About the artist:

Originally from the Bronx, Morris started playing in bands in Poughkeepsie before relocating upstate in the 90s. The 35-year-old singer/songwriter has called Saratoga Springs home for roughly 11 years.

Artists such as Rick Springfield, The Grays, Del Amitri, the Faces, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and David Lee Roth have influenced his pop/rock. Fans have compared Morris’ music to that of John Mellencamp and Bon Jovi.

Over the years, Morris has received airplay on 102.7 as well as a number of college radio stations, and opened for well-known acts like Blue Oyster Cult, Tonic and The Figgs.

Morris’ backing band is a rotating cast of musicians except for lead guitarist Mike Steiner, who’s been playing with Morris for seven years. Morris and Steiner also appear together as The Ginger Brothers, a tongue-in-cheek acoustic duo that performs 80s hard rock favorites including “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

In 1999, Morris put out “Welcome to Singletown...,” his first and thus far only full-length record.

However, with 14 new songs ready to go, it appears that will soon change. Morris is currently in the process of recording his new album, which he hopes to release this spring and follow with a regional tour.

The Ginger Brothers are playing a free 21 and over show at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec.8 at Gaffney’s in Saratoga Springs. Starting in January, Morris will play bass every Wednesday in Mare’s house band, which also includes vocalist Julie Delfs, guitarist Mike Steiner, and drummer Greg Nash.

To check out the artist, visit www.myspace.com/charlielmorris.

Quotable Quotes:

“Everybody needs an outlet. I go up in front of people and express myself. Whatever mood I’m in, whatever I’m feeling, I can emote,” Morris said. “I play music, I write songs, to vent.”

“I’ve loved performing in front of an audience since I was a little kid. There’s an energy I can’t explain, and that’s why I do it,” Morris said.

—Mike Ryan