Kenn Morr - "Move On"
I don't know if it's good or bad to have such a wide taste for music that I have. One day I'm into Skillet, the other day I'm into classic AOR a'la Journey, the third day I'm into soft american midwest rock and in that way it goes... Probably it's good I beieve. Anyway - here is a guy that you can put under the "SOFT AMERICAN MIDWEST" - sort of music. Let's make it clear from the start - Kenn Morr sits on a very strong cool voice somewhere between John Prine, Mark Knopfler and Shawn Mullins and there are a bunch of very nice songs on the album...
by Par Winberg
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Le Cri Du Coyote Magazine - France
The first 2 CD's of a resident of Connecticut via Long Island were produced by Bob Johnston known for his works with Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and other artists. This 3rd CD is produced without Bob. And is this a mistake? Not really! In this case, he produces and writes all 12 songs and plays a bunch of instruments. Kenn Morr is totally responsible for the results! Rest assured, he is not an embarrasment: the folk rock he supports is good business, kind of part Elliot Murphy and John Mellencamp. Moreover, interest grows with each listen. For example, a song like Move On doesn't come on strong the first listen, but by the 5th listen, you're hooked! A very good sign. This album is dedicated to the memory of Dan Fogelberg and is part of (our) good picks at this time of year.(JJC)
(Translated by Mimi Burnham)
(Translated by Mimi Burnham)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Boston Music Spotlight - Getting To Know The Kenn Morr Band
This week, get to know The Kenn Morr Band. You can catch the band's next area show at Mocha Maya's Coffee House in Shelburne Falls on April 18.
Band Name: The Kenn Morr Band
Members:Kenn Morr: Vocals, Guitar, Piano (Colebrook, CT)
Bob Gaspar: Percussion/Drums (Barkhamsted, CT)
Dan Hocott: Bass/Backing Vocals (Southington, CT),
Tom Hagymasi: Bouzouki, Violin, Accordion (Torrington, CT)
Releases:
Move On (2008)
Coming Home (2006)
New Moon Rising (2004)
Website: www.KennMorr.com
www.myspace.com/wwwkennmorrcom
How did you start/form the band?
I'm originally from Long Island and grew up just 35 mins from NYC. I started performing as a solo act. Then a duo playing mostly covers. When I decided to play all-original material I was able to draw from the bottomless sea of wonderful musicians from LI and NYC. We moved to Colebrook to live in the country and raise a family. I quickly realized this area is also soaked with amazingly talented musicians and I've been fortunate enough to find players who totally "get" or understand my music.
Who are some of your influences?
Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Dan Fogelberg, CSN, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty etc.
Finish the sentence: Someone would like your band if they like...
Honest, Melodic, Rhythmic, Rootsy and Poetic music (or the music from the above artists.)
What has your most memorable moment as a band been?
Wow. Tough question. "Most memorable" is recording the New Moon Rising CD in Nashville with the legendary Producer Bob Johnston (who produced albums by Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Cash etc.) "Most memorable" as a band ? Too many to list.
Walk us through your songwriting process:
Most of the time songwriting starts with playing an instrument and a lick or melodic line will come. Usually lyrics will start to fall into place based on the mood or feel of the music. At the very least I record the idea and initial lyric and let it sit. If I listen to it later and I like it enough to continue I'll complete the song and then record a "demo" (for myself) and let THAT sit. If (later) the "demo" is something I like listening to then I know I'll want to sing it and record it for a CD.
Sometimes songs starts with a lyric and I'll sit at the piano or pick up a guitar and hope the lyric will channel the musical "mood". It is never a conscious process. If it is...the song usually doesn't see the light of day because it's too contrived.
Who is the best musician in your band?
Someone in the music business once taught me (very) early on "always surround yourself with musicians who are more accomplished than you are. Make sure YOU are the weak link in the band." I can honestly say the current line-up is my most cohesive group yet. It is literally "effortless" to play with these guys. They have all been in countless other bands and projects and each bring a crucial ingredient to the overall sound.
What is your favorite local venue?
Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT. It's a wonderful old theatre recently re-furbished. I had the pleasure of appearing there with Aztec Two Step in December. However, my favorite venue(s) are still the outdoor town green concerts we play in the summer. People of all ages come out to hear original music and there's nothing like playing music outdoors under the stars on a summer evening.
What separates you from other local bands?
The original songs and the way they are played. This is a band of highly-seasoned musicians all of whom come from different musical places and they seem to totally understand the vision.
What do you have coming up that people should know about?
We are playing this wonderful venue in Shelburne Falls Mass. called Mocha Maya's. It's an intimate place so we plan on playing it scaled-down and acoustic. It's located at 47 Bridge St. (413) 625-6292. The show starts at 8:30.
Convince our readers to see your next show.
If you like melodic, rhythmic, insightful, poetic and very accessible music presented by totally seasoned professionals through harmonies, electric and acoustic instruments... this band is a must-see.
Band Name: The Kenn Morr Band
Members:Kenn Morr: Vocals, Guitar, Piano (Colebrook, CT)
Bob Gaspar: Percussion/Drums (Barkhamsted, CT)
Dan Hocott: Bass/Backing Vocals (Southington, CT),
Tom Hagymasi: Bouzouki, Violin, Accordion (Torrington, CT)
Releases:
Move On (2008)
Coming Home (2006)
New Moon Rising (2004)
Website: www.KennMorr.com
www.myspace.com/wwwkennmorrcom
How did you start/form the band?
I'm originally from Long Island and grew up just 35 mins from NYC. I started performing as a solo act. Then a duo playing mostly covers. When I decided to play all-original material I was able to draw from the bottomless sea of wonderful musicians from LI and NYC. We moved to Colebrook to live in the country and raise a family. I quickly realized this area is also soaked with amazingly talented musicians and I've been fortunate enough to find players who totally "get" or understand my music.
Who are some of your influences?
Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Dan Fogelberg, CSN, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty etc.
Finish the sentence: Someone would like your band if they like...
Honest, Melodic, Rhythmic, Rootsy and Poetic music (or the music from the above artists.)
What has your most memorable moment as a band been?
Wow. Tough question. "Most memorable" is recording the New Moon Rising CD in Nashville with the legendary Producer Bob Johnston (who produced albums by Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Cash etc.) "Most memorable" as a band ? Too many to list.
Walk us through your songwriting process:
Most of the time songwriting starts with playing an instrument and a lick or melodic line will come. Usually lyrics will start to fall into place based on the mood or feel of the music. At the very least I record the idea and initial lyric and let it sit. If I listen to it later and I like it enough to continue I'll complete the song and then record a "demo" (for myself) and let THAT sit. If (later) the "demo" is something I like listening to then I know I'll want to sing it and record it for a CD.
Sometimes songs starts with a lyric and I'll sit at the piano or pick up a guitar and hope the lyric will channel the musical "mood". It is never a conscious process. If it is...the song usually doesn't see the light of day because it's too contrived.
Who is the best musician in your band?
Someone in the music business once taught me (very) early on "always surround yourself with musicians who are more accomplished than you are. Make sure YOU are the weak link in the band." I can honestly say the current line-up is my most cohesive group yet. It is literally "effortless" to play with these guys. They have all been in countless other bands and projects and each bring a crucial ingredient to the overall sound.
What is your favorite local venue?
Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT. It's a wonderful old theatre recently re-furbished. I had the pleasure of appearing there with Aztec Two Step in December. However, my favorite venue(s) are still the outdoor town green concerts we play in the summer. People of all ages come out to hear original music and there's nothing like playing music outdoors under the stars on a summer evening.
What separates you from other local bands?
The original songs and the way they are played. This is a band of highly-seasoned musicians all of whom come from different musical places and they seem to totally understand the vision.
What do you have coming up that people should know about?
We are playing this wonderful venue in Shelburne Falls Mass. called Mocha Maya's. It's an intimate place so we plan on playing it scaled-down and acoustic. It's located at 47 Bridge St. (413) 625-6292. The show starts at 8:30.
Convince our readers to see your next show.
If you like melodic, rhythmic, insightful, poetic and very accessible music presented by totally seasoned professionals through harmonies, electric and acoustic instruments... this band is a must-see.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Red Hot Rock Magazine, Sweden
Kenn Morr - Move On (English Translation)
For me, Kenn Morr was an unknown name which here releases a truly nice, grown-up Americana album in the spirit of Bob Dylan, John Hiatt and Tom Petty...well- produced and with great song material. There's an easy-going aura about the material, making my thoughts wander off to The Byrds, Eagles and Jayhawks. A comfortable, not too “countrified” sound, quite simply. “River Song” is best, literally floating forwards, plus “Get Back” which quite easily could have been taken from Tom Petty's 'Wildflowers'.
- Petter Seander / Red Hot Rock Magazine -
For me, Kenn Morr was an unknown name which here releases a truly nice, grown-up Americana album in the spirit of Bob Dylan, John Hiatt and Tom Petty...well- produced and with great song material. There's an easy-going aura about the material, making my thoughts wander off to The Byrds, Eagles and Jayhawks. A comfortable, not too “countrified” sound, quite simply. “River Song” is best, literally floating forwards, plus “Get Back” which quite easily could have been taken from Tom Petty's 'Wildflowers'.
- Petter Seander / Red Hot Rock Magazine -
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Kenn Morr at the Peace Cafe'
March 2009
The Peace Café – Is winter finally coming to an end????
February was a cold month but the Peace Café still had a very warm and welcome show on Valentine’s Day. With a heart shaped theme of reds and whites, the coffeehouse was decked out for an evening to remember Love and both artists played a mix of Love and Love Lost songs that emphasized great instrumentals and wonderful harmonies.
The Opening Artists were new to the Peace Café. Kenn Morr lives in Colebrook, CT. He and his guitar and came to Southington along with Dan Hocott (Bass - Dan lives in Southington) and Bob Gaspar (Drums). It looked like an awkward ensemble on the stage at first, but once the music started it was like a steam locomotive that took the audience on a wild ride down the tracks.
Playing songs from their 3 CDs, they entertained the audience with Pay the Price (Once More), Move On, River Song and Cold Winds. They played Mesa Moon and then went into Lazy Afternoon with some great Bass and Drum solos. In The Name of Rock and Roll kept the pace at top speed before Kenn slowed things down with a song written for his wife, Jackie, called Still Need You Near, a lovely thoughtful tune that reflected on love and family. Jackie and his two fine sons were at the coffeehouse for this. They finished up with a nice piece called Higher Ground. Kenn Morr and his band are a great example of the talent available to us all and we look forward to their return next season.
I am Dan Gabree and you can reach me or others on the Peace Café Committee at PeaceCafe@FirstChurchSouthington.Org.
The Peace Café – Is winter finally coming to an end????
February was a cold month but the Peace Café still had a very warm and welcome show on Valentine’s Day. With a heart shaped theme of reds and whites, the coffeehouse was decked out for an evening to remember Love and both artists played a mix of Love and Love Lost songs that emphasized great instrumentals and wonderful harmonies.
The Opening Artists were new to the Peace Café. Kenn Morr lives in Colebrook, CT. He and his guitar and came to Southington along with Dan Hocott (Bass - Dan lives in Southington) and Bob Gaspar (Drums). It looked like an awkward ensemble on the stage at first, but once the music started it was like a steam locomotive that took the audience on a wild ride down the tracks.
Playing songs from their 3 CDs, they entertained the audience with Pay the Price (Once More), Move On, River Song and Cold Winds. They played Mesa Moon and then went into Lazy Afternoon with some great Bass and Drum solos. In The Name of Rock and Roll kept the pace at top speed before Kenn slowed things down with a song written for his wife, Jackie, called Still Need You Near, a lovely thoughtful tune that reflected on love and family. Jackie and his two fine sons were at the coffeehouse for this. They finished up with a nice piece called Higher Ground. Kenn Morr and his band are a great example of the talent available to us all and we look forward to their return next season.
I am Dan Gabree and you can reach me or others on the Peace Café Committee at PeaceCafe@FirstChurchSouthington.Org.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Kenn Morr "Move On" A Review In Folk World (Germany) Written by Adolf ‘gorhand Goriup
Singer/Songwriter Kenn Morr ist in seinem Zuhause in Connecticut eine in die ländliche Gemeinschaft eingebundene Persönlichkeit, hat aber mit „Move on“ bereits sein drittes international anerkanntes Album mit zwölf selbst geschriebenen Songs veröffentlicht. Morr singt und spielt Gitarren, Piano, Mandoline und Mundharmonika und wurde bei den Aufnahmen von seinen ständigen musikalischen Begleitern Bob Gasper (Drums, Perkussion) und Dan Hocott (Bass, Gesang) wie auch von Karen Nolan (Geige) und den Sängern Rex Fowler und Annie Golden unterstützt.
Die CD beginnt mit dem Titelsong, einem stillen Song, bei dem das Piano die gefühlvollen Gesänge von Morr und Hocott begleitet. Und in diesem Stil geht es weiter mit sanften balladenhaften Liedern (Make You mine), stillen bluesigen (Once more) und rhythmisch-melodiösen (River Song) Songs. „Don’t turn around“ beginnt mit Nolans Geigenspiel, Morrs Piano und Gaspers Schlagzeug bevor Fowler und Morr ein wunderschönes Duett singen. Karen Nolan, die 1979 in dem Musical Hair debütierte, ist vor allem als Schauspielerin bekannt, jedoch zeigt sie bei „Girl with the auburn Hair“, dass sie noch immer eine tolle Gesangsstimme hat. Morr singt die eindringliche Hauptstimme und wird mit ihrem hypnotischen Sopran hinterlegt. Mandoline, Geige, Gitarre und der schleppende Rhythmus verstärken den Effekt noch und machen den Song zu meinem absoluten Favoriten.
Das Album hat mir mit seinen schönen Gesängen, der musikalisch einwandfreien Begleitung und den stillen Songs recht gut gefallen. Schade dass es nicht mehr Stücke wie meinen Lieblingssong gibt, denn der ist wirklich großartig.
www.kennmorr.com
Adolf 'gorhand' Goriup
(A “rough” translation of the above review In Folk World (Germany) Written Adolf ‘gorhand Goriup)
Singer/songwriter Kenn Morr is in his home in Connecticut a personality integrated in the rural community, however, has published with "Move on" already his third internationally approved album with twelve self-written songs. Morr sings and plays the guitars, piano, mandolin and oral accordion and was supported with the admissions by his constant musical companions Bob Gasper (drums, percussion) and Dan Hocott (bass, sing) as well as by Karen Nolan (violin) and the singers Rex Fowler and Annie Golden.
The CD begins with the title song, a quiet song with which the piano accompanies the soulful songs of Morr. And in this style it further goes with gentle ballads-like songs (Make You mine), songs breastfeed bluesigen (Once more) and rhythmical-tuneful (River song).
Don't Turn Around “ violin play begins with Nolans, Morrs sing piano and Gaspers percussion before Fowler and Morr a wonderful duet. To cirques Nolan which debuted in 1979 in the musical Hair is known above all as an actress, however, she shows in "Girl with the auburn Hair" that she still has a great song voice. Morr sings the urgent main voice and is deposited with her hypnotic soprano. Mandolin, violin, guitar and the plodding rhythm still strengthen the effect and do the song my absolute favorite.
I have liked the album with his nice songs, the musically flawless company and the quiet songs rather well. Because he is really great.
Die CD beginnt mit dem Titelsong, einem stillen Song, bei dem das Piano die gefühlvollen Gesänge von Morr und Hocott begleitet. Und in diesem Stil geht es weiter mit sanften balladenhaften Liedern (Make You mine), stillen bluesigen (Once more) und rhythmisch-melodiösen (River Song) Songs. „Don’t turn around“ beginnt mit Nolans Geigenspiel, Morrs Piano und Gaspers Schlagzeug bevor Fowler und Morr ein wunderschönes Duett singen. Karen Nolan, die 1979 in dem Musical Hair debütierte, ist vor allem als Schauspielerin bekannt, jedoch zeigt sie bei „Girl with the auburn Hair“, dass sie noch immer eine tolle Gesangsstimme hat. Morr singt die eindringliche Hauptstimme und wird mit ihrem hypnotischen Sopran hinterlegt. Mandoline, Geige, Gitarre und der schleppende Rhythmus verstärken den Effekt noch und machen den Song zu meinem absoluten Favoriten.
Das Album hat mir mit seinen schönen Gesängen, der musikalisch einwandfreien Begleitung und den stillen Songs recht gut gefallen. Schade dass es nicht mehr Stücke wie meinen Lieblingssong gibt, denn der ist wirklich großartig.
www.kennmorr.com
Adolf 'gorhand' Goriup
(A “rough” translation of the above review In Folk World (Germany) Written Adolf ‘gorhand Goriup)
Singer/songwriter Kenn Morr is in his home in Connecticut a personality integrated in the rural community, however, has published with "Move on" already his third internationally approved album with twelve self-written songs. Morr sings and plays the guitars, piano, mandolin and oral accordion and was supported with the admissions by his constant musical companions Bob Gasper (drums, percussion) and Dan Hocott (bass, sing) as well as by Karen Nolan (violin) and the singers Rex Fowler and Annie Golden.
The CD begins with the title song, a quiet song with which the piano accompanies the soulful songs of Morr. And in this style it further goes with gentle ballads-like songs (Make You mine), songs breastfeed bluesigen (Once more) and rhythmical-tuneful (River song).
Don't Turn Around “ violin play begins with Nolans, Morrs sing piano and Gaspers percussion before Fowler and Morr a wonderful duet. To cirques Nolan which debuted in 1979 in the musical Hair is known above all as an actress, however, she shows in "Girl with the auburn Hair" that she still has a great song voice. Morr sings the urgent main voice and is deposited with her hypnotic soprano. Mandolin, violin, guitar and the plodding rhythm still strengthen the effect and do the song my absolute favorite.
I have liked the album with his nice songs, the musically flawless company and the quiet songs rather well. Because he is really great.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Popolo del Blues - Italy- Kenn Morr's Move On
Move on is Kenn Morr's new album. This album features songs inspired by the folk era of 60s with great lyrics.
Kenn Morr è un cantautore originario di Long Island ma da tempo di base nel Connecticut con alle spalle un buona carriera come autore e una collaborazione ormai stabile con il famoso produttore Bob Johnstone con il quale ha realizzato New Moon Rising e Coming Home ma soprattutto il recentissimo Move On. Il disco si caratterizza per un songwriting folk di ottima qualità, nel quale spesso fanno capolino atmosfere elettriche. Il disco all’ascolto si svela in tutta la sua piacevole sobrietà, i brani si caratterizzano per atmosfere folk rock in cui spesso tutti gli strumenti sono suonati dall’autore fatta eccezione per Bob Gasper che suona la batteria e Dan Hacott il basso. Godibili sono le atmosfere dei vari brani caratterizzati da riusciti intrecci ora tra chitarra acustica, steel guitar e violino ora dal pianoforte che spesso qua e la sottolinea i momenti più melodici. Molto particolare è poi la sua voce, molto vicina a quella di Nick Drake e spesso caratterizzata da momenti appena sussurrati, quando poi interviene il controcanto di Annie Golden si va vicinissimi alla magia come nel caso della poetica Still Need Your Hear o della sontuosa Girl With the Auburn Hair. Brani migliori del disco sono certamente la corale Once More e al più movimentata Let’s Take Tonight, in cui brilla la sezione ritmica. Se Move On fosse stato pubblicato trent’anni fa probabilmente avrebbe avuto il giusto riscontro diversamente resterà un disco, senza dubbio intenso ma che non smuoverà di una virgola il sistema musicale americano.
Salvatore Esposito
Kenn Morr è un cantautore originario di Long Island ma da tempo di base nel Connecticut con alle spalle un buona carriera come autore e una collaborazione ormai stabile con il famoso produttore Bob Johnstone con il quale ha realizzato New Moon Rising e Coming Home ma soprattutto il recentissimo Move On. Il disco si caratterizza per un songwriting folk di ottima qualità, nel quale spesso fanno capolino atmosfere elettriche. Il disco all’ascolto si svela in tutta la sua piacevole sobrietà, i brani si caratterizzano per atmosfere folk rock in cui spesso tutti gli strumenti sono suonati dall’autore fatta eccezione per Bob Gasper che suona la batteria e Dan Hacott il basso. Godibili sono le atmosfere dei vari brani caratterizzati da riusciti intrecci ora tra chitarra acustica, steel guitar e violino ora dal pianoforte che spesso qua e la sottolinea i momenti più melodici. Molto particolare è poi la sua voce, molto vicina a quella di Nick Drake e spesso caratterizzata da momenti appena sussurrati, quando poi interviene il controcanto di Annie Golden si va vicinissimi alla magia come nel caso della poetica Still Need Your Hear o della sontuosa Girl With the Auburn Hair. Brani migliori del disco sono certamente la corale Once More e al più movimentata Let’s Take Tonight, in cui brilla la sezione ritmica. Se Move On fosse stato pubblicato trent’anni fa probabilmente avrebbe avuto il giusto riscontro diversamente resterà un disco, senza dubbio intenso ma che non smuoverà di una virgola il sistema musicale americano.
Salvatore Esposito
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