Matt Morris tour supports Joan Osborne dates, ‘Bonnaroo’ EP

There will be a new face on Joan Osborne‘s upcoming fall tour dates, but some of the music he’s written is already familiar. Singer-songwriter Matt Morris, who opens for Osborne on a 22-date run, has penned songs for Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake.

After a solo performance on September 20 in Denver, CO, Morris will join Osborne’s Little Wild One Tour on September 25 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. The trek ends with an October 26 gig at World Café Live in Philadelphia, PA.

Morris is touring in support of his Tennman Records debut “Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances,” scheduled for a September 23 release. The five-song EP was spontaneously recorded one night during Morris’ opening run at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and features his socially conscious solo material. Morris is expected to release his follow-up studio album “The Un-American LP” later in the year.

“He’s kind of like Ray LaMontagne meets Elton John meets Stevie Wonder meets Rufus Wainwright,” said Timberlake, who is chairman and CEO of Tennman, in a statement. “It’s time for the birth of the hybrid artist.”

“I come from a family where music is played at every large gathering. Where people sway in their seats to the melody, and sing along to old familiar songs,” Morris is quoted on his Web site. “That will always be a part of who I am — a part of my music. And, when I tour with Joan [Osborne] this year, that’s what the audience will hear.”

Morris’ songwriting credits include Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent,” Justin Timberlake’s “(Anoher Song) All Over Again,” and five songs on Christina Aguilera’s “Stripped” album.

Matt Morris itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)

* solo show