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Sarah Morrow
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).
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Sarah Morrow: The American All-Stars In Paris
by Ernest Barteldes
"The new album, said Sarah Morrow as she introduced “Simone at a recent concert at Iridium, “is a collection of American standards that connect with French listeners. She should know; the trombonist has been a resident of Paris for a number of years now. The album opens with a New Orleans-tinged rendition of the Mercer/Elfman hit “And The Angels Sing, showcasing the chemistry of Morrow and saxophonist Hal Singer. There is more space for improvisation on the ...
read moreSarah Morrow: The American All Stars In Paris
by Michael P. Gladstone
It seems like a familiar story by now. A group of American ex-pat musicians in Paris is well regarded there, despite having little recognition on this side of the Atlantic. Trombonist Sarah Morrow is here joined by veteran saxman Hal Singer, organist Rhoda Scott, bassist Wayne Dockery (a former Jazz Messenger), and drummer John Betsch. Two French musicians also contribute to this loose session.
The album begins with a version of Ziggy Elman's “And The Angels Sing," and ...
read moreSarah Morrow: American All-Stars in Paris
by Jim Santella
Backed by a hot jazz ensemble from Paris, trombonist Sarah Morrow steps out with a firm grasp of the situation. She and her band swing hard, creatively interpreting these standard tunes. Her solo trombone voice, alongside those of tenor giant Hal Singer and organist Rhoda Scott, results in a hearty party that could last all night long.
“Blue Monk" receives a down and dirty blues texture that oozes with deep passion. “Honeysuckle Rose" wails with a light swing ...
read moreSarah Morrow: Greenlight
by Dave Nathan
Shades of Melba Liston, another trombone player from the distaff side! Playing this sometimes clumsy instrument can be a real challenge for a woman given the stretch needed for the slide and high-level breath control required. But there are no obstacles for Sarah Morrow. Ohio born, but working mainly in Europe and was discovered by Ray Charles, she became the first female member of his Orchestra.
Morrow's inaugural album is a set of challenging and exciting music. All but two ...
read moreSarah Morrow: Greenlight
by Jim Santella
Trombonist Sarah Morrow has it all: creative music with a strong traditional foundation and superb musical skills. Her session swings in a rhythmic groove, and there's plenty of room for ballads. “All Blues" summarizes the session with sparkling glimpses, both old and new. However, the use of space to make room for James Hurt's piano musings and associated changes in mood tends to make the session drag on and lose its excitement in places. Morrow is an exciting player with ...
read moreJazz Arts Group Presents "Hit the Road, Jack: The Music of Ray Charles" Featuring Sarah Morrow & Roger Hines
Source:
Michael Ricci
Columbus, OH The Jazz Arts Group's Inside Track series returns to the Lincoln Theatre with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's “Hit the Road, Jack: The Music of Ray Charles," January 27-28, 2012 featuring Ray Charles alumni Sarah Morrow and Roger Hines as they pay tribute to “The Genius of Soul." With perfect pitch and an expressive voice, he combined worlds as diverse as jazz, country, rhythm and blues, and gospel to break your heart or make you dance. To this day, ...
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Jazz Academy Music Making Opportunities with Columbus Music Co-op, Sarah Morrow, Duke Robillard, Nia Allen
Source:
Michael Ricci
The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) offers extraordinary music making opportunities at the Jazz Academy to engage all ages and interests including free workshops with the Columbus Music Co-op and clinics with international trombone star Sarah Morrow, Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Duke Robillard, and gospel singer Nia Allen. The Columbus Music Co-op continues its free workshop series for aspiring musicians this Sunday, November 21 with “So You Want to Make Music in Columbus?" Learn how to book shows and ...
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