Sam Gautier

Ben Morris: Pocket Guides

by Jack Bowers
July 20, 2022

On Pocket Guides, his debut recording as foreman, Denver-based pianist Ben Morris leads a one-dozen strong quasi-big band with rather unusual instrumentation--two horns, two woodwinds, two violins, mandolin, cello, melodica and rhythm--through eight of his engaging compositions, most of which touch on his Norwegian heritage. To his credit, Morris makes splendid use of every tool in his kit, writing with each of them in mind and making sure that everyone in the ensemble has an essential role to play. His ...