Last week, James Morrison performed an intimate NYC showcase for fans at Dominion NY. For just under an hour, the UK singer-songwriter played material from his latest release, The Awakening, as well as older fan favorites. All the while, he told the stories behind many of his songs alongside quirky banter of him trying to talk in an American accent.
The soulful singer kicked off the night with the emotional “6 Weeks.” Powerful backup vocalists, soaring keyboard interludes and a driving percussion beat flushed out the track. The poignant “In My Dreams” followed suit. A song he wrote for his father who passed away a few years ago, he dedicated the track to “anyone out there who has lost someone.” With heartfelt vocals and a slowed beat, the song struck a chord.
Aptly titled, “Say Something Now,” Morrison told the audience that the track was written when his girlfriend wasn’t talking to him. “I wrote her a song to persuade her . . . she still doesn’t talk to me,” he joked. Bluesy electric guitar parts blended impeccably with Morrison’s raspy singing style.
Easily able to switch gears from serious subjects like death and heartbreak to more lighthearted, upbeat numbers, Morrison proved himself as a standout performer. The powerful “Up” was written from firsthand experience.
“This song started out as a personal song for my dad and it became a single,” he said. “Every time I play it, it reminds me of the feeling I felt when I wrote it.”
A massive Michael Jackson fan, Morrison said “Slave to the Music” was inspired by the King of Pop. The danceable number had the crowd clapping along throughout the song’s entirety. Fan favorites included older numbers like “You Give Me Something,” Morrison’s first big hit. Written years ago, he said he’s still in love with the girl he wrote the song for. With sexy vocals and captivating keyboard features throughout, he had fans singing along word for word.
“This is just a little taste of what’s to come in April and May, so I hope to see you again then,” Morrison said before he closed his set with “Wonderful World.” As he neared the edge of the stage signing autographs for fans, there was no doubt that they’d be back in a few months time.
Watch Morrison’s interview and live performance on “Today” below.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy