Sounds for the Soul
Sign me up: CDs, concerts, and interviews. Whatever. Marc Broussard�s crisp sound resounds in my car and room, even now.
Momentary Setback, his independently recorded debut, gained recognition it deserved. But it leaves people asking, �Where is this guy from?�
Marc is a Louisiana native of Cajun descent. He is currently 20 years old. He got a �foot-in� with the business through his father, Ted Broussard, Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist and member of the New Orleans R&B group Boogie Kings. Marc began performing at the age of 5, assisting his dad in singing �Johnnie B. Goode.�
Soul oozes from your speakers as soon as you pop Momentary Setback into your player. It is immediately apparent that Marc cares about what he is doing. He doesn�t just play songs that don�t mean anything to him. He seems to really feel the emotion behind each and every word he sings. And that makes all the difference.
The immense demand his music has on the soul is in part due to it�s semi-jazz sound. He has mastered the art of craft fully incorporating several genres into one, resulting in what is hopefully an appeal to every people group.
His lyrics, stemming from his own creativity (which is becoming extinct in the music business today�), include comments like the following: �Dance for me sweetheart while I strum my guitar. You sure look pretty tonight. I�ve just come off the road, and I could use the company.�
Song number 1 (�The Wanderer�), in which the above lyrics are taken from, sounds similar to John Mayer. It paints the scene of a nomad coming home, enhanced by acoustic guitars, hip hop drum rolls, bass, strings, and even some keyboards.
The final track, �Jeremiah�s Prayer� is sure to be another favorite. This song focuses on missing special friends, whether to distance or death, the approach is the same. Overcoming these situations is a difficult matter, which he deals with honestly and with striking poise.
The album clearly states on the inner cover, �In loving memory of Paw-Paw Albert Broussard�this one�s for you!� It just goes to show you that Marc, following in his father�s footprints, is not immune to the everyday struggles, triumphs, and even losses, which makes his music all the more appealing. A key quality in attractive music is applicability. Can you relate?
The answer to that question must be �yes,� because Marc�s concerts are in high demand. His fame precedes him in this manner. He is currently on tour, supporting the well-known group O.A.R. Catch him in Chicago it the Aragon Ballroom on March 13th. Another option close to home is in at the Canopy Club in Urbana March 18th or in Peoria at the Madison Theater on March 19th. To get your tickets or request more information, contact The Baker Northrop Media Group by visiting their website at http://www.bakernorthrop.com/
Marc has the sound of a seasoned veteran, but the sweetness of a na�ve youngster�a hard combination to beat!
Grade: A
Nanette Turner/March 05, 2003
University of Illinois at Springfield's The Journal