Over 10 years ago, I dove into the NYC music scene pretty heavily. Most nights I ended up at Rockwood Music Hall, nursing a lukewarm beer and enjoying the bands the night had to offer. Revisiting Rockwood and other venues in the NYC area, I found myself loyally following Chris Morrissey. An accomplished singer, songwriter, composer, music director and most likely some other hidden talent I have yet to uncover, I was rewarded with an endless fountain of creativity and boundless love of music in many forms. Taking every opportunity I can to see him perform, it was an easy decision to catch his performance at The Sultan Room’s rooftop on a crisp NY Tuesday evening.
Accompanied by Charlotte Greve on sax, Marco Bolfelli on guitar, and Bill Campbell on drums, Chris began the set with one of my favorite songs, “The Indigos.” Songs from Chris’ Impact Winter Formal, Laughing and Laughing, and North Hero have allowed him to steadily show up in my Tidal Top Artist ranking month after month, and the way I was able to anticipate each note by heart coupled with the unpredictability and improvisation that live music offers always makes these shows so entertaining. I’ve been lucky enough to see different artists interpret Chris’ compositions as the lineup is ever changing, so to hear Charlotte’s subtle approach, Marco’s restraint, and Bill’s flourishes to the songs really perked my ears up.
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
One thing to note about Chris’ music that I find so fascinating is the way he is able to utilize space within the songs to amplify the impact of the emotion or feeling he’s trying to convey. “Hey Galaxy” is a perfect example of this beautiful arrangement decision that I always enjoy. The crowd also seemed to enjoy these moments, giving up applause, whistles or yelps when a particularly intriguing section was performed.
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
Another thing you’re going to get at a show is Chris’ sarcastically dry humor, on full display including his banter with opening act, Emma Frank. Having been friends for a while now, they are comfortable ribbing each other, with Emma cracking that Chris’ was doing drugs in the bathroom during her set, and Chris playfully telling her not to hug him when she joined him onstage to sing the “It’s Cruel That It Ends.”
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
From his collaborative work with the likes of Sara Bareilles, Sharon Van Etten, Chris Thile, Mark Guiliana, and many many others, you’ve probably already heard some of Chris’ work, and if you haven’t I’m sure you will soon. He’s one of those artists whose love of music seeps out of his pores in the most authentic way. Anyone who works with Chris or has been in his orbit will attest to this, myself included. I couldn’t contain my excitement when he mentioned he has a new album coming early next year. Guess I’ll have another Chris Morrissey album to cement his standing in my Tidal Top Artist list.
Chris Morrissey
Chris Morrissey
Article/Images: Lesley Keller
