Marc Broussard
(Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI - September 21st, 2008)
Marc Broussard was seemingly destined for a life as a music man. As the son of Boogie Kings guitarist Ted Broussard, his upbringing in Lafayette, La., instilled in him an affinity for R&B alongside the Cajun trappings of southern Louisiana.
Broussard was barely 20 at the time of his first album, 'Momentary Setback,' which appeared in 2002. And yet having quietly made his way closer and closer to snuggle into people's hearts, this unabashed persona still manages to be somewhat of an enigma. For without realizing it, I actually walked passed Marc Broussard on the sidewalk while on my way to grab a bite to eat in Downtown Ann Arbor!
After returning to the smokey filled room where many national artist has cut their teeth, I waited for the show to begin. Being just slightly familiar with Marc’s music, I was anxious to hear and see what this cat could do. I expecting just another blue-eyed soul singer (ie: Robin Thicke or any American Idol contestant, in truth!)
When he came on stage, I thought “That’s the guy I just acknowledged on the street," looking as if he could have just filmed a commercial for the GAP! And as soon as the band started playing and he began to sing, I knew he was the Truth!
This white boy had Soul for real!
Ripping through covers of classic Marvin, Donnie, Marley, and Stevie to name but a few (and yes, he has the guts and the talent to pull it off), Broussard also brought to us an all new set of original tunes from his latest CD, 'Keep Coming Back.' Recorded in just 11 days at Nashville's historic Ocean Way Studios (he told us that!), the new songs confirm his position as an artist with a unique gift of channeling the multiple spirits of classic R&B and soul into contemporary terms.
Go see his show, buy his CD’s, trust me; you will not be disappointed. For if you love real deep Soul with a dash of Lousiana rock and funk you're gonna die for this man's soul! That’s a good Gumbo!
But, if you don’t know Marc Broussard then please allow me to make the introduction right here, right now.
Review by: Jim Esnault