Rocky Votolato is an artist who needs no introduction. The last time I had the honor of seeing him, it was at a sold out Neumos show, all in attendance sang along to the familiar songs. Tomorrow night, Rocky Votolato will be celebrating the February 23rd release of True Devotion. The reception of this album has already been fantastic, so this show is guaranteed to be full of excitement, positive energy, and happy hearts.
For those who aren’t already aware, Rocky Votolato has recently partnered with a new Seattle-based organization called One Day’s Wages, which is dedicated to the cause of fighting global poverty. 10% of all Votolato’s proceeds from the sales of True Devotion will be donated directly to One Day’s Wages. How cool is that? Not only do Rocky Votolato fans get some fresh music from their beloved singer-songwriter, but we also get to help a good cause. Since Rocky Votolato is known for selling out all of his local shows, it’s a good idea to pick up your tickets in advance to guarantee your admission. Get ready be entertained in grand style, and don’t forget to bring some cash to pick up the new album, True Devotion.
Here is a sample track, “Red River,” and a video of an oldie but goody “Suicide Medicine” performed at Hell’s Kitchen in 2007.
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.
Tiny Vipers is going to be performing a tiny set at Easy Street Records tonight in West Seattle in support of photographer David Belisle. If you aren’t familiar, Tiny Vipers is the moniker for the musician Jesy Fortino. Jesy Fortino is an internationally touring artist who is based in Seattle who recently signed with Sub Pop.
As a successful artist that stands alone with an acoustic guitar, Fortino is an inspiration to the singer songwriter community. Even if singer songwriters aren’t your thing, she could still win you over. Her style of music causes the listener to leave the realm of superficial living and remember what it is in life that they have left behind. The notes Fortino strums are as evocative as her yearning voice. It is a gift to be in the same room with her.
Don’t pass the opportunity up to be able to see Tiny Vipers in an intimate setting before she heads off on another mini European tour. Shows like these are fleeting—take advantage of them.
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")
