Alan Morphew / Alan Morphew and The Hit

Artist Information

Biography

Alan Morphew and The Hit was born in the Spring of 2009. Morphew's latest CD, The American Dream, was receiving critical praise, nationwide radio airplay, multiple songwriting contest awards, and a "best album" nomination in the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards.

A powerful vocalist, trained by L.A.'s best and with a long list of credits including his vocal work on Neil Young's "Living With War" CD, Alan was looking for the right band. Spending most of the year at his home in NW Iowa, nearby Minneapolis seemed to be a natural place to find the right players to complete the package. Enter guitarist Peter Dotson, and drummer Mariano Flores.

The band worked through the spring rehearsing exciting new versions of favorites from Morphew's critically acclaimed CDs as well as a very impressive list of crowd-pleasing cover songs. "We wanted to keep it all pretty high energy and danceable but still offer a wide range of music so that there is something for everyone. Most people enjoy a variety of good music so it makes sense to us to keep that in mind when choosing cover songs to play."

The 3 piece core of the band also works with additional musicians and is available to perform as a 3 to 7 piece band.

"Hard to find a band that plays with this much style", "Amazing", "Nice mix of tunes for all tastes", "a fun night of listening and a great party band" were among the comments heard after a recent performance.

"I'm really happy to be working with these guys. It's been a pleasure and very inspiring to me" says Morphew. And he is not alone in his opinion. The band is an instant hit whenever they play. And I think you will agree.

Instrumentation

Alan Morphew and The Hit is booking now.
Core members:
Alan Morphew - Lead Vocals, GTR, Bass, horns
Peter Dotson - Guitar, backing vocals
Mariano Flores - Drums & Percussion
(additional instrumentation also available - now booking up to 7 pc band with keys, percussion, female backing vocals, horns)

Alan Morphew is also available for solo and duo acoustic shows.

Discography

•"The American Dream" Artist: Alan Morphew ©2008 GreyCat Records
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Horns, Producer, Engineer
Added at 70+ radio stations nationwide - and the list is ever-expanding.
Nominated "Best Americana Album" in the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards
"Fortunate Johnny" - Top 20 Finalist - 2008 Unisong Int'l Songwriting Competition
"Daniel Lincoln" - Top 20 Finalist - 2007 Unisong Int'l Songwriting Competition
"A Soldier's Story" - Top 20 Finalist - 2007 Unisong Int'l Songwriting Competition


•"Four More" Artist: Alan Morphew ©2007 GreyCat Records
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Horns, Producer, Engineer
Added on web-based and terrestrial radio worldwide.


•"Living With War" Artist: Neil Young ©2006 Reprise Records
Alan Morphew - Backing Vocals
Nominated "Best Rock Album" in the 2007 Grammy Awards


•"Alan Morphew" Artist: Alan Morphew ©2005 GreyCat Records
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Horns, Producer, Engineer
Nominated "Best Singer / Songwriter" in the 2006 L.A. Music Awards
Awarded "Best Songwriter" in the 2005 All Access Music Awards - Los Angeles, CA
Awarded Editor's Choice Award for "Best Music Project of the Year" in the 2006 Kweevak Music Awards - Portland, OR
"Picture From A Dream" - Top 20 Finalist - 2006 Unisong Int'l Songwriting Competition


•"Soundtrack" Artist: Patchwork Symphony ©2001 HornDog Records
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Horns, Producer, Engineer
Awarded - "Best Songwriter" in the 2004 Rock City Music Awards - Los Angeles, CA


•"Disappear" Artist: TSOL ©2001 Nitro Records
Alan Morphew - Trumpet
Classic Pop Punk produced by Thom Wilson
On radio worldwide.


•"Patchwork Symphony" Artist: Patchwork Symphony ©1999 HornDog Records
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Horns, Producer, Engineer



•"Hall of Fame" Artist: Hall of Fame ©1997 (out of print)
Alan Morphew - Vocals, Songwriting
Melodic Rock band from Karlsruhe, Germany with Alan Vukelic (Leah) and Bjorn Peterson (SOS)


•"Mirror" Artist: Mirror ©1996 J.S.R. Music
Alan Morphew - Songwriting, Vocals, Horns, Producer, Engineer


Alan Morphew record production and engineering credits also available.

Links

• Alan Morphew - Facebook
• Alan Morphew and The Hit - Facebook
• Alan Morphew - Myspace
• A.M. all night - Alan Morphew's blogspot

Audio

• All For a Song
  Listen  
• Daniel Lincoln
  Listen  
• Soundtrack of Our Lives
  Listen  
• Cryin' Shame
  Listen  
• Better With You
  Listen  
• Fortunate Johnny
  Listen  
• Worst Comes to Worse (acoustic)
  Listen  
• Picture From A Dream
  Listen  
• Alan Morphew and The Hit Live Originals Booking Demo
  Listen  
• Alan Morphew and The Hit Live Covers Booking Demo
  Listen  

Lyrics

• All For A Song
• Daniel Lincoln
• Cryin' Shame
• Better With You
• Fortunate Johnny

Video

Alan Morphew and The Hit live in Okoboji

Photo Gallery

Press

• On The Radio [+ Show ]
  

  "I love his sound. I absolutely do." - Mary Trainor, KUOO Radio, Spirit Lake, IA 2009 Alan's n..."I love his sound. I absolutely do." - Mary Trainor, KUOO Radio, Spirit Lake, IA 2009
  
  Alan's newest CD, "The American Dream" is playing on over 70 stations nationwide. Thanks to Flanagan Radio Promotions in L.A. and Music Associates in IA. More stations are being added daily.
  
  ACRN Athens, OH
  KASF Alamosa, CO
  KAYL Storm Lake, IA
  KCCQ Ames, IA
  KCHA Charles City, IA
  KCHE Cherokee, IA
  KFAI Minneapolis, MN
  KGRR Dubuque, IA
  KICG Oskaloosa, IA
  KJAN Atlantic, IA
  KKMI Burlington, IA
  KLKK Mason City, IA
  KMAQ Maquoketa, IA
  KRVS Lafayette, LA
  KSDB Manhattan, KS
  KUNI Cedar Falls, IA
  KUOO Spirit Lake, IA
  KUYY Spencer, IA
  KVSC St. Cloud, MN
  KWUR St. Louis, MO
  WARC Meadville, PA
  WBRS Waltham, MA
  WCCM Randolph, NJ
  WCFM Williamstown, MA
  WCLH Wilkes-Barre, PA
  WCVF Fredonia, NY
  WCWM Williamsburg, VA
  WCWS Wooster, OH
  WDBK Blackwood, NJ
  WDJM Framingham, MA
  WECS Willimantic, CT
  WECX St. Petersburg, FL
  WERG Erie, PA
  WFCS New Britain, CT
  WGLS Glassboro, NJ
  WGSU Geneseo, NY
  WHFR Dearborn, MI
  WHRW Binghamton, NY
  WIDR Kalamazoo, MI
  WJJW North Adams, MA
  WKNH Keene, NH
  WKPS University Park, PA
  WLVR Bethlehem, PA
  WMHC South Hadley, MA
  WMSE Milwaukee, WI
  WMUC College Park, MD
  WMUH Allentown, PA
  WMWM Salem, MA
  WNHU West Haven, CT
  WNMC Traverse City, MI
  WNMH Northfield, MA
  WNYO Oswego, NY
  WOUB Athens, OH
  WQSU Selinsgrove, PA
  WRBB Boston, MA
  WRFW River Falls, WI
  WRHU Hempstead, NY
  WRKC Wilkes-Barre, PA
  WRPI Troy, NY
  WRRG River Grove, IL
  WRUV Burlington, VT
  WSCW Worcester, MA
  WSDP Canton, MI
  WSHL North Easton, MA
  WSPN Saratoga Springs, NY
  WSYC Shippensberg, PA
  WTSR Ewing, Trenton, NJ
  WUSO Springfield, OH
  WUSR Scranton, PA
  WVKC Galesburg, IL
  WVMW Scranton, PA
  WWSU Dayton, OH
  WXCI Danbury, CT
  WXOU Rochester, MI
  

• Songwriting Awards [+ Show ]
  

  "The record industry only cares about who writes the best songs; who has that career establishing so..."The record industry only cares about who writes the best songs; who has that career establishing song. And I think this guy's got a couple of them."
  Al Bowman, founder of L.A. Music Awards
  
  Alan Morphew's CD "The American Dream" is nominated in the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards.
  
  3 songs from "The American Dream" ("Daniel Lincoln," "Fortunate Johnny" and "A Soldier's Story") were Top 20 Finalist in the Unisong International Songwriting Competition.
  
  Alan's song, "Picture From A Dream" was a Top 20 Finalist in the 2006 Unisong International Songwriting Competition.
  
  Alan Morphew's self-titled EP won an Editor's Choice Award for Best Music Project of the year in the 2006 Kweevak Music Awards, Portland, OR.
  
  Alan was nominated Best Singer / Songwriter in the 2006 Los Angeles Music Awards.
  
  Alan received an award for "Best Songwriter" in the 2005 All Access Music Awards, Los Angeles, CA.
  

• "...Most important albums of modern time." [+ Show ]
  

  "The American Dream" sings of our life and times in the new America. This is one of the most import..."The American Dream" sings of our life and times in the new America. This is one of the most important folk rock albums of modern time."
  - Nick Katona 2009, Melodic Revolution Records NY and FL and founder of Clinton, NY Art and Music Festival
  

• "...best "Folk Pop" creation I have experienced" [+ Show ]
  

  "A genuine soul carrying on the long practiced folk music tradition of "leaving it all behind" and p..."A genuine soul carrying on the long practiced folk music tradition of "leaving it all behind" and pursuing his musical dreams... Alan Morphew is a fabulous singer/songwriter and musician. Alan's "Four More" release really showcases his studio savvy production skills and borders on being the best "Folk Pop" creation I have experienced."
  -Phillip Beasley, President, Memphis Songwriters Association, 2007 - Memphis, TN

• Alan Morphew and The Hit live reviews [+ Show ]
  

  •Pilot Tribune, June 2009 - Storm Lake, IA "the very best Folk-Funk-Acid-Jam-Classic-Modern-Rock b...•Pilot Tribune, June 2009 - Storm Lake, IA
  "the very best Folk-Funk-Acid-Jam-Classic-Modern-Rock band around... well-respected and sought-after Minneapolis players with the creativity, passion, and drive needed... The real deal"
  
  
  •365 ink Magazine Aug 20 - Sep 2, 2009 - Dubuque, IA
  "Multi-talented singer and award-winning songwriter Alan Morphew will no doubt be a revelation to the 180 Main audience when he performs with his band The Hit... The band has put together a tight show of Morphew's originals and a diverse set of covers that will no doubt surprise and entertain... Morphew and The Hit are sure to live up to their band name."
  
  
  •Rollie Jensen, professional musician (after A.M. & The Hit's first show)
  "Hard to find a band that plays with this much style... 'Amazing' was one word I heard more than once... Nice mix of tunes for all tastes... Nice crowd in attendance... a fun night of listening and a great party band... book 'em now"

• Alan Morphew at Room 5 in Los Angeles [+ Show ]
  

  "Alan Morphew plays folk rock, with elements of country and 70's classic rock... A strong singer/son..."Alan Morphew plays folk rock, with elements of country and 70's classic rock... A strong singer/songwriter [with] melodic and catchy tunes... Lyrics range from the personal and introspective to the socially conscious and political... Morphew has an outstanding voice with an impressive range. His ability to move effortlessly from lower notes to a Jeff Buckley-esque falsetto serves his songs well... A spirited performance, making eye contact with audience members, engaging the crowd verbally, and singing with earnest passion... He has a great deal of stage presence and a willingness to interact with his audience in a warm and honest way..."
  
  Full Article:
  The Players: Alan Morphew, vocals, acoustic guitar; Voyce McGinley III, percussion.
  
  Material: Alan Morphew plays folk rock, with elements of country and 70's classic rock thrown in for good measure. While his music is reminiscent of singer/songwriters like Cat Stevens, Morphew's melodic and catchy tunes also evoke acts such as the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Morphew's lyrics range from the personal and introspective to the socially conscious and political. One of his songs, "It's A Cryin' Shame," for example, is about a mother who refuses to accept a letter from military personnel stating that her son was killed: "It's a crying shame/ I don't want your letter/ It's not a game/ Will you ever understand?" Most of Morphew's material works quite well in the solo acoustic format, though some of his songs, like the country tinged "Who Knows," lose their flair when performed without a full band and lush harmonies.
  
  Musicianship: Morphew has an outstanding voice with an impressive range. His ability to move effortlessly from lower notes to a Jeff Buckley-esque falsetto serves many of his songs well. He is also a solid guitar player. Additionally, Voyce McGinley III's percussion serves as a nice complement to Morphew's guitar work.
  
  Performance: Performing in clubs against a backdrop of clinking glasses and vacuous chatter is par for the course for moost up-and-coming artists. However, Morphew was warmly greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that paid close attention to each of his tunes. He repaid the audience with a spirited performance, making eye contact with audience members, engaging the crowd verbally, and singing with earnest passion. Morphew's crowd-pleasing falsetto, during his cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," served to make the song his own.
  
  Summary: Alan Morphew has a lot working in his favor. He's a strong singer/songwriter and good guitar player. He also has a great deal of stage presence and a willingness to interact with his audience in a warm and honest way. No doubt, we'll be hearing more from this talented aritst.
  
  --Kimberly Mack

• Alan Morphew at The Gig in Hollywood [+ Show ]
  

  "Beautifully-crafted material focusing on topics such as traveling, protest, and self examination......"Beautifully-crafted material focusing on topics such as traveling, protest, and self examination... One really appreciates his craft up close and personal in its more raw, intimate form. Perhaps it's his powerful, clear voice that evokes passion, sensitivity, eloquense and a sense of purpose and intent. In the tradition of the best singer/songwriters of the '70s like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens, Morphew puts the focus of the song and its message front and center..."
  - Harrit Kaplan

• BMI [+ Show ]
  

  "BMI Los Angeles presented four creative singer/songwriters at its last installment of the Acoustic ..."BMI Los Angeles presented four creative singer/songwriters at its last installment of the Acoustic Lounge, featuring performances by Alan Morphew...The Acoustic Lounge is a great opportunity to network and be involved in the grass-roots/DIY musical movement."
  

• "Alan Morphew" self-titled CD Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  •Kweevak Music, 2005 - Portland, OR: Alan Morphew is a singer, songwriter and producer who also pla...•Kweevak Music, 2005 - Portland, OR:
  Alan Morphew is a singer, songwriter and producer who also plays guitar, percussion and trumpet. Alan is joined by a troop of talented musicians who add additional guitars, bass, drums, piano, keys and a variety of string instruments to Alan's versatile songs. Morphew has years of experience playing and producing. His self-titled debut EP incorporates that expertise with classic rock influences. James Barton, who has worked with Clapton and Matchbox 20, mixed the CD. The disc features four fully produced tracks and one acoustic song. Alan is an expressive vocalist singing falsetto with power. Each song on this EP has something unique to offer. Rich, layered instrumentation blends well with Alan's varied singing styles and visual lyrics. Morphew's music is familiar – reminiscent of 70's rock yet fresh with modern production and original arrangements. Alan Morphew is a multi-talented artist who will be touring solo in 2005 in support of his new album.
  Recommended Tracks: (1,4) [USA/CA 2005 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
  
  
  •Alan Morphew CD Review -
  SongsAlive, 2005 - International Songwriters Organization:
  Alan Morphew's self-titled CD is the perfect showcase for this very talented songwriter and extraordinarily gifted vocalist. This very radio friendly CD has 5 songs that are loaded with emotion and show the passion for life that the singer obviously has. The first song of the CD "Pictures From a Dream" is an inspiring heart warming idealistically inspirational song that transports the listener to a feeling of enlightenment and euphoria. The melody and chord structure seem to be designed to open the souls of the listener and feed our subconscious it's much needed calm. The musicianship on this and all the tracks of this CD are exceptional and makes me wonder how he was ever able to afford this kind of talent and production. Alan's amazing voice is demonstrated best on the final track of the CD titled "Time" recorded as a vocal accompanied by a sole acoustic guitar. You really get an idea of how amazingly gifted this artist's voice is with this emotionally moving performance. Broken down to music's rawest form with just an acoustic guitar and vocal you hear every breath and cadence of his amazing voice. All in all this CD embodies the emotions that we keep most secret to ourselves and sometimes forget to visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with this CD and hope that I can keep it for my car so I will have something to help me escape when I am caught in the daily clot of rush hour traffic or the much needed look at life from a more soothing perspective. -Paul Lawrence Moyer
  
  
  •Review of song "Time" and album -Melody Matrix, 2006 - FL:
  "I truly beleive this is a great song. Great emotion grabber... A heart felt tune with lyrics anyone can relate to...His voice is amazingly seductive, his lyrical poetry is deeply insightful and his style is so smooth ... you can hear his eclectic influences in everything he does ..."
  

• More [+ Show ]
  

  •Discover! July 7, 2007 - Okoboji, IA: "Alan Morphew is becoming a household name in the Iowa Great...•Discover! July 7, 2007 - Okoboji, IA:
  "Alan Morphew is becoming a household name in the Iowa Great Lakes."
  
  
  
  •St. Joseph News - Press - Off Hours, July 20, 2007 - St. Joseph, MO:
  "There are reasons to look forward to this weekend.. I would go to the Cafe Acoustic to see Los Angeles singer / songwriter, Alan Morphew. Morphew writes great folk rock that draws from a slew of influences old (Neil Young) and new (Jeff Buckley)."
  
  
  
  •Athens, GA- Uncorked and Unplugged - Redandblack, September 20, 2006 - Athens, GA:
  "Combine a popular Athens venue with original musical performances and the result would be Uncorked and Unplugged, the Melting Point's new singer-songwriter series. The venue [is] referring to itself as 'the South's new intimate music venue.' Featured songwriters include Alan Morphew, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Los Angeles. 'We're concentrating on the serious songwriter,' said Aubrey [the venues booking agent]."
  
  
  •"Thanks so much for your positive energy and great music." -Heidi Scott, Music festival organizer, MN
  
  
  •"Marvelously catchy, which you'll find yourself humming and whistling weeks later." -All Access Magazine, November 2005 - Los Angeles, CA
  
  
  
  •The Paper, May 2007 - Laurens, IA:
  "His voice is soothing and dynamic with an impressive range. His songs draw you in with lyrics anyone can relate to and instantly memorable melodies...
  
  Alan is a touring singer / songwriter from Los Angeles who grew up in NW Iowa. He has received numerous songwriting awards and has worked with some musical legends, most recently singing on Neil Young's "Living With War" CD.
  
  Alan started the night out by playing for over 1 1/2 hours straight through without even taking a break... Then Alan got back up to finish the night with another long set. Alan played mostly original songs from his own CDs and also a handful of covers by current as well as classic artists."
  
  "I agree--Alan puts on an enjoyable show. I purchased his CD and have enjoyed listening to it! Support live music--check out the show June 8th!"
  -Rod, Editor of The Paper
  
  
  
  •"The inaugural Clinton Art & Music Festival will be held in the beautiful Village of Clinton.. hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Melodic Revolution. [With] over 50 ...bands from all over who are unsigned... No performer will be traveling as far as Alan Mrophew. The singer/songwriter is based out of Los Angeles, Calif. and will be flying cross-country to participate in the fetival. Morphew was recently nominated as the Best Male Singer/Songwriter at the L.A. Music Awards. 'This was an area that I wanted to play in,' said Morphew. 'I'm hoping to book more gigs and come back again'..." -Life & Times of Utica, August 24, 2006 - Utica, NY
  
  •"Los Angeles musician Alan Morphew plays at 7:30pm tonight at Blacksheep Coffee. He's worked with members of Megadeth and Train and was in the studio for Tupac Shakur's last recording..." -Argus Leader, July 21, 2005 - Sioux Falls, SD
  
  •"Morphew is on his first tour as a solo artist and will be playing in Estherville for RAGBRAI [Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa]... When he was 16, he formed a band called Renegade. The group toured the four state area in a black bus...traveled with a PA system and lights and even had a road crew. They recorded a record titled "Rescue Me," which got air time on local radio stations..." -Estherville Daily News, Blizzard of Bikes, July 25, 2005 - Estherville, Iowa
  
  
  •Alan Morphew appeared on the front page of "The Life and Times of Utica" NY on Aug. 16 and Aug. 23, 2007
  
  •Alan Morphew appeared on the front page of "The Estherville Daily News" IA on April 19, 2007 and Jan. 11, 2007
  
  
  •Visit www.AlanMorphew.com for more press.

Setlist

Partial song list (always being updated)

ORIGINAL SONGS
by Alan Morphew:

All For A Song
Better With You
Bustin' Out
Cryin' Shame
Daniel Lincoln
Fortunate Johnny
I Am
Julia
Long, Long Way
Moonlight
No Ordinary
No Accountability
Outta My Head
Picture From A Dream
So Bad
Soldier's Story
Soundtrack of Our Lives
Sure As
Star
Take Me Down
The Intervention
Time
Who Knows
Whatever It Is
World Without Love
Worst Comes To Worse

Alan Morphew and The Hit performs COVERS BY:
Beatles
Bill Withers
Blind Melon
Bob Dylan
Bob Marley
Cream
Creedence Clearwater Revival
David Bowie
Death Cab for Cutie
Elvis Presley
Eric Clapton
Four Non Blondes
Green Day
Jane's Addiction
Jason Mraz
Jimi Hendryx
Joe Walsh
John Lennon
Johnny Cash
Kings of Leon
Led Zeppelin
Neil Young
Pink Floyd
Prince
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rolling Stones
Santana
Steve Miller Band
Third Eye Blind
Tom Petty
Van Morrison
Violent Femmes
... and more being added now

Basic Requirements

Calendar