Morris returns with M Shangai at The Saint
Monmouth County native a part of the Brooklyn folk collective since 2004
Jersey native Richard Morris returns to his roots this weekend when his Brooklyn based folk collective M Shangai performs at The Saint.
“We’re excited to be making our debut at the Saint,” Morris said in a written statement.
Born in Red Bank, Morris grew up in Monmouth Beach and Rumson. After working as an audio engineer in New York for a decade, Morris married a former classmate from Red Bank Fair Haven High School and moved to Highlands in 2007, he said.
“I worked as a mastering engineer out of Asbury Media from 2009-2014 [but] I have been performing with M Shanghai since 2004,” he said. “I have been a professional musician since high school.”
Named for the Asian bistro in Williamsburg that hosted the band’s monthly residency from 2002 to 2009, M Shanghai’s concerts are known for their joyful high energy.
“Thoroughly contemporary songs, resulting in absolutely timeless music. Simply the most joyous musical celebration of the year,” Albany Times Union’s Greg Haymes wrote.
Their fifth album “Bedlam,” released in May, was co-produced by multiple Grammy winner Damon Whittemore.
“All the songs are originals,” Morris said. “Our sound has evolved over the years from very old-timey to something more rocking, call it what you will. The title track of the album is currently featured as the theme song for “Escaping Polygamy,” a new television series on LMN network.”
Morris is also a member of local group Kül d’Sack [shown above right]. The members include: bass banjo player John Leccese (of Assembly of Dust), Morris on mandolin, Dead Bank’s Jim Willis on guitar, Mo’Nuzzi’s Chris Jannuzzi, also on guitar.
Shanghai 7 p.m., two-set performance will be preceded by Colton Kayser, a local singer-songwriter marries alternative country with a bit of pop sensibilities. The doors for this roots rock night open at 5:30 p.m. and the $15 general admission tickets are available at thesaintnj.com.
For more about M. Shangai, visit their Facebook page.
[photos courtesy of Morris]
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