New CD From Colebrook's Morr

By Jack Coraggio- Litchfield County Times

The sound of singer/guitarist Kenn Morr’s recently released album, “Move On,” is very much a reflection of his life in rural Colebrook – nice and mellow.
Certainly, the album’s relaxing Americana folk nature is prevalent throughout the 12 tracks, and is easily distinguishable upon even the first listen. Well aware of the gentle approach “Move On,” his sixth album overall, takes, Mr. Morr said he “warned people this will be the mellowest of the bunch.”
But he just couldn’t help it, as that’s how the tunes spoke to him. Apparently, he prefers not to take a formulaic approach to songwriting, as his creative process allows, “the songs told me how they wanted to sound.”
Of course, it is hard not to keep a melodious tone when one’s four-piece band utilizes such delicate instruments as the mandolin, the violin and the stand-up bass. But the heartfelt sound also stems from his take on the pastoral Litchfield County atmosphere.
So for a man who moved from the hustle-and-bustle of Long Island, NY, to the woods of Northwest Connecticut in 2000, creating a soft, folksy record just came natural, as did acclimating himself to the new environment.
“I love New York City like nothing else, but Colebrook is the greatest place in the world,” commented Mr. Morr. “I asked my brother, who lives in Connecticut, how long it would take for me to adjust, and he told me ‘about 30 seconds.’ I think it took me about 25 seconds.”
It didn’t hurt that he was able to record the whole album in his home’s own recording studio, where the area’s rural aesthetic creeps right up to the door. This is actually the first entire album he produced in his home studio, which he finished building about a year ago. His previous albums were created at least in part in Nashville, Tenn., and one with the help of legendary producer Bob Johnston, who worked with such greats as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.
“Working with one of the greatest producers who ever lived gave me the knowledge and confidence to produce my own,” Mr. Morr said.
So even though this album was mastered in Tennessee, it is fair to assume that having such creative control over his work afforded Mr. Morr the chance to get the folk sound just as he wanted it. But mellow isn’t the only reoccurring theme.
Within the lyrics, one finds a certain message of delivery and redemption, as is evident in the title “Move On.”
“It may take a few listens to notice, but the album is about moving on and change,” said Mr. Morr, who noted that he had many personal obstacles he had to overcome in recent years. “As I was going through this metamorphosis, I began to notice people close to me going through many of [the same things.] This is about counseling and change. Things happen and the challenge is to believe in yourself, because it is all part of the struggle.”
The chorus to “Don’t Turn Around,” the album’s fourth track, speaks to this odyssey.
“Hey, there’s one thing that will slow you down/ If you find yourself losing ground/ Hold strong, don’t turn around/ Don’t turn around.”
It should be noted, there is one song that acts as the exception to this rule. The eighth track, “Blue Morn,” reveals Mr. Morr’s personal Sept. 11 experience, being just five blocks from the crumbling towers on that fateful blue morn. Then again, whether he realizes it or not, finally articulating that horrific experience may also fall under the “counseling” category.
Now, when it comes to influences, Mr. Morr doesn’t readily compare himself to any one contemporary artist. But he does dedicate the album, at least in part, to the memory of Dan Fogelberg, a well-known singer/songwriter who penned the holiday staple “Same Old Lang Syne,” and somewhat ironically, died shortly before last Christmas.
“Nothing had as profound effect on me as when I found out Dan Fogelberg died,” said Mr. Morr, whose own father passed away when he was just an infant. “He was a major influence on me, and I could not believe how much his death upset me.”
Of course, he also dedicates “Move On” to his wife, Jackie, and their two adolescent sons, Nolan and James.
Next on the agenda, the unsigned folk rocker plans to plug his new album through a grassroots campaign. Though his album is available on iTunes, he will be performing at various venues throughout the Northeast.
His CD release party will be at the 1050 Lounge in New York City at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 16. People may visit his Web site, kennmorr.com, for further tour dates in the area.