Gurf Morlix

Gurf Morlix first built his reputation producing recordings for artists including Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams. In 2000 Catamount Records released his debut solo album, Toad of Titicaca. A multi-instrumentalist who handles guitar and vocals, Morlix wrote all eleven tracks on the record. Among them are a lighthearted tribute to actor Dan Blocker, best known for portraying Hoss on the television western Bonanza; the similarly playful “Greatest Show on Earth”; the country-tinged “Robin Sings at Midnight”; and the poignant “Rainin’ on Me.”

Born in Buffalo, New York, Morlix launched his musical career in 1966. Largely self-taught, he first became captivated by Elvis and later by Hank Williams, whose influence prompted him to take up steel guitar and concentrate on country music. Finding few country ensembles in New York, he relocated to California, where he encountered Lucinda Williams. He subsequently fronted her band, contributed vocals and guitar, and went on to produce her albums. In those early years the group performed at neighborhood venues, sometimes earning only ten dollars for a full night’s work. Morlix grew weary of the meager returns and nearly left the lineup, yet Williams received news of an impending record contract that positioned him as her producer. Although the ensuing period proved more lucrative, the two eventually parted on terms that strained their relationship.

Over time Morlix has also produced albums for Ray Wylie Hubbard, Tom Russell, Butch Hancock, Ian “Mac” McLagan, Slaid Cleaves, the Pinedogs, and the Setters. His extensive session credits encompass recordings by Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Miller, Peter Case, Bob Neuwirth, Trish Murphy, Marvin Etzioni, Andrew Hardin, Jim Lauderdale, Don Walser, Michael Penn, Linda McRae, Danny Tate, and Mojo Nixon, among others. Buddy Miller featured Morlix’s composition “A Girl Like You” on the Hightone album Your Love and Other Lies.

As a participant in the Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers, Morlix performs each week at Austin’s Empanada Parlour. The ensemble and Morlix issued a Catamount album on which he again served as producer.