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| Hometown | Westerville, OH |
| Genres | |
| Band Members | Right Hand, Left Hand, Brain, Taylor 710:-) |
| Achievements |
|
| Upcoming Shows | None |
| Contact Information: |
Artist / Band Member
John Morgan john@morganguitar.com 614-111-1111 |
| # Years Experience Performing Live: | 15 |
| # Live Perfomances Past Six-months: | 74 |
| Market Draw: | Home Market: 31-50 |
| Venue History: | Columbus Arts Festival - Columbus, OH Borders Books and Music - Columbus, OH Borders Books and Music - Cleveland, OH Borders Books and Music - Indianapolis, IN Borders Books and Music - Huntington, WV Westerville Arts and Music Fest - Westerville, OH Boston Mills Artfest - Peninsula, OH Artist in Residence - Columbus, OH |
| Opener Experience: | Phil Keaggy; Honeytree; Leon Patillo; Jim Volk |
| Similar Artists: | Leo Kottke; Michael Hedges; Tommy Emmanuel; Phil Keaggy |
| Performing Rights Society: | BMI |
| Discography: | Music for December LP—2008; Motionography LP—2004; Capture the Night LP—2001; Stories LP—1999; The Journey - Places Real and Imagined LP—1996 |
John Morgan is an acoustic guitarist living in central Ohio. Unencumbered by fame or fortune, he is pursuing the musical dream: performing, teaching, writing and recording.
"Motionography" (2006), is about movement: flight, swimming, dancing - places:...
"Motionography" (2006), is about movement: flight, swimming, dancing - places:...
John Morgan is an acoustic guitarist living in central Ohio. Unencumbered by fame or fortune, he is pursuing the musical dream: performing, teaching, writing and recording.
"Motionography" (2006), is about movement: flight, swimming, dancing - places: the moon, oceans, stars; and communication: the non-verbal, solo guitar type of communication. The sound of one guitar playing, fingers dancing, sounds splashing, sonic canvas, air art, here–gone, wooden heart made flesh, steel strings spring to life. The sound of one guitar laughing, of joy bouncing, strengthening, calling, inviting to the dance. The sound of one guitar moving, across the star field accompanied by dancers, singers, swimmers, writing rhythm, resonating life
"Capture the Night" was released in November of 2004. Fresh arrangements of holiday classics. Over a thousand CDs were sold in the two months before Christmas
“Stories” was released in 1999. Cuts from this disc have received radio play on over 100 stations across the U.S
In 1994 he began performing original acoustic music. In 1996 “The Journey: Places Real and Imagined” was released. “Echoes,” a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by John Diliberto, played cuts from that CD during 1996 and 1997. The title cut from “The Journey" was included on Volume 3 of a sampler disc released by Acoustic Music Resource. “House by the River,” also from “The Journey,” was included on a sampler disc compiled and internationally distributed by Poetman USA. Four songs from this CD were in continuous rotation on the "Atmospheres" Digital Cable Network for several years.
John published "Foundation for Great Guitar Playing" in 2003. This book/CD set clearly explains and applies the basics of music theory to the fretboard. John regularly presents this material in classrooms, workshops and private lessons.
"Motionography" (2006), is about movement: flight, swimming, dancing - places: the moon, oceans, stars; and communication: the non-verbal, solo guitar type of communication. The sound of one guitar playing, fingers dancing, sounds splashing, sonic canvas, air art, here–gone, wooden heart made flesh, steel strings spring to life. The sound of one guitar laughing, of joy bouncing, strengthening, calling, inviting to the dance. The sound of one guitar moving, across the star field accompanied by dancers, singers, swimmers, writing rhythm, resonating life
"Capture the Night" was released in November of 2004. Fresh arrangements of holiday classics. Over a thousand CDs were sold in the two months before Christmas
“Stories” was released in 1999. Cuts from this disc have received radio play on over 100 stations across the U.S
In 1994 he began performing original acoustic music. In 1996 “The Journey: Places Real and Imagined” was released. “Echoes,” a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by John Diliberto, played cuts from that CD during 1996 and 1997. The title cut from “The Journey" was included on Volume 3 of a sampler disc released by Acoustic Music Resource. “House by the River,” also from “The Journey,” was included on a sampler disc compiled and internationally distributed by Poetman USA. Four songs from this CD were in continuous rotation on the "Atmospheres" Digital Cable Network for several years.
John published "Foundation for Great Guitar Playing" in 2003. This book/CD set clearly explains and applies the basics of music theory to the fretboard. John regularly presents this material in classrooms, workshops and private lessons.
Feature Spot on the URB/OurStage Microsite
Top 10 in All Instrumental, March 2011
March 2008 Guitar Solo
Feature Spot on the URB/OurStage Microsite
Top 10 in All Instrumental, March 2011
March 2008 Guitar Solo
July 2007 Jazz
September 2007 World
Top 40 in All Instrumental, June 2011
Motionogralphy by New Age Reporter
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography...
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography...
Motionography by Dissolver Magazine
JOHN MORGANMotionography(Self-released, 2006) ________________________________________by Steve Brachmann | Age: 19 | Boston, MA ________________________________________Some of my favorite memories...
JOHN MORGANMotionography(Self-released, 2006) ________________________________________by Steve Brachmann | Age: 19 | Boston, MA ________________________________________Some of my favorite memories...
Motionogralphy by New Age Reporter
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography and I feel the same way. Motionography translates literally into "written movement". Morgan records in more ways than one the movement of being, tunefully capturing the dynamics of everyday life, the hopscotch little girl smiles, the breathtaking rainbows, the laughing daisies and he celebrates the little miracles, the breakthroughs, and the renewals. John composes and performs all the material and his music has a warm, sentient flow. A little jazzy and a little contemporary and all very emotional. The Return is a touching reunion of sound and emotion. It is a personal homecoming after time on the road, a great separation or just a day without a smile from her. John's bright finger picking is hopeful with a sense of promise just like the sound from the heels of the red shoes. There's no place like home. Dancing Daughter is exactly that; a twirling bell-shaped dress hung on bony knees and lots of giggly laughter. It is also ponytails and lipstick and prom night and the first guy that isn’t you with his hand around her waist. And then in the blink of an eye, it is a long, white dress and tears and the Daddy Dance. My how time flies! Sometimes you think that there is a lack of order. John’s performance of O Emmanuel at first seemed out of place. But on second thought, it is appropriate any time of the season. For it is a song of celebration. I guess sometimes we just need assurance that miracles can happen everyday. John’s crystalline rendering is a keen reminder. Every now and then time moves so slowly that it is one continuous line in the night sky. And other times it is a blinking, sparkling light that disappears in an instant. Life is like that. What John calls a Dance of the Stars. It’s that Motionography thing. I realized I would rather celebrate the dance of the stars than live in darkness for more than a day. This became a favorite. Season and Change is a very elaborate ballad and one of John's best. It is full of energy and activity as time and space tug against each other in a harried world. It seems that as you get older, you judge time by the cascade of seasons and phases of the moon and not some quartz crystal guided metal gizmo on your wrist. Seconds, minutes, and hours give way to length of days, temperature and light and darkness. And lastly, Soaring the final track on the album. This highly charged tune is like a release program for a human being. You get to spread your wings, try them out and then for the first time, climb to lofty height. There's a bonus about altitude. Big things look small and small things almost disappear. And, you are free! No matter how you disguise it, this is an album in which John musically rejoices in the love of family. With the dangers in the world, all over the world, the love for family is tenuous at best and always gratifying even at its weakest. John reminds us that after all is said and played, we always have family and we remain thankful. Rating: Very Good -
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography and I feel the same way. Motionography translates literally into "written movement". Morgan records in more ways than one the movement of being, tunefully capturing the dynamics of everyday life, the hopscotch little girl smiles, the breathtaking rainbows, the laughing daisies and he celebrates the little miracles, the breakthroughs, and the renewals. John composes and performs all the material and his music has a warm, sentient flow. A little jazzy and a little contemporary and all very emotional. The Return is a touching reunion of sound and emotion. It is a personal homecoming after time on the road, a great separation or just a day without a smile from her. John's bright finger picking is hopeful with a sense of promise just like the sound from the heels of the red shoes. There's no place like home. Dancing Daughter is exactly that; a twirling bell-shaped dress hung on bony knees and lots of giggly laughter. It is also ponytails and lipstick and prom night and the first guy that isn’t you with his hand around her waist. And then in the blink of an eye, it is a long, white dress and tears and the Daddy Dance. My how time flies! Sometimes you think that there is a lack of order. John’s performance of O Emmanuel at first seemed out of place. But on second thought, it is appropriate any time of the season. For it is a song of celebration. I guess sometimes we just need assurance that miracles can happen everyday. John’s crystalline rendering is a keen reminder. Every now and then time moves so slowly that it is one continuous line in the night sky. And other times it is a blinking, sparkling light that disappears in an instant. Life is like that. What John calls a Dance of the Stars. It’s that Motionography thing. I realized I would rather celebrate the dance of the stars than live in darkness for more than a day. This became a favorite. Season and Change is a very elaborate ballad and one of John's best. It is full of energy and activity as time and space tug against each other in a harried world. It seems that as you get older, you judge time by the cascade of seasons and phases of the moon and not some quartz crystal guided metal gizmo on your wrist. Seconds, minutes, and hours give way to length of days, temperature and light and darkness. And lastly, Soaring the final track on the album. This highly charged tune is like a release program for a human being. You get to spread your wings, try them out and then for the first time, climb to lofty height. There's a bonus about altitude. Big things look small and small things almost disappear. And, you are free! No matter how you disguise it, this is an album in which John musically rejoices in the love of family. With the dangers in the world, all over the world, the love for family is tenuous at best and always gratifying even at its weakest. John reminds us that after all is said and played, we always have family and we remain thankful. Rating: Very Good -
Motionography by Dissolver Magazine
JOHN MORGAN Motionography (Self-released, 2006) ________________________________________ by Steve Brachmann | Age: 19 | Boston, MA ________________________________________ Some of my favorite memories from when I was growing up… Growing up? Aren’t I supposedly still in the process of that? I say “When I was growing up” like I’m not 19. Look at me, trying to be old and sophisticated. Ahem. Some of my favorite memories from when I was a scant few years younger are of my father playing his guitar. There. Much better. Anywho, he would play non-stop whenever it seemed there was an occasion for him to strum the six-string. I’ve heard him play The Beatles, Harry Chapin and Kenny Rogers. I’ve seen him play bonfires, folk groups at church and even slightly inebriated (that was a fun experience). I’ve heard more Kingston Trio in my short life than a normal person can stand without trying to rip out their own eardrums. And I’ve loved every minute of it. Much like an old country boy in the city gets a little wistful whenever they manage to see a tree or live animal, all you have to do is play me some solo acoustic guitar, throw in a few lyrics, and I’m home. That’s why I jumped at the chance to listen to Motionography, the latest CD out from John Morgan. Morgan, who is “pursuing the musical dream” of performing, teaching, writing and recording in central Ohio, is an acoustic guitar soloist, and his latest title is purely instrumental; he gives you nothing but some tasty guitar licks and the open road. The first thing that struck me is how raw and pure the sound on this album is. Sure, sometimes you like your music to sound perfect, but I like mine with a little bit of a soul behind it too, and hearing the strings squeak as Morgan’s fingers fly up and down the frets reminds me that I’m listening to an actual person, and not corporate bullshit. Which is nice. The arrangements are also very catchy, and his fingerwork is impressive, especially on the opening track, “First Flight”, which seems to be a constant stream of fingerpicking sixteenth notes for about a minute and a half. Standouts on this album include “Dance Of The Stars," a track that really blends a certain mellowness with an up tempo beat, and “The Return," a tune that’s at times serious, and at other times has a phenomenal sense of humor (yes, a song can have a sense of humor. Don’t believe me? Fine, listen to the note progression for the first twelve seconds. I defy you not to giggle when he hits that high note). John Morgan’s Motionography, besides simply being a collection of songs, also seems to have a philosophy behind it. Morgan himself defines “motionography” as movement, motion, ocean, graphemics, graphology, graphic, and traffic. Now, that’s all well and good, and it makes for some pretty kickin’ guitar, but I fail to see how words like “traffic” and “ocean” apply to the music; it’s music, not the America’s Cup. That said, I can certainly hear movement and motion in these tracks; each song seems to be like a story, if you will, with a beginning, middle and end, and without a typical AABA verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge song setup. Very refreshing, and it helps keep the tune from getting tired and worn out. Not that America has ever put up with tired and worn out music. Oh, no, we’re much too smart for that, aren’t we folks? I CHIME IN WITH “AREN’T YOU PEOPLE FRICKIN’ TIRED OF HEARING THIS SAME DAMN VERSE?” NO! IT’S MUCH BETTER TO FACE THESE KINDS OF THINGS WITH A SENSE OF TASTELESS MUSICALITY! …Sorry. I kind of lost it there for a second. I had to get that out of my system. Friends don’t let friends listen to Panic! At The Disco. There are really only two things I’m not thrilled about with this album. First of all, I’m somewhat leery about some of the song titles. Three of the tracks have the word ‘dance’ in the title: “Dancing Daughter," “Dance of the Stars," “The Dance." I realize it’s nitpicky, but there’s got to be a thesaurus in the house. Much more disconcerting is “One Step Closer to Cool." In my travels thus far through life, I’ve noticed an inverse proportion to the amount of times you say you are cool, and how cool you actually are. Therefore, putting the word ‘cool’ or ‘sweet’ in the title makes me want to write it off as ‘lame’, even though it is a pretty sweet track. While this is a very good album with a lot of real musical talent, there is only so far you can take solo acoustic guitar. Maybe with a group behind him, a vocalist or two, he could really make a name for himself; he certainly has the musical wherewithal that not many artists today have (see above Panic! At The Disco reference). However, if fame and fortune aren’t part of that “musical dream” he’s pursuing, then I’d say this guy is on the right track.
JOHN MORGAN Motionography (Self-released, 2006) ________________________________________ by Steve Brachmann | Age: 19 | Boston, MA ________________________________________ Some of my favorite memories from when I was growing up… Growing up? Aren’t I supposedly still in the process of that? I say “When I was growing up” like I’m not 19. Look at me, trying to be old and sophisticated. Ahem. Some of my favorite memories from when I was a scant few years younger are of my father playing his guitar. There. Much better. Anywho, he would play non-stop whenever it seemed there was an occasion for him to strum the six-string. I’ve heard him play The Beatles, Harry Chapin and Kenny Rogers. I’ve seen him play bonfires, folk groups at church and even slightly inebriated (that was a fun experience). I’ve heard more Kingston Trio in my short life than a normal person can stand without trying to rip out their own eardrums. And I’ve loved every minute of it. Much like an old country boy in the city gets a little wistful whenever they manage to see a tree or live animal, all you have to do is play me some solo acoustic guitar, throw in a few lyrics, and I’m home. That’s why I jumped at the chance to listen to Motionography, the latest CD out from John Morgan. Morgan, who is “pursuing the musical dream” of performing, teaching, writing and recording in central Ohio, is an acoustic guitar soloist, and his latest title is purely instrumental; he gives you nothing but some tasty guitar licks and the open road. The first thing that struck me is how raw and pure the sound on this album is. Sure, sometimes you like your music to sound perfect, but I like mine with a little bit of a soul behind it too, and hearing the strings squeak as Morgan’s fingers fly up and down the frets reminds me that I’m listening to an actual person, and not corporate bullshit. Which is nice. The arrangements are also very catchy, and his fingerwork is impressive, especially on the opening track, “First Flight”, which seems to be a constant stream of fingerpicking sixteenth notes for about a minute and a half. Standouts on this album include “Dance Of The Stars," a track that really blends a certain mellowness with an up tempo beat, and “The Return," a tune that’s at times serious, and at other times has a phenomenal sense of humor (yes, a song can have a sense of humor. Don’t believe me? Fine, listen to the note progression for the first twelve seconds. I defy you not to giggle when he hits that high note). John Morgan’s Motionography, besides simply being a collection of songs, also seems to have a philosophy behind it. Morgan himself defines “motionography” as movement, motion, ocean, graphemics, graphology, graphic, and traffic. Now, that’s all well and good, and it makes for some pretty kickin’ guitar, but I fail to see how words like “traffic” and “ocean” apply to the music; it’s music, not the America’s Cup. That said, I can certainly hear movement and motion in these tracks; each song seems to be like a story, if you will, with a beginning, middle and end, and without a typical AABA verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge song setup. Very refreshing, and it helps keep the tune from getting tired and worn out. Not that America has ever put up with tired and worn out music. Oh, no, we’re much too smart for that, aren’t we folks? I CHIME IN WITH “AREN’T YOU PEOPLE FRICKIN’ TIRED OF HEARING THIS SAME DAMN VERSE?” NO! IT’S MUCH BETTER TO FACE THESE KINDS OF THINGS WITH A SENSE OF TASTELESS MUSICALITY! …Sorry. I kind of lost it there for a second. I had to get that out of my system. Friends don’t let friends listen to Panic! At The Disco. There are really only two things I’m not thrilled about with this album. First of all, I’m somewhat leery about some of the song titles. Three of the tracks have the word ‘dance’ in the title: “Dancing Daughter," “Dance of the Stars," “The Dance." I realize it’s nitpicky, but there’s got to be a thesaurus in the house. Much more disconcerting is “One Step Closer to Cool." In my travels thus far through life, I’ve noticed an inverse proportion to the amount of times you say you are cool, and how cool you actually are. Therefore, putting the word ‘cool’ or ‘sweet’ in the title makes me want to write it off as ‘lame’, even though it is a pretty sweet track. While this is a very good album with a lot of real musical talent, there is only so far you can take solo acoustic guitar. Maybe with a group behind him, a vocalist or two, he could really make a name for himself; he certainly has the musical wherewithal that not many artists today have (see above Panic! At The Disco reference). However, if fame and fortune aren’t part of that “musical dream” he’s pursuing, then I’d say this guy is on the right track.
John Morgan - Motionography by Music Connection Jan. 2001
Ohio-based guitarist Morgan has a well-honed fingerstyle that propels his original compositions nicely. “First Flight” revels in its nimble arpeggiation, while “The Return” is an easy-listening stroll that echoes Will Ackerman. We were particularly taken with the track “Dance of the Stars,” whose acceleration of notes is breathtakingly musical. Morgan mostly avoids the saccharine smoothness that plagues this genre and his work is rendered in pristine production tones. Music supervisors should take note.
Ohio-based guitarist Morgan has a well-honed fingerstyle that propels his original compositions nicely. “First Flight” revels in its nimble arpeggiation, while “The Return” is an easy-listening stroll that echoes Will Ackerman. We were particularly taken with the track “Dance of the Stars,” whose acceleration of notes is breathtakingly musical. Morgan mostly avoids the saccharine smoothness that plagues this genre and his work is rendered in pristine production tones. Music supervisors should take note.
Stories by The Borderlands
There are some albums where few words are required to put over the general opinion. OK, so here goes: Buy this album - buy it now! Not good enough for you? Well, here's the long answer then: Buy this album and you'll enter a state of sublime musical grace that no amount of Britney Spears or Jo-Lo will subvert. Stories is one of the best albums I've heard in a long time, and we are talking real music here, not stuff created by fiddling with a few samples on a computer, or thumping the pads on a drum box. I'm talking about instrumental music of the acoustic kind - John Morgan is a guitarist of the highest calibre, a magical fingerpicker ranking up there with John Fahey, Chet Atkins, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. Subtly and sympathetically backed by his 'friends', the fourteen tracks on this superb cd sparkle and shine, shimmer and shimmy, with many of them leaving you humming the tune after just one listen. The understated backing of percussion, flute, fretless bass and voice leave the guitar as the star, and the man can play - country, folk, blues, traditional, it all seems to have been mixed together to form a new style of gumbo, and it's damned tasty. The bottom line is that this music lifts the spirits instantly, from track one to the finale. In many ways this is the happiest album that I've ever heard, and I can't pick out highlights - every track brings out the sunshine. God knows we need more music like this. This is the ideal album to relax to after a stressed out day, or if you need the spirits recharged. You probably think I'm going over the top here, and perhaps I am a little, but there's no denying this album is fabulous and deserves to be in every discerning music fans' collection. John Peters The Borderland
There are some albums where few words are required to put over the general opinion. OK, so here goes: Buy this album - buy it now! Not good enough for you? Well, here's the long answer then: Buy this album and you'll enter a state of sublime musical grace that no amount of Britney Spears or Jo-Lo will subvert. Stories is one of the best albums I've heard in a long time, and we are talking real music here, not stuff created by fiddling with a few samples on a computer, or thumping the pads on a drum box. I'm talking about instrumental music of the acoustic kind - John Morgan is a guitarist of the highest calibre, a magical fingerpicker ranking up there with John Fahey, Chet Atkins, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. Subtly and sympathetically backed by his 'friends', the fourteen tracks on this superb cd sparkle and shine, shimmer and shimmy, with many of them leaving you humming the tune after just one listen. The understated backing of percussion, flute, fretless bass and voice leave the guitar as the star, and the man can play - country, folk, blues, traditional, it all seems to have been mixed together to form a new style of gumbo, and it's damned tasty. The bottom line is that this music lifts the spirits instantly, from track one to the finale. In many ways this is the happiest album that I've ever heard, and I can't pick out highlights - every track brings out the sunshine. God knows we need more music like this. This is the ideal album to relax to after a stressed out day, or if you need the spirits recharged. You probably think I'm going over the top here, and perhaps I am a little, but there's no denying this album is fabulous and deserves to be in every discerning music fans' collection. John Peters The Borderland
Stories by Holistic Journal (Nov/Dec '99)
Stories" caught my attention quickly with the very first cut, and was a consistent delight throughout the entire recording. John Morgan has a distinctive flair that always surprises. John's fingerstyle acoustic guitar is enhanced by bass, percussion and flute in various combinations, and there is a smooth, stylish energy among all the instruments. The warm of the very musical "Stories" will keep you captivated and entertained. Randall Leonard - Holistic Journal (Nov/Dec '99)
Stories" caught my attention quickly with the very first cut, and was a consistent delight throughout the entire recording. John Morgan has a distinctive flair that always surprises. John's fingerstyle acoustic guitar is enhanced by bass, percussion and flute in various combinations, and there is a smooth, stylish energy among all the instruments. The warm of the very musical "Stories" will keep you captivated and entertained. Randall Leonard - Holistic Journal (Nov/Dec '99)
Stories by Frederick Schmitt PreAmp.com
John Morgan is good at what he does...very good. "Stories," the follow up to his highly touted first release, "The Journey," is a wonderful example of how purely instrumental music can convey emotion and images without ever saying a word. Using a distinctive fingerstyle technique, Morgan transforms the sounds of his acoustic guitar (mixed with bass and flute) into wonderful tales filled with tangible sentiment. Like the upbeat anticipation of "Awakenings," the excited curiosity of "Tickets to the Circus" or the quiet reverence of "Winterprayer." It's not hard to imagine this album finding a permanent place next our quieter moments. It is contemplative but rhythmic, forthright but humble. Most of all, though, it is enjoyable. The musical tales found in Morgan's "Stories" are worth listening to over and over again." Frederick Schmitt PreAmp.com
John Morgan is good at what he does...very good. "Stories," the follow up to his highly touted first release, "The Journey," is a wonderful example of how purely instrumental music can convey emotion and images without ever saying a word. Using a distinctive fingerstyle technique, Morgan transforms the sounds of his acoustic guitar (mixed with bass and flute) into wonderful tales filled with tangible sentiment. Like the upbeat anticipation of "Awakenings," the excited curiosity of "Tickets to the Circus" or the quiet reverence of "Winterprayer." It's not hard to imagine this album finding a permanent place next our quieter moments. It is contemplative but rhythmic, forthright but humble. Most of all, though, it is enjoyable. The musical tales found in Morgan's "Stories" are worth listening to over and over again." Frederick Schmitt PreAmp.com
Motionography by RJ Lannan 7/7/06 The Sounding Board
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography and I feel the same way. Motionography translates literally into "written movement". Morgan records in more ways than one the movement of being, tunefully capturing the dynamics of everyday life, the hopscotch little girl smiles, the breathtaking rainbows, the laughing daisies and he celebrates the little miracles, the breakthroughs, and the renewals. John composes and performs all the material and his music has a warm, sentient flow. A little jazzy and a little contemporary and all very emotional. The Return is a touching reunion of sound and emotion. It is a personal homecoming after time on the road, a great separation or just a day without a smile from her. John's bright finger picking is hopeful with a sense of promise just like the sound from the heels of the red shoes. There's no place like home. Dancing Daughter is exactly that; a twirling bell-shaped dress hung on bony knees and lots of giggly laughter. It is also ponytails and lipstick and prom night and the first guy that isn’t you with his hand around her waist. And then in the blink of an eye, it is a long, white dress and tears and the Daddy Dance. My how time flies! Sometimes you think that there is a lack of order. John’s performance of O Emmanuel at first seemed out of place. But on second thought, it is appropriate any time of the season. For it is a song of celebration. I guess sometimes we just need assurance that miracles can happen everyday. John’s crystalline rendering is a keen reminder. Every now and then time moves so slowly that it is one continuous line in the night sky. And other times it is a blinking, sparkling light that disappears in an instant. Life is like that. What John calls a Dance of the Stars. It’s that Motionography thing. I realized I would rather celebrate the dance of the stars than live in darkness for more than a day. This became a favorite. Season and Change is a very elaborate ballad and one of John's best. It is full of energy and activity as time and space tug against each other in a harried world. It seems that as you get older, you judge time by the cascade of seasons and phases of the moon and not some quartz crystal guided metal gizmo on your wrist. Seconds, minutes, and hours give way to length of days, temperature and light and darkness. And lastly, Soaring the final track on the album. This highly charged tune is like a release program for a human being. You get to spread your wings, try them out and then for the first time, climb to lofty height. There's a bonus about altitude. Big things look small and small things almost disappear. And, you are free! No matter how you disguise it, this is an album in which John musically rejoices in the love of family. With the dangers in the world, all over the world, the love for family is tenuous at best and always gratifying even at its weakest. John reminds us that after all is said and played, we always have family and we remain thankful. RJ Lannan 7/7/06 The Sounding Board www.newagereporter.com
I recall fingerstyle guitarist John Morgan well because his album Stories was one of the first CDs I ever reviewed. I remember I liked it. Now here he is again with a new album called Motionography and I feel the same way. Motionography translates literally into "written movement". Morgan records in more ways than one the movement of being, tunefully capturing the dynamics of everyday life, the hopscotch little girl smiles, the breathtaking rainbows, the laughing daisies and he celebrates the little miracles, the breakthroughs, and the renewals. John composes and performs all the material and his music has a warm, sentient flow. A little jazzy and a little contemporary and all very emotional. The Return is a touching reunion of sound and emotion. It is a personal homecoming after time on the road, a great separation or just a day without a smile from her. John's bright finger picking is hopeful with a sense of promise just like the sound from the heels of the red shoes. There's no place like home. Dancing Daughter is exactly that; a twirling bell-shaped dress hung on bony knees and lots of giggly laughter. It is also ponytails and lipstick and prom night and the first guy that isn’t you with his hand around her waist. And then in the blink of an eye, it is a long, white dress and tears and the Daddy Dance. My how time flies! Sometimes you think that there is a lack of order. John’s performance of O Emmanuel at first seemed out of place. But on second thought, it is appropriate any time of the season. For it is a song of celebration. I guess sometimes we just need assurance that miracles can happen everyday. John’s crystalline rendering is a keen reminder. Every now and then time moves so slowly that it is one continuous line in the night sky. And other times it is a blinking, sparkling light that disappears in an instant. Life is like that. What John calls a Dance of the Stars. It’s that Motionography thing. I realized I would rather celebrate the dance of the stars than live in darkness for more than a day. This became a favorite. Season and Change is a very elaborate ballad and one of John's best. It is full of energy and activity as time and space tug against each other in a harried world. It seems that as you get older, you judge time by the cascade of seasons and phases of the moon and not some quartz crystal guided metal gizmo on your wrist. Seconds, minutes, and hours give way to length of days, temperature and light and darkness. And lastly, Soaring the final track on the album. This highly charged tune is like a release program for a human being. You get to spread your wings, try them out and then for the first time, climb to lofty height. There's a bonus about altitude. Big things look small and small things almost disappear. And, you are free! No matter how you disguise it, this is an album in which John musically rejoices in the love of family. With the dangers in the world, all over the world, the love for family is tenuous at best and always gratifying even at its weakest. John reminds us that after all is said and played, we always have family and we remain thankful. RJ Lannan 7/7/06 The Sounding Board www.newagereporter.com
Motionography by Bridge Guitar Reviews
This acoustic guitarist from central Ohio, in the USA released a new CD called “Motionography”. His earlier releases got critical acclaim by his fans and the press. This new album is about movement, flight, swimming, dancing and motion by participating on imaginary journeys using the acoustic guitar music as a communication spring. The album is much different than John's CD “Stories” which was more a straight forward guitar album. This CD is full of art and motion and emotion, using dancing fingers on sonic canvas in a beautiful scenery full of poetry. The music is meditative and is soothing ones soul with engaged sound palettes full of resonation and rhythmical patterns. Influences from jazz, classical and world music can be heard with top-notch and creative techniques. John creates a captivating chemistry between player and listener in cadenced melodic phrases and melodies. Moving down the fret board you can hear him weave his melodies, from one place to another as well in time, rhythm and articulation. For instance a very remarkable ballad as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” exists and pursuits one with the enchanting simplicity of creativity. The swinging cadenced jazzy “Dance of The Stars” invites one to dance. “The Return” has a phenomenal balance and structure and “Dancing Daughter is a piece full of groove and deep basses. “Moonrise”, the balancing on strings somewhere in space in a timeless atmosphere. John Morgan has reached one of his peaks delivering this unique CD with a wealth of fascinating poetry and motion in skilled art. Henk Te Veldhuis Bridge Guitar Reviews
This acoustic guitarist from central Ohio, in the USA released a new CD called “Motionography”. His earlier releases got critical acclaim by his fans and the press. This new album is about movement, flight, swimming, dancing and motion by participating on imaginary journeys using the acoustic guitar music as a communication spring. The album is much different than John's CD “Stories” which was more a straight forward guitar album. This CD is full of art and motion and emotion, using dancing fingers on sonic canvas in a beautiful scenery full of poetry. The music is meditative and is soothing ones soul with engaged sound palettes full of resonation and rhythmical patterns. Influences from jazz, classical and world music can be heard with top-notch and creative techniques. John creates a captivating chemistry between player and listener in cadenced melodic phrases and melodies. Moving down the fret board you can hear him weave his melodies, from one place to another as well in time, rhythm and articulation. For instance a very remarkable ballad as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” exists and pursuits one with the enchanting simplicity of creativity. The swinging cadenced jazzy “Dance of The Stars” invites one to dance. “The Return” has a phenomenal balance and structure and “Dancing Daughter is a piece full of groove and deep basses. “Moonrise”, the balancing on strings somewhere in space in a timeless atmosphere. John Morgan has reached one of his peaks delivering this unique CD with a wealth of fascinating poetry and motion in skilled art. Henk Te Veldhuis Bridge Guitar Reviews
Capture the Night by John Peters, The Borderland, http://www.the-borderland.co.uk/
Now, I have to admit that I have never enjoyed Christmas carols and festive songs - call me Scrooge if you will, but the usual sanctimonious and ponderous versions that are the standard performances of these songs leave me nauseous and unmoved. However, someone has looked at these songs again and found an original way of presenting them in a simple and unadorned fashion, sloughing off the overdone sanctity and rediscovering the musical gems within. Yes, the latest album by guitar wizard John Morgan is a collection of seasonal yuletide carols and other songs all performed as instrumentals. But thanks to Johns' nimble fingers and musical good taste, all the old hackneyed tunes have been revitalized to the point where they have been remodeled for the next millennia. So, with eleven tracks on the CD you can now enjoy anew We Three Kings, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jingle Bells/Good King Wencelas, Joy To The World, Deck The Halls, Silent Night, O Come O Come Emmanuelle, Tinsel, What Child Is This? and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. If you've not discovered John Morgan's previous albums then you are missing out on a rather unique mix of folk style finger picking mixed with a little blues and country colouring. Think John Renbourn and Bert Jansch but with a little more swing and lilt to the playing. On the technical side of things, this is a beautifully recorded album, the guitar is crystal clear and sounds as if it is in the room with you - and having just bought a new hi-fi this album was a good test of the speakers clarity. Highly Recommended! If you live in the UK [as I do] then trying to get a copy of any of the above albums will require some effort on your part and you'll have to visit http://www.morganguitar.com to order them - or email John at john@morganguitar.com for pricing information. Whatever, make the effort as these albums are well worth the wait by the letter box... (John Peters, The Borderland, http://www.the-borderland.co.uk/ )
Now, I have to admit that I have never enjoyed Christmas carols and festive songs - call me Scrooge if you will, but the usual sanctimonious and ponderous versions that are the standard performances of these songs leave me nauseous and unmoved. However, someone has looked at these songs again and found an original way of presenting them in a simple and unadorned fashion, sloughing off the overdone sanctity and rediscovering the musical gems within. Yes, the latest album by guitar wizard John Morgan is a collection of seasonal yuletide carols and other songs all performed as instrumentals. But thanks to Johns' nimble fingers and musical good taste, all the old hackneyed tunes have been revitalized to the point where they have been remodeled for the next millennia. So, with eleven tracks on the CD you can now enjoy anew We Three Kings, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jingle Bells/Good King Wencelas, Joy To The World, Deck The Halls, Silent Night, O Come O Come Emmanuelle, Tinsel, What Child Is This? and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. If you've not discovered John Morgan's previous albums then you are missing out on a rather unique mix of folk style finger picking mixed with a little blues and country colouring. Think John Renbourn and Bert Jansch but with a little more swing and lilt to the playing. On the technical side of things, this is a beautifully recorded album, the guitar is crystal clear and sounds as if it is in the room with you - and having just bought a new hi-fi this album was a good test of the speakers clarity. Highly Recommended! If you live in the UK [as I do] then trying to get a copy of any of the above albums will require some effort on your part and you'll have to visit http://www.morganguitar.com to order them - or email John at john@morganguitar.com for pricing information. Whatever, make the effort as these albums are well worth the wait by the letter box... (John Peters, The Borderland, http://www.the-borderland.co.uk/ )
Stories by Musical Soundscapes
14 delightfully uplifting 'fables in wood, wind and steel' with the main voice being the flawless acoustic guitar stylings of John Morgan are offered in this wonderful release. Sounding like a gentle version of Michael Hedges, John's delicate fingerstyle guitar melodies are quite captivating, taking the listener into a world that is teeming with optimism, joy and friendly Stories. A great daybreaker, these soundscapes will also help create positive atmospheres at work, on the road or anytime that a lift in spirits is called for. Highly recommended to all lovers of acoustic guitar music." Rev. Robert Walmsley Musical Soundscapes
14 delightfully uplifting 'fables in wood, wind and steel' with the main voice being the flawless acoustic guitar stylings of John Morgan are offered in this wonderful release. Sounding like a gentle version of Michael Hedges, John's delicate fingerstyle guitar melodies are quite captivating, taking the listener into a world that is teeming with optimism, joy and friendly Stories. A great daybreaker, these soundscapes will also help create positive atmospheres at work, on the road or anytime that a lift in spirits is called for. Highly recommended to all lovers of acoustic guitar music." Rev. Robert Walmsley Musical Soundscapes
Stories by The Monthly Aspectarian (June '99)
Where one is from isn't as important as where one is headed, and good friends make the journey that much sweeter. This simple sentiment forms the basis for an exceptionally beautiful selection of instrumental acoustic music that helps one enjoy the adventure of everyday living. Morgan is an incredibly articulate guitarist blessed with the gift of being able to convey in four minutes of music what it would take several books to relay. His musical "stories" describe beloved imaginary characters who dance in "Luminescent Shoes" and embrace "The Unexpected Stranger" as they share the marvels of their travels. One is quickly immersed in this good company as the brightly hued music flows smoothly like a water-color, pausing now and then for a fun and funky time-out "By the Well of Joy" or a romantic rendezvous to express "What Words Can't Say." There's many a good instrumental tale here, much to bring a secret smile, a private dance step; this is feel-good music of the finest grade for anyone open to insipiration." The Monthly Aspectarian (June '99)
Where one is from isn't as important as where one is headed, and good friends make the journey that much sweeter. This simple sentiment forms the basis for an exceptionally beautiful selection of instrumental acoustic music that helps one enjoy the adventure of everyday living. Morgan is an incredibly articulate guitarist blessed with the gift of being able to convey in four minutes of music what it would take several books to relay. His musical "stories" describe beloved imaginary characters who dance in "Luminescent Shoes" and embrace "The Unexpected Stranger" as they share the marvels of their travels. One is quickly immersed in this good company as the brightly hued music flows smoothly like a water-color, pausing now and then for a fun and funky time-out "By the Well of Joy" or a romantic rendezvous to express "What Words Can't Say." There's many a good instrumental tale here, much to bring a secret smile, a private dance step; this is feel-good music of the finest grade for anyone open to insipiration." The Monthly Aspectarian (June '99)
The Journey - Places Real and Imagined by New Age Voice (April '98)
If you like acoustic fingerstyle guitar, here's another great album for you. John Morgan's new set of original compositions is loaded with melodic hooks that invite easy listening. His instrumentals are all brief in length, running between two and four minutes, and they are all the sort of tunes that have a pop sensibility that invites the listener to hum along to refrains that seem already familiar. There are no synthesizer fills, nature sounds or dazzling two-handed picking techniques. Just the sound of one man with his guitar crafting pleasant melodies that can fit into the work environment without distracting or make great background music for time spent relaxing in friendly conversation. If you spend time just listening, you can appreciate the simple things he celebrates in music, such as "Diamonds in the Snow" or "House by the River" or "The Squirrel with Red Eyes." - New Age Voice (April '98)
If you like acoustic fingerstyle guitar, here's another great album for you. John Morgan's new set of original compositions is loaded with melodic hooks that invite easy listening. His instrumentals are all brief in length, running between two and four minutes, and they are all the sort of tunes that have a pop sensibility that invites the listener to hum along to refrains that seem already familiar. There are no synthesizer fills, nature sounds or dazzling two-handed picking techniques. Just the sound of one man with his guitar crafting pleasant melodies that can fit into the work environment without distracting or make great background music for time spent relaxing in friendly conversation. If you spend time just listening, you can appreciate the simple things he celebrates in music, such as "Diamonds in the Snow" or "House by the River" or "The Squirrel with Red Eyes." - New Age Voice (April '98)
The Journey - Places Real and Imagined by Alan Fark www.minor7th.com September/October 2001
“There's a reason most "unknown" guitarists are unknown. Either they are simply not blessed with the gift, or their heroic day-to-day routine of slogging through mundane commercial enterprise to support their families restrains them from an unbridled pursuit of artistic excellence. Though John Morgan is as far as can be from a household name, his gift must be uncommonly generous, or he paradoxically draws on a creative force engendered by his life and family that is magically transmuted into great music unbefitting that of an unknown. This Ohioan's melodic solo fingerstyle composition is similar to that of Phil Keaggy, another excellent player and writer whose musical roots were nourished in a similar place and time. The tracks from "The Journey-Places Real and Imagined" could be easily intermixed with Keaggy's Dove-award winning "Beyond Nature" without causing a stir or departing thematically. The liner notes refreshingly indicate that "all songs were performed in standard tuning", almost a rarity in solo fingerstyle performance these days, and even more surprising considering the booming harmonics nursed bell-like from Morgan's Taylor 710. "Streams of Mercy, Showers of Blessing" begins as a disquieting collage of suspenseful arpeggios, resolving pleasingly into a requited and reassuring familiarity. Diamonds in the Snow" similarly pits two disparate sensations against each other, a harsh diminished riff spinning around a luminously comfortable theme sounding like the opening guitar line to "Scarborough Fair". Perhaps metaphorically recapitulating something deeper, Morgan has a feel for tension and redemption in his music.” Alan Fark www.minor7th.com September/October 2001
“There's a reason most "unknown" guitarists are unknown. Either they are simply not blessed with the gift, or their heroic day-to-day routine of slogging through mundane commercial enterprise to support their families restrains them from an unbridled pursuit of artistic excellence. Though John Morgan is as far as can be from a household name, his gift must be uncommonly generous, or he paradoxically draws on a creative force engendered by his life and family that is magically transmuted into great music unbefitting that of an unknown. This Ohioan's melodic solo fingerstyle composition is similar to that of Phil Keaggy, another excellent player and writer whose musical roots were nourished in a similar place and time. The tracks from "The Journey-Places Real and Imagined" could be easily intermixed with Keaggy's Dove-award winning "Beyond Nature" without causing a stir or departing thematically. The liner notes refreshingly indicate that "all songs were performed in standard tuning", almost a rarity in solo fingerstyle performance these days, and even more surprising considering the booming harmonics nursed bell-like from Morgan's Taylor 710. "Streams of Mercy, Showers of Blessing" begins as a disquieting collage of suspenseful arpeggios, resolving pleasingly into a requited and reassuring familiarity. Diamonds in the Snow" similarly pits two disparate sensations against each other, a harsh diminished riff spinning around a luminously comfortable theme sounding like the opening guitar line to "Scarborough Fair". Perhaps metaphorically recapitulating something deeper, Morgan has a feel for tension and redemption in his music.” Alan Fark www.minor7th.com September/October 2001
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