James Morrison .Net

Morrison is very quickly becoming as much of a household name in the U.S. as he is in England.

For a 21-year-old, Morrison’s blues/soul combination is a refreshing sound to hear in the new-music scene. He says of his own sound: “pretty much guitar blues and soul, but listen to ‘Better Man’ and make up your own mind.” He goes on to list his inspirations such as Otis Redding, Al Green, Cat Stevens, the Kinks and Van Morrison. Does it show? Yes indeed. Morrison’s unique sound borrows just enough from his predecessors while remaining autonomous - emulation without total simulation. The guy’s good.

To us yanks, Morrison appeared on the music scene from out of nowhere. Yes, he’s from across the pond, but thank God he’s no spice girl. Born in Rugby in 1984, Morrison rummaged around the UK in his teens, flirting with song playing and song writing. His uncle, as it turns out, was his No. 1 influence from the go, teaching him blues riffs from the time he was a wee lad.

From here Morrison began to find his own style and sound by playing whatever he could, whenever he could. “I like being creative, but it took me a few years of playing other people’s stuff before I could create my own style of songwriting.” It’s a good thing that James got around to it eventually, because after she bothered to send us Coldplay, the Queen owed us some quality listening. And perhaps Morrison is overdue, but again, he’s something worth waiting for as his upcoming album proves.

Undiscovered is indeed very good on the ear. The single, “You Give Me Something,” shines, a track worth scrolling down for. But like a Lays potato chip, you can’t have just one. Put the whole of Morrison’s album to work on your iPod, and you’ll see for yourself.

Speaking of Lays, what better way to sample this decadent debut album than with the one you love? Definitely shagging music. If you need the right soulful sound before you drop some panties, Morrison is your boy.

Meanwhile, the “You Give Me Something” video, shot in New York, is hitting heavy rotation on MTV and offers the perfect introduction to Morrison’s sound for those not ready to take the full plunge. And until James decides to try us live here in the states, that’s all we’ve got, but stay tuned for the inevitable U.S. tour as a voice and a pair of hands this talented can’t remain on that side of the Atlantic forever.
Source: ucdadvocate.com