James Morrison will release a deluxe edition of his double platinum album Songs For You, Truths For Me on November 16th on Polydor. The two disc album will feature the current album plus two brand new tracks on one disc, and an intimate acoustic performance on the other.

The two new tracks Get To You and On The Same Side were recorded in between James’ summer touring commitments. James says “I hadn’t written anything new for while, and then I found some time off when the sun was still shining. I started to write and a lot of ideas came out pretty quickly. I got together with the guy who produced Broken Strings and we worked on two songs that I’m really pleased with. I really wanted people to hear them as soon as possible, so rather than wait for the third album we decided to add them to the current one. The Basement Sessions is just me, an acoustic guitar and my keyboard player putting the songs down like I write them, pretty raw but quite intimate.” Get To You – a delicate but determined declaration to the love which is just beyond reach – will be released as a single on November 16th.

James handpicked a selection of his favourite songs from this album and his debut, the Brit winning Undiscovered, to perform acoustically on the second disc as well as a stunning interpretation of Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror. These stripped back performances reveal James’s voice at its breathtaking and soulful best. James’ voice has been described and praised in many different ways, by many different people, but the description that really resonates is late Atlantic Records legend Jerry Wexler’s: ‘Above all his is a voice with its own thumbprint. Hear it once and you’ll forever recognise

Songs For You, Truths For Me, which has now been in the UK chart for over a year, has already achieved double platinum status making James Morrison the biggest selling British solo artist in the UK this year and the biggest selling solo artist overall, aside from Michael Jackson. His last single Broken Strings, a duet with Nelly Furtado, has sold over half a million copies, spent ten weeks in the top ten and is his most successful single to date.

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AWARD-winning singer-songwriter James Morrison is backing a £300,000 fund-raising drive to send a four-year-old cancer sufferer to America for cutting-edge treatment. The pop star, who was discovered in Derby, has agreed for his music to be used free of charge on a video being made about Lewis Mighty.

The youngster has neuroblastoma – a rare form of childhood cancer – and been given just a 20% chance of surviving the next two years. His mum and dad Jaime and Perry, of Mackworth, are now trying to raise £300,000 to send him to New York for immunotherapy treatment. The team behind the appeal have decided to use a song from James’ latest album, called ‘Once When I Was Little’, on a video being made to raise awareness of Lewis’s story.

James said he was only too happy to help out. He said: “I’m really happy to support and help publicise the Lewis Mighty Fund in this way. Lewis’s story is one of immense bravery and determination and really struck a chord with me, not only because of my links to the Derby area but because I now have a child of my own.”

Fund spokesman Stuart Holness said the backing of the Brit Award-winning singer was a huge boost to the appeal. He said: “It is fantastic to get the support of someone as well known as James Morrison. He has been very generous in allowing us to use his music without charge and the song we have chosen for the video is very poignant.”

Multi-million record-selling singer James first became known in Derby when he played at open mic nights in the city. He was discovered at Ryan’s Bar in St Peter’s Street, Derby, in 2004 and has since become a global star, performing duets with singers such as Nelly Furtado. James now joins other celebrities, including champion boxer Amir Khan and Rams skipper Robbie Savage, in backing the Lewis Mighty appeal.

Mum Jaime said: “James Morrison is a fantastic singer and we love his music, so we were so pleased to hear he has allowed us to use this song. He is such a big star and to have the backing of someone like him is a huge boost.”

Donations to the fund can be made through http://www.lewismightyfund.org.uk/ and also at any branch of NatWest using account number 25335901 and sort code 60-12-01. Donations can be also be sent to the Lewis Mighty Fund, c/o Oodles, 42 St Mary’s Gate, Derby, DE1 3JZ. If you are hosting a fund-raising event let Catherine Oakes at the Derby Telegraph know by calling 01332 291111 ext 6501, or e-mail her at coakes@derbytelegraph.co.uk

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What makes your favourite celebrities tick? Fabulous psychologist James Brook probes inside their minds. This week, it’s singer James Morrison, 24.

I’d be happier if… I could spend more time at home with my family and friends in Brighton. My workload is ridiculous!

I’m at my best when… I’m on stage. I love playing live and expressing myself through music.

Those closest to me would describe me as… a soft touch and forgetful – I’ve forgotten birthdays plenty of times!

One thing about my past I don’t admit easily is…I was a geek at school and not one of the cool ones. Actually, I don’t mind saying that. There’s nothing that I mind admitting – you need to be able to do that to know yourself.

Apart from my family, three things I’d want on a desert island are… my guitar to keep me entertained and so I can make tunes, a first aid/survival kit so I’m prepared for anything, and a water filter so I could drink clean water to survive.

One thing I’d like to do before I die is… see my 10-month-old daughter Elsie have kids. I’d like to go full cycle and be part of something special.

If I advertised myself on a dating site, it would read… “Good-looking musician searching for a generous, funny, sexy person to engage in activities – and who doesn’t mind paying for stuff now and again.”

The thing I like least about myself is… being disorganised. I’m not good at sorting things and it irritates the hell out of me!

My fantasy dinner date would be… the actress Rachel Weisz. She’s absolutely gorgeous.

The thing I value the most is… my daughter. She’s the best thing I’ve ever created, the most joyous thing I’ve ever seen.

My biggest regret is… growing up too quickly. I was responsible from a young age. I moved out of my parents’ at 17 and worked full-time – I was living like a 40 year old. I’d have liked to have spent longer having fun.

If I wasn’t a singer I’d be… a traveller or something hippy and creative, maybe a cartoonist. I’ve always loved art, music and comic-book drawings.

Answer the following

People see me as relaxed and easy-going: Always
My friends think that I’m outgoing: Always
I find it easy to hide my true feelings from others: Never
I like taking charge of others to get things done: Never
I usually get my own way in arguments: Never

Draw a picture that best represents you

James says: “This picture sums me up: The Busker From Rugby.”

‘JAMES IS A REBEL AT HEART’
James Brook’s verdict: “This picture highlights James’ central character – a chilled-out, slightly rebellious guy with a passion for music. The unkempt look and roll-up shows James prefers to feel comfortable within himself rather than keeping up appearances. The high level of detail shows he is a perfectionist.

James likes to experience and understand life rather than to control it. He prefers to be led by others, perhaps as a result of having to carry such a high level of responsibility so early in his life.

Being an easy-going and trusting person, James will also tend to back down quickly when confronted by more assertive people. However, his positive approach will ensure he doesn’t dwell too long on any anxiety or hurt that might result. He is generally very confident, and has a good self-awareness of his talents and how to make the most of them.”

James Brook is a specialist in psychometric testing.

Compiled by Gabrielle Sander

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Acoustic star uses Rare Earth pickups on recent US tour

Singer-songwriter James Morrison is using Fishman’s Rare Earth humbucking active soundhole pickup on his acoustic guitars.

With his latest single, Broken Strings already a fixture in both the national and international music and download charts, the young musician (pictured left with Chis DeMaria, Fishman’s director of marketing and artist relations) is also currently enjoying a welcome reception to his songs as he tours over in the USA.

After years spent playing cover songs in the earlier part of the decade, Morrison decided to push ahead with his own material, and in 2006 his distinctive vocal style found success with his self-penned debut single, You Give Me Something. This was followed by a huge response to the ensuing debut album, ironically titled Undiscovered, which by the end of that year had sold over a million copies, with three Brit Award nominations.

Continued single success with songs like The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore and You Make It Real led up to the release of his second album, Songs For You, Truths For Me, with Morrison also fitting in some very popluar high-profile concert and festival appearances alongside his own tours in the interim period, making him a household name as a performing artist.

Re-voiced and fine-tuned for smooth treble response, the Fishman Rare Earth unit features cutting-edge neodymium magnets for a warmer and more natural full acoustic tone, with excellent string-to-string balance characteristics. They are distributed in the UK and Ireland by John Hornby Skewes.

Written by Rob Hughes

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Music video shoots can be tedious —- so much so that stars often anticipate scenes that are considered out of the ordinary. Such was the case with “Broken Strings,” James Morrison’s hit U.K. duet with Nelly Furtado. At one point, objects shatter and flames erupt behind the bed he’s sitting on.

“I was waiting for that explosion all day; I was so excited about it,” British singer Morrison said from a tour stop in Salt Lake City. “They got this fire (expert), and he told everyone (adopts exaggerated American accent), ‘Be careful, guys. If you don’t need to be in here, get out. It’s going to be pretty dangerous. There may be shards.’ He was building up to this big thing. When they finally said ‘action’ and went to blow it up, it was like the tiniest thing ever. … I laughed and said, ‘Is that it?’ I expected a big flame ball. It was over before it even began.”

Just the opposite was true for Morrison, who arrived on the international scene with a bang. The earthy pop, folk and orchestral soul strains of his 2006 disc “Undiscovered” made an immediate connection. It entered the U.K. charts at No. 1, spawned a pair of Top 10 singles, sold a million copies and was the biggest-selling album by a male artist in that territory.

Released in the United States the next year, “Undiscovered” made a respectable Top 30 debut as Morrison played amphitheaters with John Mayer. He was among two dozen performers at The Concert for Diana, held at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2007 and telecast worldwide.

“I expected to work for at least a couple of more albums before I had that much success,” admitted Morrison, 24. “It came really quickly. That was pretty scary … and a bit daunting. But I just rolled with it. As long as I keep my eye on the quality of the music, I’ll take it as it comes.”

Earlier this month, the raspy vocalist from Rugby, England, began a U.S. tour opening stint for Adele. On Feb. 18, Morrison is up for Best Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards —- a category he also won in 2007.

The Belly Up show on Saturday is a headlining gig, where he will perform semiacoustic with a second guitarist and keyboardist.

“Hopefully, we’ll get some backup vocalists for that one,” he said.

Superior second effort “Songs for You, Truths for Me” (Interscope/Polydor) made another strong impact back home last fall. Stateside, the sultry song “Nothing Ever Hurts Like You” is Top 10 at adult album alternative radio with frequent spins at San Diego station KPRI/102.1 FM. Additionally, the song “You Make It Real” can be heard in a romantic comedy, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson that comes out Feb. 6.

Morrison wanted everything to sound bigger on the latest CD and reflect more of his influences (Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Sam Cooke). As a result, the more complex instrumentation provides a distinct midperiod Motown and R&B vibe (“Nothing,” “If You Don’t Wanna Love Me,” “Save Yourself,” “Precious Love”).

The latter tune features the sweet pipes of in-demand session pros Julia and Maxine Waters.

“When they came in, I was blown away,” Morrison said.

For added variety, he collaborated with a different set of co-writers/producers, including Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Dixie Chicks) and Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic).

“Dan just steered me in the right direction when I needed it.”

Although he doesn’t feel like a soul singer, Morrison acknowledged having a soulful delivery.

“I just try to concentrate on the lyric and what I’m singing about and let that be the soulful part of it, rather than the style of what’s playing … you sing about things that are important to you, that mean something and open yourself up in the song. That’s soul music to me.”

Written by George A. Paul

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The article comes with two videos, here is the interview and here is a short video of James playing ‘Please Don’t Stop The Rain’.

Ne vous y trompez pas, James Morrison est un gai luron. Mais pourquoi toujours ce look de dépressif ? Réponse de l’intéressé alors que sort son nouvel album, Songs For You, Truths For Me.

Rendez-vous était pris, ce jour là, dans un hôtel du VIIIème Arrondissement, où, pour l’anecdote, Craig David était présent, deux chambres plus loin, pour sa propre journée promo. On monte rapidement dans la suite de Morrison qui est en train de terminer avec nos confrères d’AdoFM. On se prépare à nos questions genre «langueur et nostalgie». Mais surprise : on est face à un homme dont l’œil pétille, qui fait plus jeune que son âge alors qu’on lui donnait facilement 30 ans. Par exemple, quand on évoque sa rencontre avec Madonna, il imite la chanteuse avec une moue drôle : “Oui, elle a été très dure. On a des bonnes surprises parfois dans ce métier, et là ce n’était pas le cas. Quand je me suis présenté, elle m’a tout juste dit “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” (il l’imite avec un air de pimbêche). Alors que Stevie Wonder, lui, a été super sympa.” Pas étonnant, au passage, qu’il nous dise son rêve de collaborer avec la star de la pop sur un projet futur.

Et quand on lui dit notre étonnement devant son caractère jovial, qui contraste avec le romantisme dépressif véhiculé par ses morceaux. Morrison s’amuse et répond qu’il n’arrive à écrire une chanson qu’en restant sérieux … “Mais je déteste ce genre de trucs là… High School Musical… Ces scènes qui commencent et qui font soudain… (il mime un personnage niais et mort de rire)” On a beau lui objecter que pour du cash, il pourrait revoir sa position. Non, il maintient sa position de pourfendeur Disney.

Pendant ce temps là, alors que son manager écoute d’une oreille plus ou moins distraite dans l’une des pièces attenantes, le chanteur du tube “You Give Me Something” trifouille sa guitare comme on le ferait nous avec un stylo. On évoque son dernier opus, Songs For You Truths For Me, en lui disant qu’on ne voit pas trop la différence avec Undiscovered, l’album précédent, qui a des thèmes strictement identiques (amour toujours). Il admet, un peu confus, que les plus grandes différences se trouvent davantage dans la manière avec laquelle il a travaillé sur cet album que dans le résultat lui-même.

Peu convaincus, on lui demande du coup de nous expliquer pourquoi son choix s’est arrêté sur Nelly Furtado pour faire le featuring sur le morceau Broken String, en lui disant qu’on aurait pas tout de suite fait le rapprochement entre les univers des deux artistes. “Je l’aime beaucoup (on s’en doute), parce qu’elle a une voix facilement reconnaissable. Et puis, elle n’a pas fait que Maneater non plus, ses anciens albums sont pas trop éloignés de ce que je fais !” Quand on lui suggère d’autres chanteuses, plutôt US mainstream, il se marre, toujours en singeant telle ou telle chanteuse. “Des chanteuses comme Christina Aguilera, elles ont une super voix mais bon … Quand elles partent dans des runs du genre “woah-wou-wou-woaaaaaah”, je trouve ça juste insupportable!”

Le cadran horaire tournant trop rapidement, on lui demande de finir sur un peu de guitare/voix. Et bien même avec des cordes vocales manifestement fatiguées, on vous le confirme : l’effet que peut produire James Morrison quand il chante devant vous, sans fioritures, est assez impressionnant, jusqu’à sublimer des compositions qui n’ont pourtant, à la base, rien d’extraordinaires. Cinq minutes durant, on passe du rang de journaliste à celui de d’admirateur de passage.

On le salut et on repart dans le froid, en se disant qu’il est effectivement moins pleurnichard que James Blunt et plus vif qu’on ne le pensait. On s’engouffre dans le métro en se disant qu’on va quand même réécouter Songs For You, Truths For Me, non pas qu’il ait été particulièrement convaincant en en parlant, mais parce que le charme de son talent vocal sont des arguments de poids. Et à l’arrivée, on se dit quand même qu’il peut bien mieux faire, en lui souhaitant intérieurement de produire un jour un projet autant à la mesure de sa voix que de sa personnalité.

Written by Matthieu Barbarin

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