East Hampton - There's some new tune masters in town courtesy of the band Clean, spearheaded by singer/songwriter/guitarist Kenneth Morsch (23); John Ludlow (Sax); Joe Sac (Bass); and Cory Mercurio (Drums).

Playing only their second live gig at East Hampton Bowl on Friday, February 17, (their first was at Crossroads Music), this newly formed group has three members who have been playing together since this past November, with Sac having just joined the band two weeks ago.

Kenneth Morsch, guitarist and vocalist. (Eileen Casey)

Speaking with a very focused, talented and committed Morsch prior to Friday's performance, he revealed "This band performs mostly songs I've written, and some covers, and I'd describe us as rock alternative with a jazz twist." Morsch indicated that John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Dave Matthews have been influences with him, but he has found his own voice, both vocally and certainly with his songwriting. His vocals reflect these influences with an added tone and style that is certainly his own.

Morsch went to Five Towns College in Dix Hills for songwriting composition, and Ludlow is classically trained; Sac has worked with different bands with a career encompassing more than 10 years on the local Hamptons music scene, and has a BFA from City College of NY in Jazz Performance on String Bass. Sac is a busy, free-lance musician assisting in the studio as well, and stated "Ken is a great songwriter and a hard working guy with lots of potential so I'm really happy to be with this band."

The middle brother of three, Morsch's parents, Bob and Irene were there to show their support on Friday. Morsch indicated that "My father is a tenor, and my paternal grandmother was in the chorus of the Metropolitan Opera, so even though my brothers are not into music, I guess that gene fell on me."

Sax player John Ludlow blows a mean horn. (Eileen Casey)

Morsch's mixes both technical and melodic aspects with his guitar skills, and Friday's performance consisted of both acoustic and electric guitar. This is a devoted student of musicology and it shows in his command and skill with a guitar. Enjoying a few riffs with Sac, Morsch is a generous frontman and allowed all musicians to shine.

Currently working with Michael Conrader, a studio music engineer, Morsch expressed "We are thrilled to be working with him for our first release. I have found a sound that I'm comfortable with and will continue to practice and practice to make a good product as we want more than just an EP on a local level."

An insightful Morsch candidly indicated "There are big fish in a little pond that does not get bigger, and there are little fish in a big pond that may learn to swim with the sharks, but I would like to get enough exposure to be a big fish in a big pond that just keeps growing."

The first set on Friday consisted of nine songs, (including two covers - John Mayer's "Fathers and Daughters" and Jason Mraz's 'I'm Yours'). The songs written by Morsch reflect a maturity and insightfulness beyond his years. Particular favorites that emerged for me were "Just Be Cool Jack" and "I Feel Lucky Man."


When asked where he sees himself in three years time Morsch candidly stated "In three years I hope to have a following, be famous (why not?) and be a professional songwriter." Keep your eye on this young man as those dreams should certainly become a reality given his considerable talents.

This band can play and play they did - with a melodic, tight and professional sound accompanied by smooth vocals and realistic lyrics by Morsch - keep your ears Clean and catch this band soon for an entertaining evening of great sounds.