Thomas Morgan Threads Melodic Bass Lines Through “Windflower”
Pianist Ayumi Tanaka, bassist Thomas Morgan, and drummer Thomas Strønen have teamed up for a new album called Windflower, which is available now on ECM Records. With members from Japan, the U.S., and Norway, the trio blends musical sensibilities as they weave together songs influenced by chamber music and jazz. The result is an organic, intimate set of compositions.
The structures loosen up at times, but Morgan’s thoughtful bass lines provide a through-line for the musical ideas.
“Like Charlie Haden or Gary Peacock before him, he can access the essential in each improvisational setting, and to contribute to it, highly supportive but also with a strong voice of his own,” ECM writes. “The way in which Morgan threads a melodic bass line through the gently glittering phrasing of the piano on “Tree of Stars” is among this album’s highlights.”
He also provides the pensive opening to “Driftwood,” balancing function and lyricism for to create a dreamy atmosphere.
Windflower is out now on CD and as a digital download (Apple Music, and Amazon Music).
Windflower Track List:
- Windflower
- La Source
- From Us, To You
- Tree of Stars
- Weaving
- The Sea is Still
- Spring
- Driftwood
- The Dissolving Sun
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
