Prog Multi-Instrumentalist Tim Morse To Release New Album “Soundtracks”

Prog multi-instrumentalist Tim Morse will be releasing his eagerly awaited new album “Soundtracks” on November 12, 2024! The title of the album comes from each song being its own musical vignette or individual mini-soundtrack. Tim decided to play all of the instruments on “Soundtracks” by himself – for the first time creating a true solo album. In addition to singing all of the vocal parts, he played: keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, ebow guitar, mandolin, banjo, other stringed things, bass guitars, drums and hand percussion

Says Tim, “‘Soundtracks’ isn’t a concept album, although I’m sure you could find a theme or concept if you wished. The main thing that was important for me was to follow my muse and record music that truly moved me. Even when writing the lyrics, the words I chose were more for the emotion they evoked rather than their meaning. I decided with this project that I’d write everything from scratch, giving myself a couple of months to create the music needed for the album. There were no rules about the music itself, so Soundtracks is a diverse, eclectic mix of styles and genres. On this album you’ll find a Beatles homage (‘Blueberry Way’), instrumental electronic music (‘Cityscape’), a ballad (‘Lullaby’), and so much more. It was a blast to roll out of bed and think, ‘I feel like recording bass this morning…’ and not depend on anyone else to complete the project. It brought out a fun aspect of experimentation, especially with instruments I’d never played in the past. Lastly, I gave myself the challenge of recording/mixing/mastering the album within six months to keep the project fresh and immediate for me. Overall, I’m very pleased with ‘Soundtracks’ and feel it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

The first single “Blueberry Way” features a stunning A.I. video created by Doug Reid (Augwolf). Says Tim, “When I wrote the music to the song ‘Blueberry Way’ I noted that the harmonic structure had a mid-sixties British pop feel and leaned into it. The original lyrics were more of a parody, and I felt they didn’t really fit and so I wrote an idealized version of childhood with the refrain ‘Blueberry Way’ being a magical, loving, idyllic place. It’s been great to see that the people who’ve heard it respond enthusiastically to the song and its message.” 
Watch the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuyualo8q7g

Tim Morse began his instrument instruction at a young age and started composing immediately upon picking up the guitar. He later moved onto the piano and studied as a music composition major, writing extended pieces such as a string quartet and two piano sonatas. During this time Tim performed with various rock and fusion bands and played on many recording sessions. Tim’s first album of original music was entitled “Transformation” and was released in 2005. The album was well received by the Progressive Rock community and was recognized as keeping in the tradition of seventies prog-rock yet recorded and performed with a modern edge.

His second album “Faithscience” was released in 2012 and musically it picked up where “Transformation” left off, continuing to explore the best of Progressive Rock. In addition to this release Tim became a member of the Jerry Jennings band and formed The Mangoes with Bret Bingham. The Mangoes released their debut album in 2014 and it was appreciated for its pop sensibility and quirky humor. His more recent solo releases “III” and “The Archaeology Project” were also warmly embraced by critics and fans alike.

Tim’s cover version of the classic Yes song “Awaken” has received the ultimate compliments from members of Yes – Rick Wakeman enthused, “Best YES cover I’ve heard …well done to everybody” and Jon Anderson said, “Great job with ‘Awaken’…the fact you sat around and decided to perform it is a treat…. not an easy work!” Composer/musician Adam Holzman was so impressed by this performance of it that he offered to do his own remix of the song (both versions can be found on Tim’s Youtube channel).

Watch Tim Morse/Parallels ‘Awaken’ cover version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay1N95FqXWM

Here’s what the press has said about Tim Morse’s previous albums:

(The Archaeology Project)

“Tim Morse has a new compilation out titled ‘The Archaeology Project’ that covers a diverse range of his work, including expansive art rock, intelligent melodic pop, ambient explorations, and elegant acoustic guitar instrumentals…This release is an ideal place to start your exploration of his material.” – Anil Prasad, Innerviews

“A well rounded retrospective and a fitting showcase for his musical inspirations and talents.” -Geoff Feakes, DPRP

“A great way to discover Tim Morse!” -Music in Belgium 

“A magnificent fourteen song retrospective of Morse’s music from 2005-2020.” -Exclusive Magazine

“Classy…that speaks to both the quality and the consistency of Morse’s music. I can’t think of a better introduction to his music than this CD.” -Gary Hill, Music Street Journal

(Tim Morse III)

“There’s no doubt fans of symphonic prog will find much to enjoy. Recommended.” – Jerry Lucky, The Progressive Rock Files

“Musically, ‘III’ is enjoyable – occupying the lighter end of the Yes style spectrum.” – PROG Magazine

“Recommended for fans of melodic rock with some progressive touches.” – Jon Davis, Expose

(Faithscience)

“Tim Morse deserves to make it into the mainstream, as he surely one of the greats of the genre.” – John Bollenberg, iO Pages

“A smartly arranged, melodic-symphonic opus.” – John Collinge, Progression Magazine

“Probably the biggest surprise of the year…and highly recommended to fans of classic prog.” – Kinesis

(Transformation)

“Transformation is a work truly realized, an impressive work of creativity that grows on one even more after repeated listening.” – Andres Valle (Mellotron)

“An interesting and expansive collection of symphonic prog songs…it not only rewards repeated listening, it demands it.” – DPRP

Tim is also a published author and his book “Yesstories” has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. His book “Classic Rock Stories” was published by the St. Martin’s Press and was featured on the Howard Stern show and VH1. He has also written for music magazines over the years including Mix, Guitar World, Keyboard and Bass Player.
Tim will be doing videos and PR to support the release of “Soundtracks.” He’s also working on a duets project that should be released in the New Year. As for live performance, that is completely up to what happens with interest/demand for shows.

In closing Tim has this to impart, “I’m always grateful when anyone takes the time to listen to my music. In this modern age of endless distractions, it is a lovely thing when someone will truly listen to music.”
Release date: November 12, 2024

“Soundtracks” is available for preorder on Bandcamp:https://timmorse.bandcamp.com/album/soundtracks14 track album

For more information:
Tim Morse website: https://timmorse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timmorsemusic
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimMorseProgRock