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Hailing from the vibrant music scene of St. Louis, saxophonist and composer Willie Morris emerges as a fresh and exciting force in the jazz scene. With a deep-rooted appreciation for the Black-American art forms that have flourished in his city, he brings a dynamic and unique perspective to his craft. Willie's profound passion and love for music have been an integral part of his life, starting from his early days as a bedroom drummer and evolving into a formal education as a saxophonist during his adolescent years and beyond.
Willie's journey led him to study music at prestigious institutions such as Eastern Illinois University and The Juilliard School, where he had the privilege of learning from renowned teachers, including Dan Block, Ron Blake, Roxy Coss, Bruce Williams, Sam Fagaly, Marc Cary, Ulysses Owens, Paul Johnston, Scott Hesse, Frank Kimbrough, and many other influential mentors. These invaluable experiences not only honed his technical skills but also helped him explore his own artistic identity, shaping his ever-evolving contributions to the world through music.
In this early stage of his career, Willie Morris has already been blessed with remarkable opportunities that have allowed him to perform and record alongside a distinguished lineup of artists. Collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Jason Marsalis, Montez Coleman, Josh Lawrence, Donald Edwards, Boris Kozlov, Rudy Royston, and Art Hirahara, among others, Willie has had the privilege of immersing himself in diverse musical settings that have expanded his artistic horizons.
Willie's debut album, Conversation Starter (Posi-Tone 2023), serves as a platform for showcasing his exceptional abilities, while being surrounded by veteran musicians. His second album, Attentive Listening (Posi-Tone 2024), continued to display his depth and range of musical prowess. On his latest album Unbound Inner (Posi-Tone 2025), Morris leads by example with remarkable technical precision and a manifest knowledge of his materials. His saxophone's sound is extraordinarily well-centered, his articulation sharp and his command of his instrument complete. Nevertheless, it is the considerable depth of his emotional artistry that is most impactful and remarkable.
Beyond his musical prowess, Willie aspires to utilize his artistry as a conduit for connection and a means of expressing the unspoken thoughts and emotions that resonate with people from all walks of life. With his captivating sound, he aims to bridge gaps and create a platform for understanding and sharing experiences. As he continues to evolve as an artist, he is sure to captivate hearts and minds, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of music.
