Even if you have never heard of Gurf Morlix, you have most likely listened to a classic record he produced, or one on which he played. Morlix is well-known as Lucinda Williams’ guitarist and band leader, an Austin Music Hall of Fame member and an Americana Music Association “Instrumentalist of the Year” winner. His resume includes “who’s who” of music, folks like Ian McLagan, Patty Griffin, Robert Earl Keen, Buddy Miller, Mary Gauthier, Tom Russell, Butch Hancock, Slaid Cleaves and Ray Wylie Hubbard, just to name a few. Their desire to work with him reflects not only his immense talent, but his integrity.
With that talent and integrity comes his ninth solo release The Soul & The Heal, out February 3, 2017. The album kicks off with the raw, guttural feel of the first track “Deeper Down.” The blues chord progressions continue throughout the album. “Bad Things” takes the listener way down to the depths of Delta blues, with fierce guitar and the devil just behind it. “Love Remains Unbroken” and “Quicksilver Kiss” are infused with hope, especially when Morlix sings “just me and you trying to make our way.”
About The Soul & The Heal, Morlix says, “It is about the healing of the soul. The damage we do to ourselves and what we inflict on others. And hopefully, we recover.” Although the album was written prior, it seemed like a prophecy when Morlix suffered a heart attack. “The past records were darker, about friends who had died. Although The Soul & The Heal has somber moments, it definitely offers more hope and love,” claims Morlix.
Shortly after release, Morlix heads out on February 19 on Cayamo: A Journey Through Song, a cruise which sails to Mexico and Honduras. The cruise features top artists including Emmylou Harris, Brandi Karlile, Patty Griffin, Richard Thompson, Steve Earle and many more. The seven days of music, storytelling, jam sessions and fellowship are certain to be one of the musical highlights of 2017. Morlix has select tour dates in November and December, and will also be on the road in 2017 in support of The Soul & the Heal. Tour dates are below, and head to gurfmorlix.com for the latest updates.
Gurf Morlix Tour Dates:
2016:
November 25 Austin, TX Evangeline Café (with Bill Kirchen)
December 2 Lake Charles, LA Lake Charles Racquet Club
December 3 Baton Rouge, LA Red Dragon
2017:
February 3 Dallas, TX
February 19 Departs from Tampa, FL Cayamo Cruise
May 6 Hastings on Hudson Common Ground Community Concerts
May 18 Cambridge, MA Club Passim
May 19 Dover, NH
May 21 Brick, NJ
Photo: Mathew Sturtevant
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