MorganGuitar.com

The Journey is a musical notebook of some of my life experiences - growing up in southern Ohio near the Ohio River and living in the frozen wilderness of northeastern Ohio known as Akron. The inside of the booklet is laid out like a journal with brief thoughts about each song.

Of course, the concept of a journey serving as a frame work for a group of stores is as old as Homer and the Odyssey, but I think it stills rings true because no matter how many people have gone before us, we are each responsible for our own journey.

Stories is based around the idea that the traveler has returned and unpacked his bag of real life stories. In putting this CD together I made a demo tape and sent it to a group of friends. I asked them to pick a song and write a story about it. I was truly impressed with the results - comedy, drama and just plain old good story telling. Everyone did a great job. You can check these stories out on-line.

At present, I perform mainly in the central Ohio area with occasional forays to the corners of the state. I enjoy playing art/music festivals, bookstores, any place where there are people who enjoy acoustic guitar. If you have a gig that could benefit from some guitar music, drop me a line and we'll see what we can work out.

"If you like acoustic fingerstyle guitar, here's another great album for you. John Morgan's new set of original compositions is loaded with melodic hooks that invite easy listening. His instrumentals are all brief in length, running between two and four minutes, and they are all the sort of tunes that have a pop sensibility that invites the listener to hum along to refrains that seem already familiar. There are no synthesizer fills, nature sounds or dazzling two-handed picking techniques. Just the sound of one man with his guitar crafting pleasant melodies that can fit into the work environment without distracting or make great background music for time spent relaxing in friendly conversation. If you spend time just listening, you can appreciate the simple things he celebrates in music, such as "Diamonds in the Snow" or "House by the River" or "The Squirrel with Red Eyes." - New Age Voice (April '98)

"...possesses considerable chops, and his pieces are [melodic], putting him at the top of the pack of artists deserving greater exposure and attention." - James Jensen Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine (July/Aug '97)"

Reviews for "Stories"
"Stories" caught my attention quickly with the very first cut, and was a consistent delight throughout the entire recording. John Morgan has a distinctive flair that always surprises. John's fingerstyle acoustic guitar is enhanced by bass, percussion and flute in various combinations, and there is a smooth, stylish energy among all the instruments. The warm of the very musical "Stories" will keep you captivated and entertained. Randall Leonard - Holistic Journal (Nov/Dec '99)

"John Morgan is good at what he does...very good. "Stories," the follow up to his highly touted first release, "The Journey," is a wonderful example of how purely instrumental music can convey emotion and images without ever saying a word. Using a distinctive fingerstyle technique, Morgan transforms the sounds of his acoustic guitar (mixed with bass and flute) into wonderful tales filled with tangible sentiment. Like the upbeat anticipation of "Awakenings," the excited curiosity of "Tickets to the Circus" or the quiet reverence of "Winterprayer." It's not hard to imagine this album finding a permanent place next our quieter moments. It is contemplative but rhythmic, forthright but humble. Most of all, though, it is enjoyable. The musical tales found in Morgan's "Stories" are worth listening to over and over again." Frederick Schmitt PreAmp.com

"For you acoustic guitar lovers, here's a new one, filled with surprises, twists and upbeat guitar tunes. Master guitarist John Morgan provides a breath of fresh air." Christina Lord Creations Magazine

"14 delightfully uplifting 'fables in wood, wind and steel' with the main voice being the flawless acoustic guitar stylings of John Morgan are offered in this wonderful release. Sounding like a gentle version of Michael Hedges, John's delicate fingerstyle guitar melodies are quite captivating, taking the listener into a world that is teeming with optimism, joy and friendly Stories. A great daybreaker, these soundscapes will also help create positive atmospheres at work, on the road or anytime that a lift in spirits is called for. Highly recommended to all lovers of acoustic guitar music." Rev. Robert Walmsley Musical Soundscapes

"Where one is from isn't as important as where one is headed, and good friends make the journey that much sweeter. This simple sentiment forms the basis for an exceptionally beautiful selection of instrumental acoustic music that helps one enjoy the adventure of everyday living. Morgan is an incredibly articulate guitarist blessed with the gift of being able to convey in four minutes of music what it would take several books to relay. His musical "stories" describe beloved imaginary characters who dance in "Luminescent Shoes" and embrace "The Unexpected Stranger" as they share the marvels of their travels. One is quickly immersed in this good company as the brightly hued music flows smoothly like a water-color, pausing now and then for a fun and funky time-out "By the Well of Joy" or a romantic rendezvous to express "What Words Can't Say." There's many a good instrumental tale here, much to bring a secret smile, a private dance step; this is feel-good music of the finest grade for anyone open to insipiration." The Monthly Aspectarian (June '99)

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