Willie Morris / Conversation Starter

Tenor saxophonist Willie Morris taps into a wellspring of creativity from the "Unbound Inner" on his third album for Posi-Tone.

As a bandleader, Morris leads by example with remarkable technical precision and a manifest knowledge of his materials. His saxophone's sound is extraordinarily well-centered, his articulation sharp and his command of his instrument complete. Nevertheless, it is the considerable depth of his emotional artistry that is most impactful and remarkable.

Morris is supported on the date by a familiar crew of accomplished collaborators — vibraphonist Behn Gillece, pianist Jon Davis, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston — all of whom ably express the leader's musical vision in all their improvisations and interplay.

With an amazing combination of talent and brilliant performances, Willie Morris' new album clearly encourages listeners towards the wondrous discovery of bright moments from his explorations of the "Unbound Inner."