We took some time to get to know Jimmy Daley from Sydney’s The Morrisons – purveyors of all good in alt-country, bluegrass, old-timey and folk music! They’re playing Goodgod next week as part of their new monthly “Country and Inner Western” night. We talk about the show, the band, how he came to be a part of it all and more…
When did you first know you wanted to be a musician?
My Dad is a musician and I remember going to one of his gigs once when he was playing in a blues/funk band. The guitar player played the opening line of voodoo chile by Jimi Hendrix and I thought, mmmm that sounds good I want to do that.
What was the first instrument you learnt how to play?
First instrument I remember having a proper go at was the bass. My brother and cousin were jamming in the shed at my aunty and uncles farm in Towoomba, playing guitar and drums. I really wanted to join in so I went out the next 2 days on the farm picking pumpkins, got paid $150, and went to the local music shop and bought a bass.
Who and what inspires you as a musician?
So many musical heroes, my Dad is probably the most important, but as far as others go, Steve Earle, Paul Kelly, Ralph Stanley, Dave Rawlings, Old Crow (too many to list), but the thing I love most about music is when it’s made informally, playing in someone’s living room or something like that. No stage, no distinction between performer and audience, everyone is contributing to the moment and all those contributions are integral.
How did your current project come together?
We were jamming at a mates place and Morri (James Morrison), started singing some tunes and this angelic voice came out of him. Miles (our guitar player), pretty much said on the spot, Morri we are starting a band and you’re the lead singer. I think our first gig was a few days after that.
What can we expect from your set at Goodgod?
Lots of fast picking, dancing, singing, drinking, and all round good times.
Are you excited to play with any other musicians in particular?
Obviously excited to play with everyone, but especially looking forward to playing with Shane Nicholson. We had a jam with him in Brisbane and it was loads of fun, can’t wait to do it again.
Are you a fan of the Mexican beer selection they have there?
Of course, I am a fan of most beer selections.
Is American music making a comeback? Did it ever really go away?
It’s definitely more widespread but it’s hard to say. I don’t follow trends to much and I’ve been into this music since I was about 14 so as far as I know Doc Watson has been in the top 40 since then.
Is Americana the right term or is it country music pure and simple? Does the term country carry an expectation?
For us Americana is the wrong term. We play American songs, and love American sounds, but when we write original songs we are very conscience of writing from Australian perspective. Country is more appropriate term however it can be an ugly word sometimes as people do harbor negative stereotypes about country music, it’s almost as bad as the word jazz. Best way is for people to just listen to your music and decide whether they think it sounds good.
What do you think has made the genre last all these years?
Aside from the fact that it sounds good, I think the themes are what people really connect with. There is an honesty to it that always brings people back. That’s probably why there seems to be a folk revival of some sort every few decades.
What is coming up next for you?
Lots of good gigs coming up, obviously Goodgod on the 29th, will also be at Newtown Festival in November, and plenty of other stuff around the traps. We have been in the studio slowly putting together the first few tracks of an album. There will be a single coming out soon so keep an ear out for that.
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The Morrisons are playing Country and Inner Western at Goodgod Small Club in Sydney on 29th October. Tickets are just $10 on the door and the night also features Jenny Queen, Ruby Boots, Andy Golledge, Shane Nicholson and some promised special guests!
