Marcus Foster

December 14th, 2009

Written by: Nikki Benson

To See Rating 7.5/10
Just Curious Rating 7.5/10

Band Members
Marcus Foster is a solo artist

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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.

Marcus Foster on MySpace

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

Categories: Blues, Concert Reviews, Singer Songwriter, Soul | Tags: , , | 6 Comments

Dejha

August 25th, 2009

Written by: Janelle Thomas

To See Rating 7.0/10
Just Curious Rating 7.0/10

Band Members
Dejah is a Solo Artist

Over the years, Dejha Colantuono, also know as Dejha, has worn a lot of hats in the Seattle music scene. She’s rocked the indie-punk hat in Rotten Apples, the new-wave/soul hat in Ragazza, and is showing her soulful sex appeal in her most recent solo project.

Last year, Dejha left Seattle to move back to her hometown, New York City. On July 28th, Dejha returned to Seattle. She received a warm welcome when she played to a full, supportive crowd at The Sunset Tavern for her Tea and Vodka CD release party. The crowd was packed with avid Dejha fans that were familiar with her past projects. There was an unmistakable sense of excitement for Dejha and the debut of her solo effort. Judging by the team that worked on her album (see preview), there is no doubt that Dejha has some great support in Seattle.

With Dejha’s apropos “rock n’soul” tattoo exposed on her right thigh, she started her set with “Second Sight.” When she continued with “C’mon Suga, Watch me Twirl,” she  showed her diversity by maneuvering seamlessly between soulful, flirty,  and down-right rocking moods. She delivered the songs with a level of fierceness and ferocity impossible to capture on her recorded material. To say that Dejha is great live would be a gross understatement; she is fantastic. Whether she was delivering a fast, upbeat song, or slow, sultry material, Dejha dug deep to keep her level of energy high throughout the set.

A prime example of her performance quality when she sang “Beginning to End.” With nothing but the mic and her voice, Dejha showed that she was just as comfortable standing alone without a guitar as she was standing with it. She gave the same potency of performance — lacking nothing. “Beginning to End” showcases the soulful, sexy way that Dejha can slow down the mood without losing the audience.

Seattlites should be asking themselves, “what will we do if Dejha were gone?” Luckily for those who missed her performance at The Sunset Tavern, she will be returning October 2nd! She will also be performing Sept 14-16th with the Stone Gossard’s Hank Choir. See you at her next show! Until then, please enjoy these show clips and interview captured at her album release show at The Sunset Tavern.

Dejha on Myspace

Upcoming Shows
Aug 27 2009 10:00P Alphabet Lounge New York, New York
Sep 11 2009 9:00P All Asia Bar Cambridge, Massachusetts
Sep 16 2009 8:00P Stone Gossards Hank Khoir Seattle, Washington
Sep 30 2009 8:00P El Cid Los Angeles, California
Oct 2 2009 7:00P Sunset Tavern Seattle, Washington
Oct 3 2009 9:00P Hawthorne Theatre Portland, Oregon
Oct 10 2009 10:00P Pink Room @ Crash Mansion New York, New York

Categories: Concert Reviews, Interviews, Soul | Tags: | No Comments