Conversation with composer Jonathan Morris about improvisation, collaboration, and his epic 25-hour performance with host Daniel Burkholder

Jonathan Morris Conversation: DC Composer on "Resonance: Time + Wood + Steel" & 25-Hour Duet Performance | act/re/act Podcast

Hartt School Graduate | DC Improvisers Collective | Low End String Quartet

Join accomplished composer and musician Jonathan Morris (Matis) in this reflective conversation about improvisation, collaboration, and his latest solo album "Resonance: Time + Wood + Steel" on Ramble Records. Host Daniel Burkholder reconnects with his longtime collaborator to explore their decade-long artistic partnership, including their legendary 25-hour duet performance "Unmapped".

Featured Artist: Jonathan Morris Bio Highlights

Jonathan Morris (Matis) is a Washington, DC-based composer and performer who has been professionally creating music since 1993. His innovative approach to combining improvisation and composition led him to founding and performing with numerous music ensembles.

Performance Venues & Recognition:

• Kennedy Center - National performing arts venue
• CBGB's - Legendary New York music club
• National touring artist - Coast-to-coast performance experience
• Hartt School of Music graduate training in composition and improvisation

Musical Projects & Leadership:

• DC Improvisers Collective - Founder and leader
• Low End String Quartet - Ensemble leadership
• Boat Burning - Member of instrumental rock guitar choir
• "Resonance: Time + Wood + Steel" - Latest commercial release on Ramble Records

Collaborative History:

• 10+ year artistic partnership with host Daniel Burkholder
• Evening-length dance works composition
• Improv Arts non-profit co-founder and operator
• "Unmapped" 25-hour duet performance - Epic endurance collaboration

Conversation Deep Dives:

• Improvisation meets composition - Bridging spontaneous and structured music
• "Resonance: Time + Wood + Steel" - Ambient guitar music creation process
• 25-hour performance endurance - "Unmapped" duet experience and insights
• Improv Arts non-profit - Building community arts organizations
• DC music scene leadership - Improvisers Collective impact
• Dance and music collaboration - 10+ years of interdisciplinary partnership
• Kennedy Center to CBGB's - Performing across diverse venues and audiences
• Hartt School methodology - Academic training in experimental music
• Ramble Records release - Independent music publishing and distribution

This intimate conversation reveals how a composer has spent three decades pushing boundaries between improvisation and composition. From founding the DC Improvisers Collective to creating ambient soundscapes, discover how Morris has built bridges between experimental music, dance collaboration, and community arts organizing.

Artistic Innovation: Morris represents a unique approach to contemporary composition, seamlessly blending academic training with experimental practice, solo artistry with collaborative leadership, and intimate recordings with epic durational performances.

Historical Documentation: This episode provides rare insight into the behind-the-scenes development of a decade-long artistic partnership that produced both intimate collaborations and large-scale community initiatives.

Host: Daniel Burkholder - Milwaukee-based dance artist and longtime collaborator

 

Listen & Learn More:

• act/re/act Podcast Archive: https://www.danielburkholder.com/actreact-podcast
• "Resonance: Time + Wood + Steel" - Available on Ramble Records
• DC Improvisers Collective - Washington area experimental music community

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