Cory Morrow Takes Fans "Behind the Curtain" with Exclusive CD Pre-Release Party

As proof there is nothing left to hide, and that he is a changed man since making headlines with his January arrest, Cory Morrow offered a sneak peek at his new album on Saturday, August 27. More than 350 eager fans paid $100 a piece to attend the exclusive "Behind the Curtain" evening at Austin's La Zona Rosa. Most left feeling they got more than their money's worth.

The cavernous La Zona Rosa was transformed into a dining hall arrayed with tables for 10. At each seat there was a gift bag stuffed with goodies: a pre-release copy of Nothing Left to Hide (read our review), a DVD of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, a coupon redeemable for a t-shirt created especially for the event, and a decorative iron piece featuring Morrow's seal.

While feasting on Mexican food from El Arroyo, the crowd was treated to a candid Q&A session with their host. Morrow offered insights on the album's creation and shed light on his troubled past. He offered no excuses for his behavior, but instead spoke openly about accepting the consequences and learning from mistakes.

With the catering wrapped up, Morrow moved on to what most fans were really waiting for: a full-band concert stepping through Nothing Left to Hide song by song.

Morrow introduced each song with commentary on its conception. While he often resorted to pre-written notes jotted on a yellow legal pad, he consistenly provided colorful background on co-writers and musicians, as well as life events reflected in the songs.

A range of artists crucial to Nothing Left to Hide augmented the Cory Morrow Band, including Heather Woodruff on fiddle, producer Keith Gattis on electric guitar, frequent co-writer Walt Wilkins on acoustic guitar and harmony vocals, and—on the chart-topping "Beat of Your Heart"—vocalist Travis Howard.

To put it simply, Morrow and his band rocked. They nailed the euphoric highs of songs like "Restless Girl," as well as the emotional lows of songs like "Carnival Ride." Highlights included the heartfelt "Nothing Left to Hide" and especially "Best Low," which featured lead guitarist John Carroll on freewheeling solos that brought Morrow to his knees.

Morrow sent fans out into the warm Austin night on a natural high, the kind brought on by being part of something special. They relished the opportunity to meet their musical hero, to hear first-hand how he hones his craft—and how he wrestles with his demons.

It may be a bold and risky move for Morrow to invite fans into his confidence. But really this is nothing new for the artist known to hang out in fans' hotel rooms after shows. And judging by the rapt attention and broad grins, it was a risk that paid off handsomely this night.

For those in attendance, "Behind the Curtain" was more than just a concert, and more than just a chance to pick up some exclusive schwag. It was a reminder that Morrow is a talented artist with an everyman perspective, that he is someone worth rooting for despite—or perhaps even moreso because of—his all-too-human imperfections.

Buy Nothing Left to Hide from Lone Star Music for only $15.99.

August 28, 2005