By Esther Callens
Newly available on Sonic Frenzy Records is Subjects and Complements, a fascinating 12 track collection from guitarist and composer Justin Morell and Dectet. Presenting an extraordinary mixture of compositional elements, Morell’s latest offers an incredible journey.
Justin Morell is and has always been a forward thinking musician and composer. This endeavor most surely attests to this as he states, “Much of my musical career has straddled the line between classical and jazz music, and Subjects and Complements, my new album, is the results of this struggle.” Nothing short of amazing is the culmination of Morell’s efforts.
The tracks on Subjects and Complements consist of multiple fugues, in varying keys that are quite elegant and brazen. Dectet, Morrell’s 10 piece jazz ensemble, effortlessly implements these compositions that are completely cutting edge – something that’s a major feat given the two genres that are involved. Some favorite track listings are “Fugue In E-Flat”, “In Five Voices”, “Lorac” and “The Straight Man.” This is an impressive compilation and most likely one of Morell’s defining works.
Justin Morell was born into a musical family. His father, John, is a talented jazz guitarist and his grandfather, Carl Fischer composed a number of outstanding standards. Aside from his formal training (BA, MA, Ph.D.), Justin Morell has honed his skills amongst numerous talents at countless venues. His work can also be heard on Steven Spielberg’s (Catch Me If You Can), Lifetime Original Movies, TV’s The Naked Truth and others.
Joining Morell on this project are Bob Sheppard, Ben Wendel, Matt Otto, Phil O’Connor, John Daversa, Alan Ferber, George Thatcher, Leonard Thompson, Damian Erskine and Matt Ferber.
Track listing: Noun Ember; Fugue In B, In Three Voices; The Wobbler; O; Fugue In B-Flat, In Three Voices; Fugue In E-Flat, In Five Voices; The Straight Man; Fugue In E, In Four Voices; Sun Subtle; Fugue In C, In Three Voices; Lorac; Sang.
