Marcus Foster visited us from the United Kingdom on December 7th 2009, and he was well received. The room was populated with avid listeners, hands clutching digital cameras, hearts filled with excitement and high hopes. Marcus Foster’s fans weren’t about to let this experience go by without some evidence to keep for themselves and brag to their friends about.
When Foster started the set, he said, “This is my first time to Seattle.” The audience cheered and attempted to engage in a dialog. Foster continued, “What was that? Yeah, it will be the last!” Someone screamed, “You better come back!” If Marcus Foster’s return to Seattle will be based on how well the show went, it won’t be long before we see him again. As soon as Foster got into a song, the noise in the room retracted to the level of a whispering wind. That silence is about the most valuable commodity to solo artist, singer-songwriter–he didn’t have to struggle to be heard in the least.
Marcus Foster has quite a unique live performance. His blues infused style is filled with soul and passion. When Foster introduced “Shadows of the City,” the room popped with a few screams. As he eased his way into the song, the lyrics were wrapped in earnest emotion. “There’s a wounded girl with her heart shaped shoe in the shadows, in the shadows, in the shadows, of the city.” A the room stirred with the movement to his words, Foster sang on with no inhibitions. While singing with passion as if no one was looking, Foster honored everyone who came to see him by giving them his heart.
Foster’s accent coupled with his bluesy vocal styling made for a sound reminiscent of Damien Rice. The room wasn’t filled to capacity on this cold night, but each fan screamed for Foster as if they were three, making this quite a lively show. Every song gifted the audience with a small piece of Marcus Foster to take home. Please enjoy the bit that I took home for you.
Upcoming Shows
Dec 10 2009 8:00P Prophet Bar, Dallas, with Blue Roses DALLAS, Texas
Dec 11 2009 8:00P Newby’s Side Pub, Memphis with Blue Roses MEMPHIS, Tennessee
Dec 12 2009 8:00P 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville with Blue Roses Nashville, Tennessee
Dec 13 2009 8:00P The Abbey, Chicago, with Blue Roses Chicago, Illinois
Dec 15 2009 8:00P The Drake, Toronto with Blue Roses Ontario
Dec 16 2009 8:00P La Salsa Rossa, Montreal with Blue Roses Quebec
Dec 17 2009 8:00P Great Scott, Boston with Blue Roses Allston, MA, Massachusetts
Dec 18 2009 12:00P The Mercury Lounge, New York, with Blue Roses NEW YORK, New York
Jan 17 2010 8:00P THE YONO BAR (Paris) Paris
Jan 24 2010 8:00P Logo Hamburg Hamburg
Some people might know Marcus Foster as the cohort of famous, musically-minded Hollywood heartthrob Robert Pattinson, but others know him for his amazing musical talent. Marcus was plucked out of obscurity and raised to fame with the song “Let me Sign,” co-written by fellow musican Bobby Long, and featured in the motion picture Twilight, performed by Rob Pattinson. Despite this connection to Twilight, don’t rush to assume that Marcus’ music appeals solely to the teen/tween “twilighters.” Marcus Foster is a young, 23 year old British singer/songwriter whose soulful, heartfelt folk is influenced by the music of Tom Waits and Bob Dylanas well as fellow musical mates Johnny Flynn and Bobby Long. Foster’s self titled EP was released on June 22nd and debuted at #1 on iTunes in the top album singer/songwriter category. Indeed, there is more to this guy than his celebrity connection to one of Hollywood’s hottest.
Tonight’s show at The Vera Project is a KEXP-recommended event and will feature Marcus Foster with fellow Brit Johnny Flynn. Sorry Twilight fans, Rob is not expected to appear, but do attend to get a listen and a glimpse of two of his closest friends. You won’t be disappointed. Buy tickets online HERE.
Seattle had the pleasure of hosting a first class evening of blues, roots rock, and all American goodness by none other then the nationally acclaimed Jackie Greene. He has been dedicating himself to music for half of his 28 years and his life’s work is well manifested at his live shows. The ease of his delivery highlights his passion, soul, and the human emotion. He is one of the most relatable and charming performing artists of his ilk.
Jackie Greene’s take on The Blues provides the space for each audience member to indulge in a bit of nostalgia. His foundation starts with the basic elements such as the eight to twelve bars that you would expect in a blues musical structure, but Jackie brings the human element reminiscent of where The Blues was drawn from in the late 19th century. The heart of The Blues developed from the space of a people being so deep in their own emotion that instead of calling to others for agreement they would call to their own souls as they themselves were the only ones who could fully know what they were going through. Jackie Greene gets that. He delivers his music so passionately that it transcends genres and tastes; he appeals to the human spirit.
On the American Rock note, Jackie Greene goes strait for the top in harnessing a classic and making it a creation his own. Jackie takes the song “Waiting for My Man” by The Velvet Underground and seasons it up with a little extra soul, some resonating thickness of sound, and a little extra attitude. If anyone were going to have the stones to take on this song I’m glad it was Jackie Greene; he pulled it off with joviality, style, and grace.
Not only was Jackie Greene a pleasure to listen to, he was also a Joy to look at. His performance quality didn’t have the impression of being forced or fake; it felt like Jackie Greene hanging out with his guitar and his friends. Fortunately for the listening audience, we had the pleasure of being able to take in the music and join the party. I’m not entirely sure if it was the music or the flowing booze, but people were cutin’ loose and havin’ a good ol’ time! Don’t take the last statement out of context; Jackie Greene puts on the kind of classy show that is fun for the whole family.
Please enjoy clips from The Crocodile taken Jackie Greene’s spring tour of 2009.
Upcoming Shows
May 21, 2009 Downtown Brewing Company San luis obispo, CA
May 27, 2009 WORLD CAFE LIVE Philadelphia, PA
May 28, 2009 Ram’s Head On Stage Annapolis, MD
May 31, 2009 Mountain Jam Hunter, NY
Jun 24, 2009 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO
Jun 28, 2009 Duck Room at Blueberry Hill St louis, MO
Jun 30, 2009 REDSTONE ROOM Davenport, IA
Jul 1, 2009 Schubas Chicago, IL
Jul 8, 2009 Cambridge Room at House of Blues Cleveland Cleveland, OH
Jul 11, 2009 Mark G. Etess Arena Atlantic city, NJ
Aug 27, 2009 Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
