Bass-ic Instincts

The Phil Morrison Trio

Phil Morrison
Phil Morrison

Phil Morrison learned to play the drums while serving with the U.S. Air Force in Japan, but after discharge, the bass became his instrument of choice. In his hometown of Boston, around the same time that Ornette Coleman was causing a stir nationally, saxophonist Sam Rivers was also spearheading a new musical direction. River’s group included pianist Hal Galper, drummer Tony Williams, Steve Ellington and the young Phil Morrison. That period was very significant in Phil’s development as a jazz bassist.

After Rivers, Mr. Morrison played in an innovative electric jazz group that featured guitarist John Abercrombie. The group went on to record for Ahmad Jamal’s record label and created a TV soundtrack consisting of children’s songs written by Hoagy Carmichael who also starred in the series. The popular group “Black Eyed Peas” sampled Phil’s bassline from that project (“Comrades”) and used it on their “Monkey Business” CD. Mr. Morrison has since recorded on multiple CDs over the years.

Mr. Morrison along with Keith Williams are coleaders of a group called the “World Unity Jazz Ensemble” frequently perform in China and Japan.

Phil will also be joined by the “gospel oriented” piano playing of Zac Chester, and the strong, rhythmic underpinning of drummer John Lumpkin. You will hear their personal narratives and innovative music when you hear them. Mr. Chester has been a sideman for notables such as Von Barlow, Longineu Parsons, Juan Roland, Eric Reim, John Jackson, and many others.

Joining the trio will be jazz vocalist Priscilla Williams Albergottie. A native of Beaufort, S.C., she is an innovative and sultry vocalist, pianist and songwriter. Audiences know her as the go-to singer with the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. Priscilla earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Savannah State University, and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, and is a certified principal and teacher. She is also the choir director of groups & churches in South Carolina, and has an in-depth knowledge of Gullah music & history.

Jazz – Just Across the River: The Phil Morisson Trio with vocalist Priscilla Williams-Albergottie, Sunday March 10th @ 5pm at the Savannah Westin. Admission $10. FREE for members of CJA


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