Broussard, Maroon5 thrill Workplay
The California quintet Maroon5 took the stage Thursday night at Workplay Theatre. Their mix of funk, soul and rock has drawn a diverse crowd into their fan base and probably created a lasting place in the music industry. With a new hit single, "Harder to Breathe" the show sold out weeks before the event. Rocking the house with his smooth, sinful voice and playful attitude, lead vocalist Adam Levine - backed by the talent of James Valentine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madded and Ryan Dusick - put on an entertaining live show. Opening with "Secret" from their CD, "Songs About Jane," and covering songs from Nine Inch Nails "Closer" to AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," Maroon5 had the crowd energized.
The real showstopper of the night however, was Marc Broussard from Louisiana. First taking the stage at the tender age of 5, Marc is a natural onstage. Influenced to start singing by his musician father, Broussard has always felt performing was his destiny. You can't help getting addicted to Broussard's debut CD, "Momentary Setback". His lyrics talk about real life and his funky sound is soul meets blues meets alternative, giving listeners something to jam to or shake their booties.
"I want to create a sound that is all my own," Broussard said.
"Bands like Dave Matthews have paved the way for artists to experiment with music. It feels good right now to know that my songs are played on several different types of radio stations; I feel like I am on the right track to creating my own style." What could be better than a fresh sound? He's better live. With a smooth voice, he belted out tunes with all the emotion of a 20-year veteran of the art Thursday night. Bringing with him drummer and bass player Calvin Turner, the duet stimulated the crowd. This 21-year-old is also down to earth. As new fans lined up to purchase his CD and get an autograph, Broussard was more than happy to stop and talk to each one for a while. He understands that being in a business like music, you are always onstage.
Jacqueline Homm/March 03, 2003
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