Morley - Thousand Miles (SIX DEGREES RECORDS October 5, 2018)

MORLEY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, THOUSAND MILES, 

SET TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 5, 2018

Born and raised in vibrantly multicultural Jamaica, Queens in New York City, singer-songwriter Morley is more than a musician — she is an artist who uses music as a tool for conflict resolution and dialogue facilitation with youth and adults at home and abroad. This is quite apparent in her lyrics, especially those in her sixth studio album, Thousand Miles, distributed by Six Degrees Records and set for release on October 5, 2018.

The highly anticipated Thousand Miles could not come soon enough. Through its acoustic brilliance, this album gives audiences insight into the artist’s experiences and the experiences of people across the world. As an artist, Morley weaves the threads of jazz, soul, and folk traditions into a singular tapestry of vocal and acoustic splendor. The inspiration behind the album’s title derives from the desire to run away from a personal, political, or spiritual task at hand and, instead, making the decision to face the work with conviction, humility, courage, and compassion. Morley hopes that Thousand Miles will “serve as a friend to the listener and be part of the great map of art that reveals time and time again how short the distance from one another truly is.” 

Thousand Miles, produced by Morley and co-produced with Ken Rich and Toshi Reagon at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, features many celebrated artists, including drummer Brian Blade, bassists James Genus and Will Lee, pianists Jon Cowherd and Marc Cary, along with special appearances by Toshi Reagon, Richard Bona, Joan Wasser of Joan As Policewoman, Martha Redbone, and Tiokasin Ghosthorse. These and many other masterful musicians help bring Thousand Miles to life.

Morley © Sandrine Lee

Born from Morley’s travel experiences over a period of two years, Thousand Miles is a song journal of thirteen original compositions bearing witness to the joy and resilience of the human condition. The song “What Are Stars (Rwanda)” describes Morley’s experience in forgiveness circles in Rwanda during the 20th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi. Hearing the testimonials of both survivors and perpetrators, Morley created a magnificent ballad that honors the dignity and grace of the people she met, and reminds us of the healing power of music. “A Life Fully Realized” is a touching ancestor song that pays tribute to a beloved mentor and friend of Morley. Featuring Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona on guitar and vocals, Morley constructed a wonderfully harmonized track that honors the memory of her “eternal friend”.

“Sweeping Stars,” an elegant song of lush vocals couched in a spacious, deep groove with Gil Goldstein on accordion, shines a light on the many unsung heroes who push the planet and humanity forward. Another standout track is “Friendship and Love,” featuring Toshi Reagon’s soulful vocals and hypnotic bass line. The song highlights worldwide friendships amongst people of different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. One of Morley’s favorite tracks on the album is “Golden Sparrow,” a dynamic exchange between drummer Brian Blade and bassist James Genus.

Morley © Sandrine Lee

Every song on Thousand Miles exquisitely tells its own story that is the culmination of Morley’s global journey to sites of incredible resilience and tremendous trauma. Exploring universal themes of love and connection, Morley’s music has been featured on a host of network television programs over the years such as General Hospital, Days of our Lives, and Felicity, and she was the voice for the Ralph Lauren “My Romance” fragrance. Morley’s music and outreach work have allowed her to connect with some of the most influential leaders in the world who share her vision for a future shaped by human dignity, love, and friendship amongst one another. Some of the renowned listeners who are touched by Morley’s large-hearted, thought-provoking words include His Holiness the Dalai Lama, entrepreneur and environmentalist Richard Branson, and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. 

Radiating from Thousand Miles is Morley’s profound and heartfelt conviction that we are bound to one another by a universal responsibility as stewards of this fragile, irreplaceable planet. Morley will be touring soon for Thousand Miles, so stay tuned for confirmed concert dates and the opportunity to hear Morley’s poetic songs and inspiring stories.

Morley © Sandrine Lee

October 5th – Record Release Party at Joe’s Pub

Join Morley with Brian Blade on drums, Jon Cowherd on piano, Chris Bruce on guitar and more for the official world wide release of Thousand Miles, distributed through Six Degrees Records.

“Morley’s poetic and large-hearted lyrics remind us that art may be humanity’s mightiest tool of empathy and reconciliation”

- Maria Popova

www.morleymusic.org