Morrissey–Mullen
| Company type | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Jazz-funk and fusion music |
Morrissey–Mullen was a British ensemble specializing in jazz-funk and fusion genres, active throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Acknowledged as one of London's leading jazz ensembles, the group was fronted by Dick Morrissey, who played saxophones and flute, alongside guitarist Jim Mullen. The duo began collaborating in 1975, maintaining their partnership for sixteen years. Their signature interplay between guitar and saxophone earned them the monikers "Mr Sax and Captain Axe."
History
The formation of Morrissey–Mullen traces back to recording sessions in New York City, where they worked alongside members of the Average White Band and Herbie Mann. Their 1977 album Up (Atlantic Records) featured the Average White Band as the rhythm section, with vocal contributions from Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston, supported by elite session musicians from New York. During a six-week residency at Mikell's, the band attracted prominent figures such as Boz Scaggs, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd, George Benson, and Michael Brecker.
Upon returning to the United Kingdom, Morrissey–Mullen concentrated on performing within intimate club venues, notably sustaining an extended residency at The Half Moon in Putney.
In 1979, they issued an instrumental rendition of "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" with Jim Mullen's composition "Don't You Worry" as its B-side. This 12-inch release was notable as EMI’s inaugural fully digital recording and mastering outside the classical music category.
The band's supporting lineup featured distinguished British jazz artists including Martin Drew, John Mole, Clive Chaman, John Critchinson, Geoff Castle, and John Burch—who later collaborated with Morrissey to form an octet in 1984. Additionally, Morrissey–Mullen played a pivotal role in advancing the careers of emerging UK musicians such as Gary Husband, Rob Burns, Claire Hamill, Carol Kenyon, Tessa Niles, Linda Taylor, and Noel McCalla.
Due to health complications affecting Morrissey that necessitated frequent hospitalization, the group disbanded in 1988. Subsequently, Mullen and Morrissey engaged in informal jam sessions with former members under the name "Our Band," including a notable performance at the 1991 Cork Jazz Festival.
Dick Morrissey passed away on 8 November 2000 at age 60 following a battle with cancer.
Discography
- 1976: Up (Embryo)
- 1979: Cape Wrath
- 1981: Badness – reached No. 43 on UK charts
- 1982: Life on the Wire – peaked at No. 47 in the UK
- 1983: It's About Time – attained No. 95 on UK rankings
- 1985: This Must Be the Place
- 1988: Happy Hour
External links
- [ Allmusic]
- Articles with short description
- Jazz fusion ensembles
- British jazz ensembles
- Groove Production artists
- Harvest Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1975
- Musical groups disbanded in 1988
- 1975 establishments in the United Kingdom
- 1988 disestablishments in the United Kingdom
- Musical groups disestablished in 1988