Primary Instrument: Trombone
Discovered by Ray Charles, trombonist Sarah Morrow is the first female instrumentalist to become a member of his orchestra. She toured with the legend from November 1995 through May 1997 and left the group to tour and perform with Foley (lead bassist for Miles Davis) and later with Dee Dee Bridgewater, David Murray, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, organist Rhoda Scott, funk legend Pee Wee Ellis, the American All-Stars in Paris, and the Tribute to Mingus band featuring Mingus alumni Ted Curson and Ricky Ford. With the release of her first album “Greenlight” in 1999, Sarah launched her solo career and has gone on to win critical acclaim as a prominent soloist, bandleader, and composer /arranger. Winner of the 2005 Cork Jazz Festival “Rising Star” award, Sarah continues to tour as a leader and guest artist throughout Western and Eastern Europe, USA, Africa, United Arab Emirates and Asia.
As a trombonist, composer and bandleader, headlining under her own name, Sarah has performed all over the world, at top festivals and venues such as the Newport Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Philips Dubai Jazz Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, JVC Festivals worldwide, Freihoffer's Jazz Fest (Saratoga), Budapest, Brno, Newport Japan, Croatia, etc, etc!!! Her 2006 performance at the Kennedy Center erupted the hall into a standing ovation just 20 minutes into her group’s set; this recorded concert was chosen to represent live jazz music in America in the NPR World Special “Washington DC: A City of Music”
Sarah has released 3 albums under her name; The first, “Greenlight” (RDC Records/ BAM) was hailed for its original compositions and great energy. The second, “Standards and Other Stories” (RDC Records/ BMG) highlights her unconventional arrangements and features Jesse Davis, Anne Ducros and the great David Murray. The third, “Sarah Morrow and The American All-Stars in Paris” (O+ Music/ Harmonia Mundi; released in Japan on King Records) is a celebration of the history of Jazz in Paris and includes a swingin’ all-star cast including the magnificent Rhoda Scott on B-3 Organ and legendary Hal “Cornbread” Singer on sax.
Coming from a straight ahead background, her roots immersed in swing, blues, and soul-- Sarah has used these roots to discover new directions in jazz combining urban elements while still remaining true to jazz. This innovative approach is being hailed worldwide by Jazz Masters and critics in her new and exciting project “Elektric Air” (release to public in 2010).
Sarah is an avid composer, arranger and lyricist, her first movie score to the short “Napoleonic”, produced by John Densmore (drummer of the Doors) also features original songs by Dr. John and will be making the festival circut in 2010. You can hear other music of Sarah's placed in film and tv outlets such as the 2009 Nigerian film, “Hurricane in the Rose Garden” by Pascal Atuma (Maverick).
Sarah is endorsed by the Getzen/Edwards Instrument Company and has been a prominent artist in their sales campaigns since 2000.
Greenlight
Cobra Bleu
1998
Personnel: Ugonna Okegwo Bass, Antoine Roney Sax, Jaz Sawyer Drums, James Hurt Piano
Standards and Other Stories
Cobra Bleu
2002
Personnel : Jesse Davis Sax, Clarence Seay Bass, Donald Edwards Drums, Victor Atkins Piano special guest Anned Ducros Vox, David Murray Sax
Sarah Morrow & The American All Stars in Paris feat Rhoda Scott & Hal Singer
O+ Music
2005
Personnel : Rhoda Scott B3, Hal Singer Sax, Peter Giron & Wayne Dockery Bass, Jeff Bourdreaux & John Betsch Drums
Elektric Air
O+ Music
2007
Personnel : Robert Glasper Piano, Derrick Hodge Bass, Chris Dave Drums, Jahi Sundance DJ
Discography:
Leader:
Greenlight RDC Records 1999
Standards and Other Stories RDC Records 2002
Sidewoman/Special guest:
Tony Monaco Summit Records 2001
Anne Ducros Disques Dreyfus 2002
Katy Roberts The Vibe 2002
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