Butch Morris dies

Bill McCloskey · Posted 30 Jan 2013 6:32 am

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/arts/music/butch-morris-dies-at-65-creator-of-conduction.html?ref=obituaries&_r=0

Those of you in the NYC area who are jazz fans will be saddened to learn that Butch Morris has died. Butch was an amazing man who developed a method for group improvisation that was exciting to listen to. I saw him perform one of his "Conductions" 2 years ago at the Jazz fest in Manhattan and it was without a doubt the best thing I heard.

He was a very commanding presence. When I saw him perform, he was lecturing to the crowd on how his Conduction techniques worked without a mic. Someone in the audience yelled: "Louder!"

Without missing a beat he replied "Be quiet and listen better"

One of the great creative spirits who never got the recognition he deserved.

Philip Sterk · From: Nashville, TN

I've always wanted to participate at his large ensemble workshops at the Stone. I had a couple friends try to get me out there but, I regret I never made/had time. The one great thing about this city is that there are still amazing people in arts that interact and create. That's what makes people like Butch Morris so special, he was an true inspiration.

-side note, the only time I did participate in a "conduction" was with Kenny Wollensen's "Himalayas" band. It was an absolute thrill. Kenny was Mr. Morris' drummer for many of his groups.-

RIP Mr. Morris
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"The method by which the fool arrives at his folly was as dear to him as the ultimate wisdom of the wise."

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

I had the chance to work with Butch on a number of conductions and projects. He was a real inspiration for me. Butch and Henry Threadgil were directly responsible for my decision to go back to being a full time player and work on my skills in music school during my brief detour into the day job world. Butch was a very intense guy while conducting and a very fun hang off the bandstand.
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Bob

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