Better Man – Marcus Malone
Once again as I perused albums recommended by Spotify based upon artists I have listened to I came across blues artist Marcus Malone. And since I have never heard the music of Marcus he fit my New Music Challenge perfectly. A quick listen to the album convinced me that this guy is someone I should be listening to. Better Man, his 2017 release, was the album that was recommended. I listened to the album yesterday and again today on the way to and from work at Target. And the more I listen to the album the more I like it. It really does have everything, some great vocals coupled with some fine instrumentals. I think this one is going to be in my music rotation for a while!! In his Get Ready To Rock Review Pete Feenstra writes the following about Better Man
Better Man is a career best. It’s a classy song-led blues-rock album with a soulful heart…. a cutting edge contemporary blues-rock album by one of the most exciting performers on the European live circuit…It’s strong on songs with booming hooks, scintillating licks’ Stand Or Fall’ CD brought him well deserved critical recognition, as he was justifiably nominated for Best Recorded Session 2014 by European Blues Awards.
Marcus Malone hails from Detroit, but he has not had the success stateside that he has achieved in Europe. He is now based in the United Kingdom.
About Better Man
Better Man was produced by Marcus. In addition, the album was mixed by Marcus and Jerry Stevenson. Roger Cotton was the engineered. From Marcus’ website…..
Featured players once again include Alan Glen (The Yardbirds, Nine Below Zero) on harmonica and bassist Winston Blissett (Massive Attack) and guitarists Julian Burdock (24 Pesos), Stuart Dixon and Sean Nolan. On keys again is Moz Gamble (24 Pesos) and long standing drummer for Marcus – Chris Nugent.
According to Marcus’ website the acclaim for Better Man has led to the following:
Marcus has been nominated by the UK Blues Awards 2018 for Best Male Vocalist and by EU Blues Awards for Best Vocalist and Best Album ‘A Better Man’ 2017. Marcus was no 5 most played artist 2017 UK IBBA charts and album of the month for March.
Previously, his release Stand Or Fall brought him well deserved critical recognition, as he was justifiably nominated for Best Recorded Session 2014 by European Blues Awards.
Anyway, Like I said I like this album more and more each time I listen to it. And I think that it will be in my music rotation for a long while!! So Check it Out!! As for me, I am going to be checking out Marcus’ other albums!!!
Links for the Further Explorations of the Music of Marcus Malone
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon
Here’s a short playlist with a few of the songs that I really like!! Enjoy!! I think the harmonies on “The Only One” gives it a 60s-70s vibe. Do you agree??
