Biography
James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones, and piano.
At the age of seven, James Morrison was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band, and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. James Morrison's international career developed equally as fast. At just sixteen, James Morrison debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Following this were performances at the big festivals in Europe – including Montreaux, Pori, North Sea, Nice and Bern - playing with many of the legends of jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ray Brown and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. There were also gigs in the world’s most famous jazz clubs – the Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris and Ronnie Scott’s in London.
Now 37, James 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. James Morrison had Royal Command Performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. In 1997, James was recognised for his service to the arts in Australia and awarded a medal of The Order of Australia.
Apart from touring the world for most of the year, James Morrison is also head of Morrison Records, an independent label dedicated to the best of jazz. He also spends much time in education, doing master classes and workshops in many countries and running a jazz scholarship.
When not writing film scores, composing or being a patron of several youth orchestras, James Morrison relaxes in some fairly unconventional ways for a musician - competing in triathlons, abseiling, flying his private plane or driving in a rally championship. His love of cars is well known, as he was host of the national TV program “Behind the Wheel”.
With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that he has done just about everything anyone could want – not so. When asked, “What is there left to do?” His reply is typically exciting “This is just the warm up!”
1979
Joined Don Burrows Band and toured Australia and South East Asia for the next 6 years
1980
Graduated from NSW Conservatorium of Music - Associate Diploma in Jazz
1981
Appointed lecturer at the NSW Conservatorium of Music
1983
Formed a Big Band with brother John and filmed a television special for the ABC
1987
First Australian to perform with Dizzy Gillespie - at Montreaux Jazz Festival
1989
Only Australian in all star Phillip Morris Big Band - World Tour
1990
World tour with Ray Charles & B.B. King.
1990
Awarded "Australian Performer of the Year" Mo award
1992
Performed for President Bush at Parliament House Canberra
1993
Recorded "Jazz Meets the Symphony' with London Philharmonic Orchestra
1994
Concert at Royal Albert Hall, London, with London Philharmonic Orchestra
1995
Concert at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for Princess Anne
1996
Performed for President Clinton at Parliament House Canberra.
1997
Awarded AM
other highlights:
Royal Command performance for HRH Queen Elizabeth II on four occasions in Australia and on two occasions for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
James Morrison is also a Patron of six youth Bands throughout Australia and has a yearly scholarship to further the music education of young Australians.
