Joe Morris: bass
Petr Cancura: tenor and alto saxophone
Luther Gray: drums

Wildlife was the debut recording of a new group concept from jazz master nonpareil Joe Morris, here featured on bass. Petr Cancura, a remarkably gifted young musician (and recording / mix engineer, too), is a Czech Republic native who now resides in Ottawa (by way of Ottawa first, then Boston, then Brooklyn where we made his acquaintance, and now back home, we miss him here!). Petr's name was new to us at AUM when Joe first told us of his great musical gifts, which are on gorgeous display here. Drummer Luther Gray developed from kicking it hardcore in Washington DC punk rock bands in the late 80s to being a jazz drummer of great finesse and technique in the modern day. He began working with Joe Morris in 2002.

The warm and inviting glow of their first group recording together emphasizes a very modern swing with each member of the trio drawn toward melodic elucidation via joy of creation. This is an incredible album of fully improvised music and it brings a great wealth of enduring sonic sustenance.

From the liner notes by Joe Morris:
“Wildlife improvises openly and collectively. Understanding the value of spirit and emotion is a part of the improviser’s skill set. Having the means to display them is essential. Discovering shape, groove, melody and form in the process of making them is the great reward for working this way.”

"This is a music that soars and bounces in a warm-hearted, open way. Much recommended" –Simon Adams, Jazz Journal (UK)

"Striking the right balance between tenderness and aggression, light and dark .. a very articulate jazz post-modernism that draws equally on the lexicon of post-bop, avant-garde and non-western improvisation to create music whose rich historical roots do not choke its sense of newness or vitality." –Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise

"Not quite a decade ago the perceptive jazz guitarist Joe Morris began a side career as a bassis.......
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