James Morrison performs at Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday
MANILA, Philippines—In a few hours, a special evening is in store for Filipinos as the English singer-songwriter and guitarist James Morrison performs in Manila Tuesday (today) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
James Morrison achieved worldwide success in 2006 with the release of his debut single “You Give Me Something.” His first album, “Undiscovered” under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), debuted at the top of the UK Album Chart and sold millions of copies, making him the biggest-selling British male solo artist in 2006. The album, which also has the hit singles “Wonderful World,” and “The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore” won him a BRIT Award in 2007 for Best British Male Solo Artist.
James Morrison is currently touring to promote his album, “The Awakening,” released in September 2011 also under MCA Music. As the title of his third and by far best album suggests, “The Awakening” is the sound of an artist coming of age.
In his personal life, Morrison has become a father, while losing his own father after the latter’s long battle with alcoholism and depression. At the same time, Morrison, 26, has matured as a singer, songwriter and musician, enabling him to channel all of that emotion into his most accomplished collection of songs yet.
“My first two albums felt like practice shots,” he says, “and now I’ve graduated. In many ways this feels like my first proper album.”
Fortunately, “The Awakening” has turned out to be the album that Morrison always had the potential to make – at last a worthy platform for his extraordinary singing voice. “This time I wasn’t worrying about success at all, and that’s why it was really enjoyable. I didn’t feel I had to go for the big, loud notes all the time – I just sat back and sang how I felt and it all just came flooding out.”
“The Awakening” is a warm, live-sounding collection of classic but contemporary folk-soul songs. There are musical similarities with Morrison’s debut, but with added panache and self-belief. There are soaring strings, uplifting harmonies, soulful ballads and, in Slave to the Music, a hand-clapping dance floor groover – a new string to his bow.
There are nods to Motown, gospel, country and a hint of Latin. Technically, Morrison remains one of the finest white soul singers, equal parts Stevie Wonder and Paul Young. But he is more than just a Big Voice – he sings from the heart. “To me, pop music is just great music that lasts for years,” he says. “Though there is the other side of pop, which is where you have a hit, but then, after it comes out, it never gets heard again. I never wanted to make that sort of music.”
James Morrison’s albums are out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music and Video or online via iTunes and www.MyMusicStore.com.ph
Catch “James Morrison Live! in Manila” on October 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets (911-5555) or the Ticketnet Website www.ticketnet.com.ph. Ticket prices are at: Patron VIP 4770, Patron Regular 3710, Lower Box VIP 3710, Lower Box Regular 3180, Upper Box A 1910 and Upper Box B 850.
The show is brought to the Philippines by Midas Promotions, Dayly Entertainment and Karpos Multimedia. Co-Presented by Jack TV and ETC. Official Residence: EDSA Shangri-La Manila.
Among the media partners are Philippine Daily Inquirer and Inquirer.net.
Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video.
