Joe Morris

Biography & Career

WEBSITE: www.joemorris.net

Joe is a highly sought after drummer/percussionist whose versatile style and dedication to his instrument has earned him world tours, countless recording sessions and tracks on major motion pictures and television shows. His professionalism and groove have made him a welcome addition to any band’s rhythm section. Joe’s product knowledge, playing skills and great attitude are the reason he is an endorser and clinician for major drum companies.

He has released 5 solo CD’s. “Joe Morris and Friends” (stereo) which had 6 six songs chart in the top 10 under jazz. “Joe Morris and Friends” (5.1 DTS Surround Sound) thereby making Joe the first drummer to put out a solo CD in 5.1 Surround Sound. Additionally, Genelec used this CD for demo purposes at trade shows all over the United States and Europe. It received rave reviews. “Groove Therapy” is Joe’s dual release with bass player extraordinaire Ray Riendeau. This CD is just pumping bass and drums and really shows what can be done within a rhythm section. “Arrhythmia” This music is rhythmically complex, harmonically ambiguous and predominantly instrumental crypto-funk. His newest release “One Beat Off” has something for everyone from Funk, Latin, Odd time, Duet Drum Solo’s, hard rock and even some speed metal.

As a member of the Esteban Band, Joe tours the world from Red Rocks to Portugal playing sold out venues, plus playing live TV appearances as the band hit the Billboard charts on a monthly basis with twelve number one hits. Joe has recorded over 20 Esteban CD’s and produced the “Esteban Live” CD that went number 1 on Billboard. Additionally, he is on the “Intimate Evening with Esteban” video, The “Esteban Live at Red Rocks” DVD and the “Esteban and Friends” DVD which hit number 1 on the Billboard charts.

Joe is also a clinician for major drum manufacturers, and the music director at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. He has performed in clinics all over the world. Joe Morris was chosen by The Fender Music Corporation to be the drummer on the Fender Stage at the 2002 Namm Show. Joe played with tons of different artists including: Greg Koch, Ray Riendeau, Gary Hoey, Kim Stone and Reggie Hamilton. He was also included in the Fender Clinic Tour featuring guitarist Greg Koch and bassist Ray Riendeau. When the clinic tour ended Joe was invited to Steve Vai’s Studio to record a new CD. “Radio Free Gristle” which is out on Favored Nations Records Steve Vai’s label. Joe was featured on a track on the “Lords of the Bass” CD along with Dave Weckl and had the pleasure of playing Bass Day in New York with Ray Riendeau, Victor Wooten, Christian McBride, Matthew Garrison and T.M. Stevens.

Joe’s touring and recording work includes movies, shows and artists like Esteban, Paul Cotton, Poco, Steve Vai, Jay Davidson, Whitney Houston, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Ramsey Lewis, Greg Koch, Reggie Hamilton, Chuck Rainey, Bobby Vega, Robert Scovill, Ray Riendeau, Jesse McGuire, Kim Stone, Gary Hoey, Rusty Young, Barely Legal, Lewis Story, The X files, Chill Factor, A Thousand Acres, Touched by an Angel, Chicago Hope, Millennium, Dallas, General Hospital, Another World, John Grishams “The Client”, Fame L.A. and many more.

Joe’s commitment and musical talent has created great opportunities and yielded great achievements. He will continue feeling blessed.

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