Murder the Stout

Ahhh Hugh. I have to say, I have a fondness for Hugh Morrison. I’ve listened to many of his CDs now and it’s always a pleasure. I can’t think of anything he’s done I didn’t like–and this is no exception.

This CD, “Robert Burns Rocks” is a sort of tribute to one of Scotland’s bards. Here you’ll see a different Morrison than you are used to. Although the squeezebox is still there, this album has a vibe that is far more rock than you might expect from this Celtic musician in songs such as Leezy Lindsey. He does it well, and brings great energy to the tracks that are offered here. i wouldn’t have expected an almost “punk” Pogues feel, but there it is, right on the CD!

There is no lack of a tug at the heartstrings though, and track 6, Red Red Rose is a perfect example of how soft he can dial things in when he wants to. Very pretty.

I really felt as though this album marked Morrison’s triumph as a Celtic musician. He has proved he can play a multitude of different styles well, and bring to them his own sense of artistry. To incorporate and enrich your art with other sounds without losing yourself is a challenge–and one that Morrison has met nicely. I look forward to what comes next. - Celtic MP3 Music Magazine

Ahhh Hugh. I have to say, I have a fondness for Hugh Morrison. I’ve listened to many of his CDs now and it’s always a pleasure. I can’t think of anything he’s done I didn’t like–and this is no exception.

This CD, “Robert Burns Rocks” is a sort of tribute to one of Scotland’s bards. Here you’ll see a different Morrison than you are used to. Although the squeezebox is still there, this album has a vibe that is far more rock than you might expect from this Celtic musician in songs such as Leezy Lindsey. He does it well, and brings great energy to the tracks that are offered here. i wouldn’t have expected an almost “punk” Pogues feel, but there it is, right on the CD!

There is no lack of a tug at the heartstrings though, and track 6, Red Red Rose is a perfect example of how soft he can dial things in when he wants to. Very pretty.

I really felt as though this album marked Morrison’s triumph as a Celtic musician. He has proved he can play a multitude of different styles well, and bring to them his own sense of artistry. To incorporate and enrich your art with other sounds without losing yourself is a challenge–and one that Morrison has met nicely. I look forward to what comes next. - Celtic MP3 Music Magazine

Murder The Stout front man steps out on his own with the help of many friends on Robert Burns Rocks, a collection of vibrant rockers based on the work of Robert Burns. Enlisting the help of Johnny Rioux and Marcus Hollar from Boston’s Street Dogs; Judi Nicolson (Banchory’s Scottish Golden Fiddle champion); Kendall Rogers; Murder The Stout’s Jay Brooks and Andy Salmon; Cory Kaiser and Aoife Ni Ghloinn, Hugh Morrison finds the swarthy adolescent glee that runs through Burns best works and brings it out as only a Celtic-punk front man can.

Robert Burns Rocks opens with “Leezy Lindsay”, a courtship song from the perspective of a Scottish Lord that’s effervescent and bright. It’s a great opener that will make you want to dance around and perhaps exchange a cloved orange or two. “Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin” keeps the same buoyant sensibility before Morrison moves into the musically darker territory on “Ye Jacobites By Name” without losing an ounce of catchiness. Morrison is a dynamic and rough shod vocalist, sharing some vocal lineage with Shane MacGowan. By contrast, vocalist Aoife Ni Ghloinn, who takes the lead on “Ye Banks And Braes” offers an air of beauty to the album with a voice as smooth as cream and as stark as a red rose against the morning green.

“Red Red Rose” is a major change of pace, a quiet and reverent instrumental consisting of piano, violin and squeezebox that’s quite lovely in its own right. Morrison gets ultra-patriotic with “Scots Wha Hae”, a theme of the Scottish National Party and the long-time de facto national anthem of Scotland. The Burns poem is an interpretation of the speech given by Robert Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn. It is a stirring moment that Morrison delivers with passion and soul. “Awa Whigs Awa” digs into the eternal political conflict in Scotland between The Stuarts and those with Fealty to the British Crown, delivered with a distinctly traditionalist slant. Aoife Ni Ghloinn returns with Morrison on “Ae Fond Kiss”, a sweet love song full of memory. You’ll be kicking up your heels to “Burns Reels”, and reminiscing with Morrison on “Rigs O’ Barely”. “Farewell To The Highlands” is an ode to the Old Sod, full of love and reverence. Morrison closes a great punk/folk rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”.

Hugh Morrison rocks Robert Burns, or perhaps it’s the other way around, on Robert Burns Rocks. Scotland often gets the shaft in the world of Celtic music, but Hugh Morrison gives a world-class reminder that Scotland’s rich heritage is as dynamic and intriguing. Granted, Burns’ poetry provides the heart, but Morrison brings life and soul to Burn’s lyrics with the irreverent air of rock n roll never far away. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself seeking out Murder The Stout to see what else Morrison has done, and pining for more material from the gloriously voiced Aoife Ni Ghloinn. - Wildy's World

Murder The Stout front man steps out on his own with the help of many friends on Robert Burns Rocks, a collection of vibrant rockers based on the work of Robert Burns. Enlisting the help of Johnny Rioux and Marcus Hollar from Boston’s Street Dogs; Judi Nicolson (Banchory’s Scottish Golden Fiddle champion); Kendall Rogers; Murder The Stout’s Jay Brooks and Andy Salmon; Cory Kaiser and Aoife Ni Ghloinn, Hugh Morrison finds the swarthy adolescent glee that runs through Burns best works and brings it out as only a Celtic-punk front man can.

Robert Burns Rocks opens with “Leezy Lindsay”, a courtship song from the perspective of a Scottish Lord that’s effervescent and bright. It’s a great opener that will make you want to dance around and perhaps exchange a cloved orange or two. “Rantin’ Rovin’ Robin” keeps the same buoyant sensibility before Morrison moves into the musically darker territory on “Ye Jacobites By Name” without losing an ounce of catchiness. Morrison is a dynamic and rough shod vocalist, sharing some vocal lineage with Shane MacGowan. By contrast, vocalist Aoife Ni Ghloinn, who takes the lead on “Ye Banks And Braes” offers an air of beauty to the album with a voice as smooth as cream and as stark as a red rose against the morning green.

“Red Red Rose” is a major change of pace, a quiet and reverent instrumental consisting of piano, violin and squeezebox that’s quite lovely in its own right. Morrison gets ultra-patriotic with “Scots Wha Hae”, a theme of the Scottish National Party and the long-time de facto national anthem of Scotland. The Burns poem is an interpretation of the speech given by Robert Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn. It is a stirring moment that Morrison delivers with passion and soul. “Awa Whigs Awa” digs into the eternal political conflict in Scotland between The Stuarts and those with Fealty to the British Crown, delivered with a distinctly traditionalist slant. Aoife Ni Ghloinn returns with Morrison on “Ae Fond Kiss”, a sweet love song full of memory. You’ll be kicking up your heels to “Burns Reels”, and reminiscing with Morrison on “Rigs O’ Barely”. “Farewell To The Highlands” is an ode to the Old Sod, full of love and reverence. Morrison closes a great punk/folk rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”.

Hugh Morrison rocks Robert Burns, or perhaps it’s the other way around, on Robert Burns Rocks. Scotland often gets the shaft in the world of Celtic music, but Hugh Morrison gives a world-class reminder that Scotland’s rich heritage is as dynamic and intriguing. Granted, Burns’ poetry provides the heart, but Morrison brings life and soul to Burn’s lyrics with the irreverent air of rock n roll never far away. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself seeking out Murder The Stout to see what else Morrison has done, and pining for more material from the gloriously voiced Aoife Ni Ghloinn. - Wildy's World

Scottish-born (now residing in Texas) button accordion virtuoso Hugh Morrison is back with his most current release entitled “Robert Burns Rocks”.

Great idea for an album: take fifteen of The Bard’s best works and light ‘em up with drums, bass, accordion, violin, keys & fiddle and make some serious foot-stompin’ Celtic tunes out of them.

“Rocks” does indeed rock. This album has a classic Celtic Scottish feel and is sure to get one’s foot a ‘tappin with numbers such as “Ye Jacobites by Name”, “Hey Johnny Lad” and a great version the famous “Auld Lang Syne”. But there are a couple very pretty songs, too- “Red Red Rose”, featuring a sweet violin performance from Judi Nicolson, and “Ye Banks & Braes” spotlights Aoife Ni Ghloinn’s beautiful voice in a duet with Hugh. There’s also a great instrumental in “Burns Reels” that’ll get ya dancing.

“Robert Burns Rocks” is a fun album to listen to while dancing and enjoying a pint, and definitely worthy of adding to one’s Hugh Morrison catalog. Learn more about Hugh and his music at his official website,
- Sixty Seven Music - September 2010

Hugh Morrison is a Scottish born, Texas based button accordion player and vocalist. Hugh is best know in these parts as a member of folk rockers, Murder the Stout.

On Robert Burns Rocks, Hugh presents us with a collection of tradition Scottish ballads - heavy on the accordion with the gruff vocals of Hugh supported by both members of Murder the Stout and
the guitar of Johnny Rioux of The Street Dogs (Hugh has played and toured with The Street Dogs). In summary,Robert Burns Rocks is a folk-rock kick up the arse to the Scottish ballad tradition from a pair of size 11 Doc Martins.
- Shite-n-Onions - September 2010

"Put this CD in your player and you will have a hard time keeping your feet still. This is toe-tapping music you will never get tired of hearing. What a talent!"

- Samual D. Perry

Thanks so much for the CD - it's very entertaining and good to hear your inner punk coming out. Scotland's answer to the Pogues? - John Funnell - 88.9 WYN-FM - July 2010

......"between Morrison's stellar selection of tunes and his spirited playing, a listener never gets bored."
- Dirty Linen Magazine

Mr. Hugh Morrison has surprised me with this release here at the Paddy Rock camp…. this is a fine release here with some finest Celtic music to keep the whiskey flowing and you all dancing the night away.
Imagine if the Real McKenzies had a more stripped down sound… or if The Pogues had been from Scotland… got the idea!! This is a good release to be played in any pub… with ballads, foot stomps, and of course some fine sing-a-longs! - Paddy Rock Radio - July 2010

Like Morrison's previous work, Far From Home is a joyous experience. Though it roams far and wide, fans of Celtic music and folk tunes alike will feel right at home with Hugh Morrison. - Sarah Meador - Rambles.net

Morrison has but one instrument, and that he plays well: the button accordion. It's an instrument that requires concentration, dexterity and a true love of some complex and lively tunes. The button accordion just wants to play jigs and reels, and in Morrison's hands it does so with timeless skill. - Barbara Bamberger Scott - Rambles.net

Like Morrison's previous work, Far From Home is a joyous experience. Though it roams far and wide, fans of Celtic music and folk tunes alike will feel right at home with Hugh Morrison. - Sarah Meador - Rambles.net

It's hard to believe Feet to the Floor is the work of one man. Oh, it may have been mastered and edited by diverse hands in a proper studio, but it's ultimately the conversation between Hugh Morrison and his accordion that fills up 47 minutes of this CD. - Sarah Meador - Rambles.net

It's hard to believe Feet to the Floor is the work of one man. Oh, it may have been mastered and edited by diverse hands in a proper studio, but it's ultimately the conversation between Hugh Morrison and his accordion that fills up 47 minutes of this CD. - Sarah Meador - Rambles.net