NEWS & reviews
WHAT SOME CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT CLINT MORGAN'S “TROUBLEMAKER,” Released July, 2021 on Lost Cause Records:
"a rich brew of blues, Americana, and a touch of rock. Morgan…is a gifted singer-songwriter with a distinctive country-tinged voice. Add his deft piano chops into the mix and you have an up-and-coming talent…tongue-in-cheek humor may be an important part of Morgan's stage persona, but he's by no means a one-trick pony...an incisive songwriter and a charismatic performer. Let's hope that Troublemaker brings his music to a wider audience." (Jon Kleinman/Living Blues)
"Clint Morgan self-titled his latest album 'Troublemaker,' and once again hit the nail on the head. Jam-packed with his own off-center but dead-on view of life and music ('They Put a Walmart on the Farm,' 'Hangman Woman') Morgan threw in a few unique takes on old faithfuls like 'Go Down Moses' and a mashup of 'Big River' (Johnny Cash) and 'What’d I Say' (Ray Charles) and a satire of Shel Silverstein, to let loose a truly entertaining album. I mean, CD guests artists include the McCrary Sisters and Kinky Friedman; Who else has that kind of a party list?...Clint Morgan’s writing stands with the best, whether serious or satirical. With a keen eye for finding the truth in situations we rarely stop to question, Morgan cuts to the important stuff with heart and humor." (Suzanne Cadgene/Elmore Magazine)
"With a dry, droll vocal style reminiscent of Ry Cooder, singer/songwriter/pianist Clint Morgan has delivered a musically diverse disc full of blues, gospel and country. While that might describe many a disc hitting the roots, blues and Americana charts these days, this one stands out from the pack due to not only the stellar backing cast...but more importantly, due to the offbeat, witty, razor sharp lyrics. A gem of a disc, worth some serious airplay." (Mark Smith/Jazz & Blues Report)`
"I've heard a shocking amount of music in my years, and I am not readily surprised. Yet I don't recall hearing anything quite like Troublemaker, or at least anything that worked well enough to stick in memory. Morgan brings an intelligent, original perspective to American pop, enabling him to wed the commonplace to the unexpected in happy partnership. His sense of fun and hijinks is irresistible, and who would want to fight it anyway?" (Jerome Clark/Rambles)
"If the new Troublemaker has an overarching concept, it’s the way Morgan plays with the tropes of the blues to make penetrating points about the world we live in now. “Ain’t That the Blues,” for instance, sends up the tendency of the genre toward self-pity (“I wish I had a baseball mitt to help me catch my breath”), and “I’ll Love You If I Want To” plays up the macho posturing. “It’s Rough Out There” focuses on the very real struggles of everyday folks, but in Morgan’s typically droll way (“I got a car / I got no gas / I get my exercise pushing it”), and “Too Rich to Sing the Blues” skewers the out-of-touch super-wealthy He also revisits his 2008 song, “Somebody Put a Walmart on the Farm,” this time with Kinky Friedman. And with Bob Margolin and Watermelon Slim, he pines to make “The Cover of the Living Blues,” putting his own spin on the old Shel Silverstein hit for Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, “The Cover of the Rolling Stone.” But Morgan also hits home when he plays it completely straight, as on the starkly sober “Hurricane Harvey,” with John Del Toro Richardson, and the haunting “Echoes.” A master boogie pianist himself, Morgan is joined here by another stellar cast of musicians...and they craft another intoxicating stew of roots sounds. As much as anything else here, the way he makes Johnny Cash’s “Big River” flow into Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say,” making them seem of a piece, points up what an original Morgan is himself." (Nick Cristiano/No Depression)
"A boogie-woogie pianist and Americana singer/writer, Olympia, Washington-based Clint Morgan caught my attention back in 2016 with conscience-free “I Love Robbing Banks” on his Scofflaw. His new Troublemaker (Lost Cause Records) has its share of delusional guys unwisely in love. For mixed emotions, 'Hangman Woman' (“got a heart just like a noose”) ends with his pleading, 'Turn me loose,' while backup singers chant, 'Don't turn me loose.' Ambition-lampooning 'The Cover of the Living Blues' stems from Dr. Hook's 1973 'Cover of 'Rolling Stone'. Johnny Cash and Sun Records devotees may note that Morgan's 'Big River' cover has a verse that's not on Cash's 1958 Sun single but was sung on his demos and later by Waylon Jennings in The Highwaymen. For serious moments, there are 'Hurricane Harvey' and (with the McCrary Sisters) folk/gospel 'Go Down, Moses.' Kinky Friedman, Bob Margolin, and Watermelon Slim help out, too." (Bruce Sylvester/Goldmine Magazine)
"A boogie-woogie piano player…Clint Morgan is a terrific storyteller too, as evidenced by this quirky album. The roster includes Watermelon Slim John Del Toro Richardson, Bob Margolin, the McCrary Sisters, Bob Corritore and other heavyweights, but the true stars here are Morgan's words, which mix intimate, down-home observations about life…" (Marty Gunther/Red Hot & Blues Reviews)
"If one were to try to touch all the Americana bases in just one album, pianist/ songwriter/vocalist Clint Morgan does a commendable job, doing blues, gospel, country, and R&B...it’s fun and it’s always refreshing to find an artist such as Morgan who doesn’t take himself too seriously." (Jim Hynes/Elmore)
"Morgan continues to find satisfaction in revealing the untold perspectives of those living their darker life; appearances deceive in this case. ...there is plenty of substance to this collection of songs about lost chances, regrets, and redemption….Morgan must be a captivating live performer... A cross-country recording—studios in Tennessee, Washington, Mississippi, Arizona, North Carolina, and Texas were utilized—Troublemaker is an album of blues-based Americana with a twist toward Tom Russell’s humourous, lyrical dryness." (Donald Teplyske/Fervor Coulee)
"Country, gospel, blues, Americana and comedy, all delivered with Johnny Cash modulation and punctuation...Clint Morgan is a creative and entertaining guy. It might be cliché to say 'Troublemaker' is so diverse there is something for everybody to like. So let’s go with, no matter which way the cookie crumbles, it’s all good." (Tim Parsons/Tahoe OnStage)
"Americana singer/songwriter and Blues Pianist Clint Morgan...is equally at home pounding out a piano boogie tune as he is an old gospel song and slides between blues and country effortlessly…quirky stories of life" (Michael Limnios/blues.gr)
"quirky roots and blues music" (Bob Silvestri/Best of WNY)
"Morgan is an accomplished blues and boogie-woogie piano player with a voice that ranges from velvety smooth to something remarkably similar to that of a young Johnny Cash. He is also an exceptional wordsmith with a real knack for spinning a good yarn. Troublemaker is a collection of original tunes and well-chosen covers that run the gambit from blues and boogie-woogie to rockabilly, gospel, and old-school rock & roll...in short, Americana at its finest...From gut-wrenching tunes that will leave you crying in your beer to those that will have you doubled up with laughter, Troublemaker checks all the right boxes…This is one of those recordings that will never get old." (Bill Wilson/Reflections In Blue)
"loaded with enough sly humor to make Shel Silverstein smile? Killer stuff throughout." (Chris Spector/Midwest Record)
"Clint Morgan...is particularly striking for his musical versatility and the idiosyncratic, relativistic humor that he has carried with him all his life...On 'Troublemaker' -what's in a name?- this is also the case. His aim was to tell stories, which can often be humorous, sometimes ironic, but also serious. They are about everyday things and ordinary people, relationships, getting old, sometimes spiritual things and much more...A must have Americana/Country/Rock album…” (Eric Schuurmans/ Rootstime.be)
"Americana-flavored blues, boogie woogie and country with healthy doses of old school rock and roll. It's a sound that recalls bits of pieces of artists like Paul Thorn and Watermelon Slim while still allowing plenty of Morgan's ample personality to shine through...for those who discover this diamond in the rough, they'll be smitten with Morgan's great songwriting and his rich musical backdrop, dripping with southern flavored Americana." (Country Standard Time)
What the critics are saying about Clint Morgan's "SCOFFLAW," released June, 2016 on Lost Cause Records:
"A sweeping conceptual masterpiece of Americana. One of the Top Ten best roots albums of 2016." (Nick Cristiano/Philadelphia Inquirer)
"A sprawling, out-of-left-field Americana masterpiece." (BVT News)
"I highly recommend 'Scofflaw' for the way Clint Morgan not only tells difficult stories, but also shows how some pretty dark moments can turn into times of redemption and hope." (Eric Steiner/Bluesletter)
"A 19-song set full of Americana-flavored blues, boogie woogie and country with healthy doses of old school rock and roll. It's a sound that recalls bits of pieces of artists like Paul Thorn and Watermelon Slim while still allowing plenty of Morgan's ample personality to shine through...for those who discover this diamond in the rough, they'll be smitten with Morgan's great songwriting and his rich musical backdrop, dripping with southern flavored Americana." (Andrew Greenhaigh/Country Standard Time)
"If cookie-cutter country music leaves you cold, check out Clint Morgan. On his sophomore release, the singer-songwriter and boogie woogie piano player drives a rootsy sound that mixes blues and rock with country in the spirit of Steve Earle and Johnny Cash" (Mike Cote/Union Leader)
"The romantic allure of post-Civil War outlaws like Jesse James, Cole Younger, and the Daltons are still motivating songwriters one hundred fifty years later. It’s impossible to listen to this epic themed album without recalling Paul Kennerley’s 'Legend of Jesse James', which was issued in 1980….the music sounds pretty similar, mostly country and rockabilly, but 'Scofflaw' leans much more toward blues and gospel too. One reason the two albums sound somewhat alike, aside from the subject matter, is that Morgan’s voice is reminiscent of Johnny Cash both in tone and phrasing...The rich liner notes further explain the stories. There’s plenty to dig into here and you don’t often find a collection of players across multiple genres on one record. Listen up as Morgan has tales to tell." (Jim Hynes/Elmore)
"With his classic country baritone voice and a delivery that ranges from sly to desperate, vocalist/pianist Morgan proves one more time that villains can be as charming as they are ruthless... Mr. Morgan's studio backup is first-rate and guesting vocally are Maria Muldaur and Diunna Greenleaf. Strong airplay candidates include 'Waco', 'D.B. Cooper Blues' and a splendidly country-fied workup of the Johnny O’Keefe rock classic,'Wild One'." (Duane Verh/Roots Music Report)
"'Scofflaw' is a weighty tome, a creation melding the complexities of beauty and ugliness that few recording projects attempt let alone accomplish. It will be displayed in pride of place alongside 'The Man from God Knows Where', 'My Favorite Picture of You', 'American Ballads', 'The Way I Should' and other classic folk recordings on my shelf. But, not yet—I want to listen again." (Donald Teplyske/Fervor Coulee)
""A captivating listen from beginning to end." (Mark Smith/Music Revue)
"This just may be the best CD you will hear this year!…outstanding...he musicians are top rate, the quality of the recording is just right, this is one you've got to have!" (Barry Faust/Smoky Mountain Blues Society)
"The first time I ever heard of Clint Morgan was when I received 'Scofflaw' to review. And do you want to hear my objective opinion? I was blown away pretty much. This is in no way an ordinary album...Clint Morgan is a gifted blues and boogie-woogie piano player who sounds like early Johnny Cash and sometimes like Willie Nelson...Honestly, this album is amazing. I have never heard anything quite like it…I was enthralled." (Rhetta Akamatsu/Making A Scene)
"If you love traditional blues with traditional themes, then you are going to love this wonderful set by pianist/vocalist Clint Morgan, who explores a plethora of traditional styles, many based around criminality with spirituality and gospel thrown in for good measure...a set that delights on all levels." (Mick Rainsford/Blues In Britain)
"5 stars ***** outstanding...If you like piano-powered music including boogie, rock, jazz and more, here’s one for you." (Ricky Flake/Sun Herald)
"'Scofflaw' is truly a prime example of Americana at its best. Deeply rooted in folklore and legend, bringing images from the old west and the depression years up into modern times. The characters are timeless and this is an album that will continue to grow on you with each subsequent listen. Each number is like watching its own movie. Spectacular story-telling done right." (Greg Johnson/Cascade Blues Association)
"Singer, songwriter, piano player and master storyteller Clint Morgan manages to capture the pain and desperation of a life devoid of all hope, as well as the joy when things turn for the better. I have quite honestly never heard it done better...an incredibly powerful and passionate piece of work." (Bill Wilson/Reflections In Blue)
"Excellent musicianship makes this one blues history lesson we know you’ll enjoy!" (Don & Sheryl Crow/Nashville Blues Society)
"All pretenders to the roots music throne better get out the way of this comer that hits it out of the park with ease. Hot stuff throughout." (Chris Spector/Midwest Record)
"I knew I was going to like the new Clint Morgan 'Scofflaw' CD even before I stuck it in the player...great stories set to rough and rowdy music." (Jim Clark/The Courier)
"Clint Morgan has a new CD called 'SCOFFLAW' that just may be the best CD you will hear this year! Singer, songwriter, and pianist Clint Morgan will soon be known worldwide for this outstanding CD. I rarely gush, but .... Get a copy! You can hear it 20 times and still hear new stuff. Just top notch! If you don’t like this one, you better give up music! Clint Morgan – SCOFFLAW……soon to be a household words!" (Blue Barry – Smoky Mountain Blues Society)
"Rootsy american music at its most accomplished." (Big City Blues)
"A potent mix of roots music." (Tom Wilk/ICON)
thanks sooo much for the kind words, guys!!!