| VAPORS OF MORPHINE A Legacy Reimagined, a Sound Reborn 90’s Low Rock Trio feat original member of Morphine, Touring April & May With Special Guest, Jeb Caldwell “Vapors of Morphine proved that an avant-garde band can be faithful to its roots and yet continue to be innovative. — The Manhattan BeatSome legacies are too powerful to fade. The music of pioneering ’90s “Low Rock” trio Morphine, was as hypnotic as it was groundbreaking. Fusing baritone saxophone, 2-string slide bass, and drums into a sound that was sultry, raw, and entirely their own. But when frontman Mark Sandman died suddenly on stage in 1999, Morphine’s story seemed to end. Yet from those ashes, a new sound emerged. Vapors of Morphine isn’t just a tribute; it’s a continuation, an evolution. Formed in the late 2000’s by Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyons, the band continued to evolve and their latest album, 2021’s Fear & Fantasy (Schnitzel Records, UK), represents a new era, blending fresh material with the signature Morphine sound. The story of Vapors of Morphine is as serendipitous as it is poetic. Years before they met, Colley unknowingly captured a photo of Lyons and his street band in New Orleans, pasting it into his tour journal with a note about their evocative blues sound. A decade later, after Hurricane Katrina forced Lyons to relocate to Boston, the two musicians were introduced, only to discover they had matching halves of the same Polaroid, a moment of fate that sparked their collaboration. Since then, Vapors of Morphine has grown beyond nostalgia, carving new sonic landscapes while staying true to the moody, intoxicating essence of their predecessor. Their live performances are a hypnotic blend of Morphine originals, deep blues, African rhythms, and psychedelic rock that pushes boundaries while honouring the experimental spirit that Sandman championed. With Fear & Fantasy, Vapors of Morphine embraces both the past and the future. Featuring both Deupree and Arey on drums, the album recalls Morphine’s final masterpiece, The Night, while incorporating lush new textures, electric baritone sax, and haunting two-string slide bass. It’s proof that while Morphine’s original chapter may have ended, the story is far from over. Contrary to common belief, Morphine wasn’t named for the drug but for Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams. But Vapors of Morphine? Their music is the kind of intoxicating, transportive experience that lingers long after the last note, no prescription required. ********** Joining Vapors Of Morphine on all shows (except Gumball Fest) is Melbourne based guitarist, singer-songwriter, Jeb Cardwell. Jeb plays guitar as part of Kasey Chambers’ band and as a solo act has opened for legendary icons Steve Earle and Tony Joe White. Jeb’s ability to effortlessly blend laid-back vibes with raw authenticity, all while showcasing his mastery of the guitar is the perfect pairing with VoM. An enthralling sonic experience full of captivating and irresistibly catchy grooves. Jeb’s 2022 debut solo album, My Friend Defiance, was described by Rhythms Magazine as “an album that carries with it the poise and assuredness that comes from two decades of playing, writing and singing with the best of them.” Experience Vapors Of Morphine this autumn at the following venues.TOUR DATES April / May 2025 Sun, April 27: Gumball Fest, Hunter Valley Wed, April 30: Crowbar, Sydney Thurs, May 1: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne Fri, May 2: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Vic Sat, May 3: Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast Sun, May 4: Crowbar, Brisbane Tickets available from www.bigapachee.com.au/batours |
Vapors of Morphine Australia Tour 2025
Sunday, April 27th – Gumball Fest, Hunter Valley, NSW
Wednesday, April 30th – Crowbar, Sydney, NSW
Thursday, May 1st – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday, May 2nd – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC
Saturday, May 3rd – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast, QLD
Sunday, May 4th – Crowbar, Brisbane, QLD
A short film by Dana Colley, soundtrack by Morphine
After Mark’s passing, Dana decided he wanted to do something with the footage as an homage. Filmmaker, photographer and musician Tom Barman, frontman for the band dEUS who toured extensively with Morphine, contributed the black and white concert footage. Both were transferred to beta and edited with Derek Stokes at manager Deb Klein’s offices in Brighton.
The soundtrack is from an impromptu jam recorded at Hi-n-Dry. During a break from a recording session, Dana picked up a classical guitar and started playing. Billy Conway soon joined in on drums. Mark, who was making coffee in the kitchen, came back and picked-up his trombone, the first instrument he’d played in high school. After everyone else had gone home, he put down a vocal track. Dana realized the song would work well with the slowed-down pace of the footage and Come In Houston was born.
New album due out this year. Details tbd
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“Three Broke Musicians”
This woodblock printed image of three musicians (one of whom bears a striking resemblance to Mark Sandman) was first designed by Morphine’s saxophonist Dana Colley in the 1990s, but was never made available to the public. Now he has printed (with his own, sax-playing hands) this limited edition of 25! Fit for framing and hanging in your home or office, the “Three Broke Musicians” print measures 38″ x 12.5″
Vapors of Morphine bring you this one-of-a-kind item for a great price in order to help us defray the expenses of running a band, and completing our latest recording projects! (Sadly, the title of the print, we humbly submit, is apropos of our situation.)
Jerome Deupree, one of the original members of Morphine and our current band, Vapors of Morphine, has decided to step down from the throne and hand the sticks over to the one and only Tom Arey (actually we believe Tom will be bringing his own sticks). As sad as we are to see Jerome make this transition out, we understand that there comes a time for such partings. The road is long and winding, filled with many gigs, new projects and some potholes too, but we know that our paths will cross again. We wish you great days ahead, Jerome; it’s been an honor to play all these years with you, old friend!
Note: Jerome and Tom Arey will both appear on the upcoming VoM album, to be released this year.
(Drum-roll, please!) We’re so happy to announce the addition of Tom Arey to Vapors of Morphine. Tom’s a native of Tolland, CT and a well known Boston area drummer. He’s a talented musician, a longtime fan of Morphine and a genuine inspiration to this band. We’re lucky to have him, and we’ve already recorded several tunes with Tom for our upcoming release!
Tom attended Berklee College of Music after high school and has been a professional musician in the Boston area for almost two decades.
He’s been playing with Peter Wolf and the Midnight Travelers since 2012 , toured with the J. Geils Band, and played with other acts like B3 Kings, Ghosts of Jupiter, G-Love, Celso Pixinga, the Adam Ezra Group and many others.
Please welcome Tom to the family! There will be more exciting news to come ?
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Past shows: