Singles Spotlight:
Emmett Morris –
“Fair City”

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Today I’m stoked to talk about a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who is crafting some great solo music. The one and only Emmett Morris, based in Ontario. His Spotify Bio says it best: “Emmett Morris is a singer-songwriter from Barrie, Ontario. After almost two decades of playing guitar and singing for bands in a multitude of styles, he started releasing solo material in 2021. His sound evokes the country-rock-meets-psych sounds of California in the late-’60s and early-’70s, and his live show combines Kristoffersonesque hail-fellow charisma with an unmistakable energy that channels the punk, hardcore, and thrash metal he grew up on.” Love this. I know that you will too.

Morris has released two solo EPs: A Better World’s To Come EP (2021) and Emerald EP (2023). I recommend that you check both out after finishing today’s spotlight. And recently, on Friday, September 25th, he released his debut full-length album, The Old Way.

Right on. Recently I got to listen to the entire album, and I recommend it. It’s all good. One of my favorite songs was “Fair City,” as it is a gorgeous song. It opens with strong drum work, beautiful pedal steel, and guitar playing. What a way to start. Kudos to Ian James Bain, Johno Brown, Doug McBrien, and Peter Landi for their musicianship on this. There are several great moments when each band member truly shines brightly. I bet this song is incredible to hear live! Soon after this intro, Morris joins in on vocals with lyrics that recount an adventure in Ireland with some longing. A bit of romance in the past. I think this song is a fabulous intro to Emmett Morris and his assembled band. And his songwriting. So we’re here today, about to listen to the song. I know you’ll dig it too. Show Emmett some love if you do.

But don’t just take my word for it. Press play and listen for yourself and tell us what you think:

Take a look at this one-of-a-kind cover art for The Old Way album:

The track list for The Old Way:

1. Gilded Cage (4:00)
2. Fair City (5:28)
3. Friend of Mine (5:23)
4. Can’t Win Half (3:06)
5. Won’t Fool Me (3:02)
6. Well Ran Dry (4:57)
7. The Old Way (6:00)

Giving credit where it’s due. Who worked on The Old Way ? :

• Recorded at Thread Junction Studios
• Engineered by Jesse Harradine
• Additional engineering by Will Crann at Catherine North Studios
• Produced by Emmett Morris
• Mixed by James Matthew Seven
• Mastered by Kristian Montano and Ruxi Dedu
• Album art by Matthew Caldwell
• Photo by Liv Sacco
• Emmett Morris – vocals, guitar
• Ian James Bain – guitar, backing vocals
• Johno Brown – bass
• Doug McBrien – pedal steel, organ, backing vocals
• Peter Landi – drums
• Nicolette Hoang – vocals (“Friend of Mine” and “The Old Way”)
• Julianna Riolino – vocals (“Won’t Fool Me” and “Well Ran Dry”)
• Matthew “Doc” Dunn – harmonica (“Won’t Fool Me”)

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com