis on Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. During his time at UTA, he performed with renowned artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis, and Bob Mintzer, among others. He also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Jazz Studies program, teaching jazz theory and combos, which helped refine his understanding of jazz and his connection to the music community.
Morrison’s career as a performer spans across many genres, but his primary focus has always been jazz. He’s active as an adjunct professor at both UTA and Texas Christian University and is a fixture on the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene, playing with groups like the DFW Jazz Orchestra and Memphis Brass Big Band, as well as leading his own trio. Missed the Boat captures his deep knowledge of jazz and his ability to merge traditional forms with modern sounds, while pushing the boundaries of baritone saxophone playing.
On Missed the Boat, Morrison is joined by bassist Mike Luzecky and drummer Matt Young, both of whom bring their own remarkable talents to the project. The trio delivers a compelling performance across seven tracks that range from soulful ballads to funky grooves, with every note feeling intentional and packed with emotion. The album opens with the title track, "Missed the Boat," a smooth, reflective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Following it is "Impermanence," which features a more introspective approach, with Morrison's baritone saxophone leading the way through the complex harmonic structures.
"Ferguson’s Song" is a heartfelt tribute, while "Blues for H.M." brings a touch of old-school jazz with its bluesy feel and infectious rhythm. The playful "Diana" adds a lighthearted touch to the album, while "Tacocat" closes the record on an upbeat, funky note.
The album was produced by R. Jason Vandygriff and David J. Pierce, both of whom have worked with many of the region's top jazz musicians. Missed the Boat was recorded at the Echo Lab in Denton, Texas, with Jake Greenburg engineering and mixing the project. The album was mastered by David Willingham at 70 Hurtz Audio in Bend, Oregon, ensuring that every nuance of Morrison’s sound is captured in pristine detail.
The release of Missed the Boat marks a significant step in Morrison’s career as a bandleader, showcasing his versatility not only as a performer but as a composer. His intricate arrangements and heartfelt solos bring a sense of depth to the music, making it a standout in the ever-evolving world of modern jazz.
Missed the Boat is available now on all major streaming platforms and in vinyl format. With the support of Lucky Buck Records, Morrison is set to continue sharing his passion for jazz with the world, bringing his unique voice and musical vision to listeners everywhere.
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