The name James Morrison is known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz musician and an all-round entertainer.
He is constantly on the move, touring everywhere and anywhere fine music has an audience. His recordings are best sellers, and Morrison regularly works with the cream of the world’s best performers.
Ray Brown called him “The Genius”, and Dizzy Gillespie called him “One of The Best”, but Wynton Marsalis probably summed it up the best when he said, “Man, James Morrison can play!”
Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word.
Besides the trumpet, the multi-instrumentalist also plays piano, all the brass, saxophones, and double bass.
At the age of seven, he was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs.
His international career developed just as quickly. At age sixteen Morrison debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Now 54, Morrison’s career thus far has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians.
He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne.
He has performed royal command performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US presidents Bush and Clinton at Parliament House in Australia.
On International Jazz Day 2016, James was a guest of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House, to name but a few of his high-profile events.
In 2012 James was appointed Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival, a state-wide music initiative whose vision is to “transform lives through unforgettable musical experiences.”
As part of the festival, in 2013 James conducted the World’s Largest Orchestra, breaking a Guinness World Record with 7,224 musicians at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
In 2014 James presented A Tribute to Oscar Peterson at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations.
The latest chapter in his diverse career sees Morrison in Mount Gambier, South Australia, establishing the James Morrison Academy of Music (JMA), an innovative school dedicated to teaching jazz and offering a Bachelor Degree in Music.
This exciting initiative involves educators from all over the world, transforming young musicians’ lives with inspiration and a love of jazz.
In 2017, the JMA will partner with The Juilliard School in New York City to offer an exclusive Honours Program.
With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that James Morrison must have done just about everything he could want to do – but not so…
When asked, “What is there left to do?” James’ reply is typically, “This is just the warm up!”
Morrison makes a much-welcomed return to Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, a favourite venue of his, on August 12, to celebrate 20 years of the venue’s existence.
More information and tickets can be found at manpac.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 9550 3900.
