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By: Bill Clifford
Marc Broussard was destined to a life as a musician. His father, guitarist Ted Broussard, was an original member of The Boogie Kings in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and instilled in his son an appreciation for traditional soul, jazz and R&B, as well as the Cajun traditions of New Orleans. Following in his father's footsteps, the Louisiana teen picked up the guitar and developed his own style listening to the likes of Brian McKnight. He traveled throughout the South performing with his father, developing his stage persona and deft vocal style.
Literally discovered on the streets of Lafayette in 2002, he independently released the 9- song Momentary Setback later that year. With a bevy of A-list Hollywood insiders quickly in his corner, he signed with Island Records and released Carencro,, named for his home town, in 2004 to moderate success. While his sophomore follow-up sits in limbo with Island, he's released through Vanguard Records, a collection of eleven soul classics culled from the vaults of the Motown and Stax along with one new original song of his own.
S.O.S.: Save Our Soul (Vanguard Records) is a vibrant, emotionally moving album that pays homage to the original artist's recordings by staying true to their arrangements and not adding a lot of modern studio touches. At the same time, Broussard presents these chestnuts to a new generation to discover the joy and positive spirit first offered by the original songwriters. Further, instead of picking only well-worn classics he chose several under-appreciated tunes. Broussard delivers throughout with performances that are upbeat, vibrant and heartfelt.
Opener, a groovy, horn-driven "You Met Your Match," (Stevie Wonder) sets the tone early with a "oh no, you won't treat me that way" attitude. Rhythmic guitar joins bouncy sax, trumpet flourishes and Broussard's energetic vocals on this nugget. Both the mood and tempo get flat out funky on Bill Withers' "Kissing My Love." The real standout here is "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You," a 1968 hit for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Even if you've never heard the Harvey Fuqua original, it's impossible not to be affected and moved by the vivacious and upbeat duet with Toby Lightman here. With its catchy "Doodle dee doo," bridge, this song has the potential to be a hit for Broussard and Lightman if given a chance on mainstream radio.
The lone Broussard original, "Come In From The Cold," is an R&B flavored ballad that fits right in with the covers. Lush, elegant strings and jovial harmonica back his sensual vocals. Unfortunately, in this instance, he does reach for notes that he can't quite hit. Another standout is his upbeat version of Rance Allen's "Let The Music Get Down In Your Soul." It's feel good lyrics, upbeat tempo and rhythmic guitars lift souls and get feet moving. A gospel choir backs Broussard on the Pointer Sisters hit "Yes We Can," providing the most dramatic stylistic distinction from the other choices here. Written by New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint, the song's dynamic message of hope - delivered not only by the choir and Broussard's impassioned vocals but also by the rich, funky horn section - goes out to the people of his hurricane ravaged home state.
It's impossible not to be moved and shaken by this funky, diverse look at part of America's rich musical history. Without lecturing listeners, Broussard channels the positive feelings and chutzpah of that history, all the while laying down a solid foundation of his own looking to a bright future.
JamBase | Louisiana
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