Winter

As recorded by the Valley Jazz Orchestra on the album Vicious Fishes approx. 6:30.  An adaptation of a piece originally recorded on the album Justin Morell TriOrange.  This instrumentation existed in an earlier draft and was revised in 2024 for the Lebanon Valley College Valley Jazz Orchestra.  Mirroring the original recording, it opens Read more…

Seventy-three Falling

As recorded by the Valley Jazz Orchestra on the album Vicious Fishes approx. 10 min.  An adaptation of a piece originally written for septet, and recorded on the album Justin Morell Septet.  This instrumentation existed in an earlier draft and was revised in 2024 for the Lebanon Valley College Valley Jazz Orchestra.  At Read more…

LORAC

As recorded by the Valley Jazz Orchestra on the album Vicious Fishes approx. 8 min.  An adaptation of a piece originally recorded on the album Justin Morell Dectet.  The piece is built around an ostinato played by the piano.  Virtually every note has a corresponding note to form a perfect fifth.  Therefore, intonation is Read more…

O

As recorded by the Valley Jazz Orchestra on the album Vicious Fishes approx. 8:30.  An adaptation of a piece originally written for trumpet soloist Ron Miles and later recorded on the album Justin Morell Dectet.  This instrumentation existed in an earlier draft and was revised in 2024 for the Lebanon Valley College Read more…

Back to the Fuchsia

Recording is an excerpt from a quartet arrangement. It demonstrates the basic style and feel. Solos in piano, trombone 1, trumpet 2 approx. 8:20 or longer.  An adaptation of a piece originally recorded on the album Justin Morell Quartet.  The piece leans bossa-nova or slow samba.  Piano fills around the introductory gestures.  Chord changes Read more…

Jungle Book

The audio sample is a demo from my home studio. approx. 10:30 or longer.  An adaptation of a piece originally written for septet and recorded on the album Justin Morell Septet.  The piece is built around a six-beat ostinato, but is couched in a blues form with a bridge.  Several styles are incorporated, Read more…

Whirly Bird

The audio sample is from a septet version and should be used for stylistic demonstration only. approx. 5 min.  An adaptation of a piece originally written for septet and recorded on the album Justin Morell Septet.  This slow, relaxed swing piece recalls aspects of blues and film noir.  It isn’t a technically challenging Read more…