MORRILL, KENT
Homebase: Tacoma, WA.
Stats: April 2, 1942 -- April 15, 2011
Misc Notes: Co-founder, keyboardist, singer with the Wailers. In 1968 Morrill began writing songs and contributing vocals for the Cascades. In 1970 he and two members of the Cascades split off and began making music together as Image, before swiftly recasting the group as Kentucky Express which cut numerous of Morrill's songs, on the records as noted below:
ALSO SEE:
1.) The Cascades Everyone is Blossoming (Probe Records)
2.) The Cascades "Two Sided Man" (Probe Records)
3.) The Cascades "Two Sided Man" / "The Woman's A Girl" (London Records)
4.) The Cascades "Sundown Highway" [What Goes On Inside - Cascades Records)
5.) The Cascades "Coming Along For The Ride" [What Goes On Inside - Cascades Records)
6.) The Cascades "Hurry Skurry" [What Goes On Inside - Cascades Records)
7.) The Cascades "I'd Better Go" [What Goes On Inside - Cascades Records)
8.) The Cascades "Nagg'in Cries - Prelude" (What Goes On Inside - Cascades Records)
9.) The Cascades "Naggin' Cries" (UNI Records)
10.) The Cascades "Hazel Autumn Coca Brown" (UNI Records)
11.) The Cascades "Big Ugly Sky" (UNI Records)
12.) Kentucky Express "Girl From The Country" (Liberty Records)
12.) Kentucky Express "Girl From The Country" (Kentucky Express - Cream Records)
13.) Kentucky Express Maybe The Rain Will Fall (Cream Records)
14.) Kentucky Express "Motor Trip" (Cream Records)
15.) Kentucky Express "Everyday Working Man" (That's Not What Lovin' Is - Cream Records)
16.) Kentucky Express "Don't Make Waves" (That's Not What Lovin' Is - Cream Records)
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL: The Wailers
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 7"
SPEED: 45 rpm
DISC NOTES:*
Known Label Designs:
1PA.) A - B promo label. White background. Black top-hatted ogo, numerals and lettering. Distributed by Liberty Sales Corp. Los Angeles, Calif.*
1RA.) A - B retail label. Red background. Black top-hatted logo, numerals and lettering. Distributed by Liberty Sales Corp. Los Angeles, Calif. Address: P.O. Box 682 Tacoma, Wash. on two lines bottom center of label.
A-SIDE MATRIX:
1PA.)
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
1PA.)
1RA.) 45 ET - 5 - 1001 (etched) ^46051
A-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Valet Publishing Co. (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX:
1PA.)
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
1PA.)
1RA.) 45 ET - 5 - 1000 (etched) ^46051 - X
B-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
B-SIDE PUBLISHER: Valet Publishing Co. (BMI)
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL:
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 7"
SPEED: 45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX:
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
A-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
A-SIDE PUBLISHER:
B-SIDE MATRIX:
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
B-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
B-SIDE PUBLISHER:
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL:
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 7"
SPEED: 45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
Known Label Designs:
1PA) A - B promo label. White background. black numerals and letters. BRC in three horizontal circles to left of spindle hole. On "Red, White And Blue" to right of spindle hole "A" SIDE DJ COPY NOT FOR SALE / "Still The Sun Rose" DJ COPY NOT FOR SALE
1RA.) A - B retail label. Black background. Silver numerals and letters. BRC colored letters in white circles to left of spindle hole. Colored circles all across label to left and right of spindle hole.
A-SIDE MATRIX:
1PA.) 112
1RA.) 112
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
1PA.) 112 - 1A (stamped) S (etched)
1RA.) 112 - 1C (stamped) MONO (etched)
A-SIDE COMPOSER: K. Morrill - D. Perrin
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Ten Hi Music, Inc. (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX:
1PA.) 113
1RA.) 113
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
1PA.) 113 - 1A (stamped)
1RA.) 113 - 1C (stamped) MONO (etched)
B-SIDE COMPOSER: K. Morrill - D. Perrin
B-SIDE PUBLISHER: Ten Hi Music, Inc. (BMI)
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL:
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 12"
SPEED: 33 1/3 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX:
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
A-SIDE COMPOSER:
A-SIDE PUBLISHER:
B-SIDE MATRIX:
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
B-SIDE COMPOSER:
B-SIDE PUBLISHER:
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL:
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 7"
SPEED: 45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX:
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
A-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
A-SIDE PUBLISHER:
B-SIDE MATRIX:
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
B-SIDE COMPOSER: Kent Morrill
B-SIDE PUBLISHER:
MISC NOTES: As 1979 -- the United Nations' International Year of the Child -- draws to a close, we draw your attention to the latest recording project by singer / guitarist / keyboard artist Kent Morrill. Kent, who for over a decade was in integral member of Tacoma, Washington's popular 1960's rock group, The Wailers, now devotes a majority of his artistic time to songwriting. From these efforts comes his latest recordings which he describes as a concept album based around a theme of teaching people to love their kids. Mr. Morrill says inspiration for the "special project" came from persons within anti-child abuse circles after hearing one of his compositions titled "The Littlest Soldier." The child theme is encapsulated within a variety of musical styles ranging from soft ballads to reggae. Although complete session credits are not available, Kent was vocally accompanied by a number of children including his own. [NORTHWEST DISC-COVERIES and SOUND REPORT Volume 4 #10 December, 1979]
Side One
1. A Miracle (K. Morrill)
2. The Littlest Soldier (K. Morrill - R. Righetti)
3. The Love Light Of Our Night (K. Morrill)
4. More Like Children (K. Morrill)
5. Song Of Love (K. Morrill)
6. Interlude
Side Two
1. Don't Be A Stranger (K. Morrill - R, James)
2. They Won't Give Love (K. Morrill)
3. Interlude
4. Song With No Words (K. Morrill)
5. Simple Delights (K. Morrill)
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL: Kent Morrill [lead vocals]; Steve Geyer [lead guitar]; Gary Clontz [rhythm guitar]; David Jackson [bass]; Elmo Peeler [piano]] Matt Betton [drums]; Linda Dillard, Jean Ann Chapman, Steve Geyer [background vocals]
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT:disc
SIZE:12"
SPEED: 33 1/3 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX: KM-10,011-A
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: All songs Tapier Music / Neybar Music / Totem Pole Music (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX: KM-10,011-B
B-SIDE PUBLISHER: All songs Tapier Music / Neybar Music / Totem Pole Music (BMI)
MISC NOTES:
KENT MORRILL
Hard to Rock Alone
Suspicious Records
Speaking of Northwest Rock, Kent Morrill of the Fabulous Wailers has released a new album. It actually came out over a year ago, but since it's timeless great rock and roll, why not review it here?
Opening with a vocal line that echoes another Northwest Hall of Famer Gerry Roslie (of the Sonics), this album kicks off hard in an uncompromising statement with the title tune "Hard To Rock Alone". It's a great tune, so great that you can't possibly feel alone if there's you and this record.
Morrill is just as good at the soulful belly rubbers, too. On the third tune "I've Slipped Her Mind" - that's when you can really feel how it's "Hard To Rock Alone". Kent pays tribute to one of his heroes and influences (and a former Northwest artist, too) in Ray Charles on "What'd I Say". If you want to have a rock and roll dance party there's no way this album could disappoint you. It's all right there in the grooves.
What can I say? This thing just kicks ass all the way through. If it was any better, my record player would explode. Am I getting my point across? The Wailers were the definitive Northwest Rock/R &B band in the '60s and it's all back and then some on this record. I don't see how anyone who loves the great Rhythm & Blues and Rock and Roll of the fifties could fail to love this album. I didn't notice any attempts here to make...concessions to the "modern" sound, other than in the fact that this was produced on 24-tracks (at Steve Lawson's in Seattle) and sounds like a million bucks. I don't need the '80s sound (whatever that is) anyway. Morrill's remaKe of the Wailers "Dirty Robber" - he sang the original - is, I think, even better than the first version.
Kudos to producer Buck Ormsby. This album is so good that whether they ever (make) money on it, it's something to be really proud of...I couldn't possibly be more satisfied by music than I am by what these grooves deliver.
Kent Morrill is currently making big bucks portraying Roy Orbison a few minutes a night in a Vegas show. I'm sure that's great, too, but its a shame that a man this great isn't out there welding folks souls to their bodies in sweaty eCtasy every night. I hope it happens again.
The preceding was adapted from Blue Suede News Vol. 3, #1,Spring, 1989 Pg. 14. Courtesy Marc Bristol.
Side 1
1. Hard To Rock Alone (K. Morrill - J. Ormsby)
2. Girl Don't Fight It (K. Morrill)
3. I've Slipped Her Mind (Dennis Walker)
4. What'd I Say (R. Charles)
5. Leave My Kitten Alone (Willie John - J. McDougal - Titus Turner)
Side 2
1. Sugaree (Marty Robbins)
2. One More Time (K. Morrill - R. French)
3. I Want The One (K. Morrill - N. Neltner)
4. Close Your Eyes (K. Morrill - N. Neltner)
5. Dirty Robber (K. Morrill - R. Dangel)
6. Fine White Mare (K. Morrill - S. Crocker)
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
RECORDING PERSONNEL: Musicians = Kent Morrill [vocals, piano]; Richard Dangel [lead guitar]; Stan Eicke [lead guitar, guitars]; Les Merrihew [drums]; Andy Parypa [bass]; Dick Powell [organ, harp]; Paul Layton [piano, electric piano]; Kim Eggers [tenor sax]; Jon Goforth [alto sax]; Denny Goodhew [alto sax]; Les Clinkingbeard [baritone sax]; Tim Huckenberry [trombone]
Additional musicians = Orville Johnson [steel guitar]; Darrow Hoat, Bob Hosko [tenor sax]; Rommel Westwood [bass]; Paul Gillingham [guitar]
Background vocals: Featuring The Cheeky Dames = Missy Scott, Sheila Powers, Kelle Boyd
Additional background vocals: Nancy Claire, Valerie Rosa, Penny Anderson
RECORDING STUDIO: Steve Lawson Studio
RECORDING ENGINEER: Bruce Calder
MIXING ENGINEER: Buck Ormsby and Bruce Calder
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 12"
SPEED: 33 1/3 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX: SUSLP - 101 - A RE - `1 L 27573
B-SIDE MATRIX: SUSLP - 101 - B RE - 1 L 27573 - X
MISC NOTES:
LOCATION:
RECORDING PERSONNEL:
RECORDING STUDIO:
RECORDING ENGINEER:
FORMAT: CD
DISC NOTES:
COMPOSER: Ron Davies