"TO THE BREATHING WORLD is, as the title implies, a debut album, as well as a letter of love to the world at large and small. Sober of voice, ecstatic in heart and mind, Neal Morgan has broken through, and coming through the polyphony of voices and blur of arms and legs and sticks and cymbals is the sound of a manifesto. . .”
TO THE BREATHING WORLD is a drum and voice record, composed entirely of my own drumming and singing, made in between tours playing with Joanna Newsom in support of Ys beginning in early 2007.
This is a special debut album for me. After two decades drumming and singing in support roles and learning other instruments with which I had no sacred bond thinking I had to do so in order to make my own music, I found that all I needed was just the drums and my voice. The result is that, for the first time, I’ve found something to call my own.
WHY LISTEN IN HEADPHONES? From DRAG CITY's one-sheet: "The sound of TO THE BREATHING WORLD is spread visually, with a mental compass arcing from ear to ear. The relationships of the sounds to the song, and the impulse of where exactly was best to put them, is represented in the final mix – a mix achieved in the cans, with pans being just as important to the song as the lyrics and the playing. This makes the arrangement."
SHORT BIO:
Neal Morgan is a drummer and vocalist living in Portland, Oregon. His music consists entirely of drumming and singing. His first solo album, To The Breathing World, will be self-released in October 20, 2009 with distribution by Drag City. In addition to writing and performing original material, he accompanies Joanna Newsom and other fellow musicians from Nevada City, CA.
You killed it last night at The Pilot Light both solo and playing with Bill. Really made it an AMAZING show from front to back. Glad I got to chat with you a bit man, hope the rest of the tour goes well. See you again soon!
Ciao Neal and greetings from Helsinki! Postman brought me your cd today, and I must say that it's one of the best records ever made! I really love it. Take care!
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads: check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Next shows: October 26, Charlie's Bar and Grill in Olympia, WA October 27, The Swiss, Tacoma, WA October 27, Cedarwood Dome, Milton, WA October 28, Jazzbones in Tacoma, WA October 30, Mississippi Pizza in Portland, OR October 31, Nana's Irish Grill and Pub in Newport, OR November 1, Muddy's Hot Cup in Arcata, CA
And don't forget the BIG big show in San Francisco at Bottom of the Hill on November 15!
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads, as we get ready for our monthlong tour of the Great Northwest! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Look for us in Washington, Oregon and California between October 15 and November 15, when our tour wraps up with the big show at San Francisco's best rock club, Bottom of the Hill! For the complete show schedule, check here: http://bit.ly/1UgGqQ
awwe well thank you very much, you are very kind! I shall come back soon, portland was beautiful! and I can't wait to get your new record on vinyl! very excited!
i was on an Amtrak + two smaller than normal babies were rolling around on the ground. they were matching: khaki pants + white turtle necks. my friend + i giggled a lot b/c one looked like Cuba Gooding Jr. and one looked like Ryan Phillippe. snooze.
photo by Alison Schmidt
