Morning Zephyr is a unique trio of musicians, all originally from Duluth, committed to exploring new territory while preserving their unabashed idealism. They’re all serious about their craft: violinist/pianist Kip Jones has chased his sound to such far corners of the world as India, Korea, and Brazil, studying and learning; percussionist Zach Miller has crisscrossed the country myriad times with singer-songwriter Sara Groves; bassist Karl Doty is racking up kudos nationwide with A Far Cry, a chamber orchestra of which he is a founding member. Together, their music sits at the intersection of folk, jazz, and chamber music. One could compare their sound to Esbjorn Svensson Trio; just add strings.
They have recorded three albums together: Proof and Content (2004), Empire Builder (2005), and Advocates (2006). Each consists of original compositions, whose structural complexity is belied by a direct performance ethic, rendering clear, approachable songs that hold up well under repeated listening.
The difficulties of living in different cities and commitment to different projects have kept Morning Zephyr from performing regularly in recent years, but rest assured: if you get a chance to see this trio play, you can count on witnessing honest, direct communication between three musicians who care deeply about what they do.
“A fresh
sound...imaginative.”
“Beautiful,
Columbus-minded music.”
“Honest and inspiring.”
-Listeners on CD Baby
“Very interesting
compositions and playing”
-Jean-Luc Ponty