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.