Beautiful Existence Explained

Beautiful Existence is an album by American jazz guitarist Joe Morris, which was recorded in 2004 and released on the Portuguese Clean Feed label. He leads a new quartet consisting of the trio with whom he recorded Age of Everything with the addition of alto saxophonist Jim Hobbs.^[1]

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Steve Loewy states " Morris is a superb composer, too, as he dishes up generally simple though piercing melodies, some of which, such as the slower, yet bubbly Ornette Coleman-influenced 'Some Good' are infused with an attractive bluesy tinge."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz states "This is a powerful statement, with a kind of chastened beauty, from a label that seems determined to catch anything new and exciting in contemporary music on the fly."^[2]

The All About Jazz review by Troy Collins says "With hauntingly atmospheric modal grooves, tender, reflective ballads and invigorating, angular free bop, Morris's singular talents as a guitarist have never been more evident."^[3]

Track listing

All compositions by Joe Morris

1. "Smear Spring" – 6:30
2. "Some Good" – 9:27
3. "Knew Something" – 9:27
4. "Real Reason" – 4:54
5. "King Cobra" – 9:23
6. "Beautiful Existence" – 12:02

Personnel

• Joe Morris - guitar
• Jim Hobbs – alto sax
• Timo Shanko – bass
• Luther Gray – drums

Notes and References

1. http://www.cleanfeed-records.com/disco2.asp?intID=180 Beautiful Existence
2. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton. Brian Morton (Scottish writer). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings. 8th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2006. Penguin. London. 978-0-141-02327-4. 948. registration.
3. Collins,Troy. Beautiful Existence review at All About Jazz