Sydney, AU. (Top40 Charts/ Universal
Music Australia) -
James Morrison captivated a blessed few at intimate solo shows in Melbourne and Sydney last September. Now, Frontier can confirm the news that many have been waiting for since this time. The 2007 Brit Award winner will return down under this May to perform shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland… and this time he'll be performing with a full band.
Already, at the tender age of just 22, James Morrison's accolades are many. His debut album Undiscovered (out now through Universal Music Australia) rocketed to No 1 on the UK charts, with lead single 'You Give Me Something' a firm radio favourite both overseas and in our own backyard.
More recently, James won the prestigious Brit Award (the UK equivalent of America's Grammy Awards) for Male Solo Artist, an achievement in its own right, but an even greater one when you take into consideration his competition, which included Jarvis Cocker and Radiohead's Thom Yorke.
Musically, James was influenced by greats like Otis Redding, Al Green, Cat Stevens, The Kinks and Van Morrison, and it shows. Part of his charm is his charismatic, soulful voice.
'It's as though he's stolen the soul of an 80 year old black American blues singer...' – The Times
'The real deal, a British country boy channelling the spirit of Otis Redding.' – Daily Telegraph
Then, there are his lyrics. Honest, passionate and inspirational, James's lyrics draw on his troubled past, revealing his deepest, most private emotions.
It is these heartfelt lyrics, combined with his soulful voice that makes James's live performances so engaging, silencing even the harshest of critics.
'While Morrison's rise has been meteoric and unexpected, his is not a false position. It is not possible to force a million people to buy a CD, and Morrison's fans have done so because he makes a connection... There are signs here that something beyond promising lies in his future.' – Guardian Unlimited, Jan 2007
'Every so often somebody comes along and blows away the hype and hearsay to prove they have real talent. Such is the case with Morrison. Say what you like, but the guy really can sing. Think the husky-toned sound of Joe Cocker in his prime or Wilson Pickett on form… At this sold-out gig, he certainly proved his worth.' – Manchester Evening News, Dec 2006
The new single from 'Undiscovered' is the title track. Single available in stores Saturday April 21.
So get yourself a ticket to see James when they go on sale on Friday March 16, and as Q Mag says 'Approach with wonder.' But do be warned, such is James's popularity that his concerts sell out weeks in advance.
JAMES MORRISON AUSTRALASIAN TOUR DATES MAY 2007
Tuesday 8 May – The Palais Theatre, Melbourne – All Ages
Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au; Palais box office 03 9537 2444
Saturday 12 May – Enmore Theatre, Sydney – All Ages
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au; Enmore box office 02 9550 3666
Sunday 13 May – The Tivoli, Brisbane – Over 18s Only
Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Tuesday 15 May – St James Theatre, Auckland – Over 18s Only
Ticket Direct 0800 4 TICKET or www.ticketdirect.co.nz
