Inspired by the struggles, triumphs, and humanity of his non-verbal autistic son, Justin Morell—a guitarist, composer, and music professor—interprets the recordings of his son’s spontaneous vocalizations to create a stunning array of compositions. Through his collaboration with Multiple Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, John Daversa, the orchestral jazz trumpet concerto All Without Words was born. This important project sparked the partnership between Boundless Arts Foundation and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) to create this special live filmed experience.
MEET THE ARTISTS
JUSTIN
MORELL
COMPOSER
Justin Morell is a composer, guitarist, and music educator whose work crosses genres between classical and jazz styles. He is an associate professor of music composition and theory at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. Justin's multimedia work includes notable contributions to Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can, Lifetime Original Movies, TV sitcom The Naked Truth, and The Lion King-San Francisco production.
“What began as a mission to celebrate neurodiversity became an opportunity for me to connect with my son and hear his voice in a way I had not before,” said Morell. “The music is born of intense emotion—sometimes painful and sometimes joyful—and of hope for a compassionate future where all people are loved and respected for their humanity.”
John Daversa is a multi-Grammy winning, Emmynominated trumpet player, composer, arranger, producer, bandleader and educator. He is world renowned for his dynamic and emotive style of trumpet and EVI playing, along with imaginative, genre-bending compositions and arrangements. Daversa is Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at Frost School of Music, University of Miami, and an active educator. John Daversa is a Schilke Music Artist and a Burglund Artist.
“The mission and music of All Without Words continues to touch us all on deeper and deeper levels. What a gift it is to ‘sing’ this beautiful narrative through the voice of the trumpet, as this is a human story of unconditional love, deep compassion told directly from the heart.”
JOHN
DAVERSA
TRUMPET
SOLOIST
MILCHO
DIRECTOR
Milcho is a Miami-based multi–award winning director, video artist, speaker, and mental health advocate. For almost a decade, Milcho sat on the board of directors of the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy/ Grammys, where she served as Governor, VP & President until terming out in 2022. She is currently the Director & Creative Director for Savage Content.
“Having been involved with All Without Words from the recording stages of the album to the different multi-layered chapters of this heartwarming project, it’s a humbling honor to be given the opportunity to create this highly emotional, visually stimulating live concert experience. My goal is for all of us to ‘see’ the music, ‘be’ the music, and take those emotions with us after we leave Music Hall