Mod about Morris

IN demand . . . Carl Morris

THE popularity of super solo artist Carl Morris is increasing almost by the week, and he's relishing the prospect of what promises to be a hectic 2017 around the pubs and clubs of the North-West.

Tameside-based Morris has played the guitar for as long as he can remember after initially being influenced by his mum's Motown records and his dad's "Best of David Bowie" cassette tape.

Now into the likes of Oasis, Paul Weller and the resurgent mod scene, Morris' mixture of big hit covers and eye-catching original material is clearly in demand.

Packed

Speaking during our interview at Mick Harwood's Scoots, Suits and Boots store on Yorkshire Street, Morris said: "I'm doing at least two gigs a week, including a couple of regular ones.

"Some can be quiet, some can be packed.

"I just love playing to different kinds of people ­- whether it's pubs, clubs or wherever.

"I do mod events, scooter rallies and the recent 'Modtober' in Stalybridge was great.

"As for my set, it depends on the night really. I've done Oasis nights, Motown, a bit of Sixties and Paul Weller stuff always goes down well.

"I always throw in tunes of my own too, no matter what.

"The sets are never exactly the same."

Also capable of tailoring a set, even at a minute's notice, Morris recalled one recent gig which eventually went down a storm.

"I was booked to do a Manchester night, but when I walked through the door everyone was 65-plus," he said.

"I just thought 'this is not going to happen', so I just changed things round and did a Sixties night.

"The best thing is playing to the audience and that's what happened that night."

As with the vast majority of solo artists, Morris is obviously content in his own company, though he is also loathed to rule out playing in a band, one day.

"Basically, I just like being my own boss," Morris revealed.

"I have played a couple gigs with a few mates years ago when I first started playing, but things didn't work out.

"People want different things and it didn't work for me, so I just do the gigs on my own now.

"If you mess up, you've only yourself to blame and no-one else has to know about it.

"Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be in a band one day, but I'd want to carry on doing what I'm currently doing. I'd be quite happy on rhythm guitar or adding backing vocals. I'd even turn to the bass if I can work out how to play my new Hofner!"

Check out Morris' great live sound via his Soundcloud page, or go and watch him play live at a local event soon.

All of his gig dates are posted on his Facebook page, and details of his appearance at Manchester's Night and Day Cafe next month are now on there.

This is a talented singer/songwriter you won't want to miss.