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Blues Underground Network |
Marshall Lawrence "Blues Intervention"
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When it comes to building a solid foundation of Blues Music in Canada, there is a new cornerstone being laid and standing firmly on top of that stone is one of our truest Ambassador's of the Blues, Marshall Lawrence. For those that know Marshall, they know that he eats, breathes, lives, and loves the blues, and now with his newest release, "Blues Intervention", everyone else will be well aware of that too. With "Blues Intervention", Marshall continues to build on his style which although reminiscent of a fair number of Mississippi Bluesmen, it still has that special ingredient that makes it unmistakably his own. It is believed that this special signature, comes from Marshall's expertise not only as a Mandolin player, but also his extensive history as a gifted Bluegrass musician, as well. Joining Marshall on "Blues Intervention" are two of the finest musicians, in their expertise, that can be found, Sherman "The Tank" Doucette and Russell Jackson. Sherman "The Tank" Doucette's expertise is as a Harmonica player, whom is really second to none, and over his extensive career has shared the stage with such greats as legendary players as John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Sony Land Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Jim Byrnes and Long John Baldry, to only name a few. Russell Jackson's expertise lies with being an aficionado when it comes to stand-up acoustic Bass, a skill he no doubt honed to perfection as Bassist for the one an only B.B. King, for over eight years. Having this trio together on one Album, makes for a triple threat blues experience, that is just near impossible to duplicate. What really impressed me was the way Sherman and Russell were woven seamlessly throughout "Blues Intervention", each fulfilling their call of duty, to perfection. When it came to the track selection on "Blues Intervention", Marshall continued with virtually the same formula as his Sophomore release, "The Morning After", which saw the majority of the songs written by him with a few old great ones thrown in for good measure. Maintaining that formula, not only shows his skill as a seasoned and confident songwriter, but also his lack of fear when it comes to interpreting songs from legends past, and doing so in a way that would certainly have made them proud. Beyond Marshall's greatest love, his wife Toby, his arsenal of magnificently crafted guitars follow a close second. Marshall features three of them on "Blues Intervention", which he lovingly names Bella (a National Steel Tricone), Ester (a National Wood Single Cone), and Rosalita (the National Steel Single Cone). Experiencing Marshall weave the tapestry, which is "Blues Intervention", using this lineup of legendary guitars is nothing less then a complete and utter treat. When it comes to picking a couple of favorites from "Blues Intervention", Marshall must be having a good laugh, knowing full well how hard it would be and rightly so, but if you going to put me on the spot, I would have to choose "Going Down To Louisiana" an original and "Walking Blue", a Robert Johnson song. All other tracks follow not to far behind in the favorite category. "Blues Intervention" is Marshall's best release to date and I have no doubt that it will be receiving plenty of accolades from the full spectrum of the blues industry and is the finest Canadian acoustic blues release this year, a ongoing status that I believe will follow this album throughout its remainder. Fans of Marshall Lawrence are going to absolutely love "Blues Intervention", and those that are not fans yet, will soon be, after giving this treasure a listen. Giving "Blues Intervention", my Highest Recommendation with a Solid 5***** Rating, was perhaps the easiest decision I have made this year and one that I knew this Album was headed for, shortly after I started listening to it. Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Other Info Tracklist 1. So Long Rosalee About Marshall Lawrence "It's still delta-style country blues, but new. In fact, I think Lawrence is following in the footsteps of some very important artists like Bernie Pearl and Corey Harris and Taj Mahal in the way that he is at once historical musicologist and contemporary interpreter" The Sunday Night Blues Project. Marshall Lawrence has the distinction of being a "Maple Blues Award Nominee" and an "Independent Music Award Nominee". As such, a driving force has emerged on the Canadian blues scene. Marshall Lawrence is taking traditional blues styles and infusing them with a raw, fiery energy. Marshall's adrenaline-driven sound is a fierce combination of funk, rock and soul, a wild ride he calls "acid blues". Marshall Lawrence is a dynamic and unique blues performer who has experienced many phases in his life and music. The Blues has long been recognized for its healing properties, but not a lot of Blues players are actual doctors. Marshall Lawrence is called ‘The Doctor of the Blues’ for good reason – he’s a bonafide PhD, holding a doctorate in psychology. “Ironically, a fan laid the nickname on me, but he didn’t know that I actually have a doctorate,” says Lawrence. His first album, ‘Where’s the Party’, released in 2003, is a reflection of his journey through the Blues that culminates in those same healing properties. “My original reaction to the Blues was strictly visceral,” he explains. “I’d been through Hendrix and rock and funk, but the Blues is what grabbed me inside.” “And it took a while to settle on it, too. I went through a lot of performing styles before I thought it all through and decided on the Blues – almost like it was an intellectual process.” As a result, Marshall has matured into a performer who brings a variety of influences to his stage show. Energy is perhaps the most recognizable element, and one of his styles lays in his ‘speed guitar’ technique that includes influences derived from mandolin work. “I picked up a mandolin when I was at the University of California and couldn’t find any blues players, so, I hooked into bluegrass. The technique has had an influence on my blues playing,” he says. Marshall includes that same technique in his acoustic playing, which is prominent on his new album ‘The Morning After’, released in 2008. “I put ‘Where’s the Party’ together as the first of a blues duo,” he says. “The Morning After" is all acoustic material, and features more original material.” Both approaches work for Marshall Lawrence as he summons up the Blues to fix whatever ails you. June 2010 marks the date for Marshall's highly anticipated third release "Blues Intervention".
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