Mo McMorrow is a well-traveled whirlwind of creative energy. In song, this energy translates to a nuanced brand of Irish-Americana (Alt-Country, Indie) led by beautiful vocal melodies, and steeped in transatlantic themes of place and ancestry.
After growing up and studying in Toronto, McMorrow moved to Australia (1991) to finish post-grad studies in painting. But in 1996 she set off again to travel around the world for a year. First stop was to be a week in Ireland. She stayed 11 years! It was there she first took her songs public and spent years honing her craft with resident solo hotel and pub gigs, and then as a duo with Mary Shannon (of the Sharon Shannon Big Band).
Her vocals conjure music legends and newcomers alike. There’s the playfulness of Dolly, the quirk and intimacy of Nancy Griffith, the melodramatic, stylish nod to Roy Orbison and vintage crooners. And there’s a vulnerability akin to more recent artists like Joanna Newsom or Zooey Deschanel.
As a performer she sparkles with life. One moment she’s disarmingly funny the next she’s flying you out to the stars to look down at our planet with a full heart.