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Marcus Foster takes a bite of the Big Apple


Photos by Kerri Maniscalco

When Marcus Foster took the stage at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC last night any sign of nerves had disappeared like a thief in the night. He packed such a solid punch with his performance that the crowd looked on in silent awe for a good portion of the show. He is unlike any other musician on stage. Witty and entertaining, he regaled the crowd with excerpts of what occurred on his current tour of the United States. Foster’s voice is a powerful force that leaves you breathless for a minute while you take in the pounding intensity of his finger picking style of guitar playing. While strumming his acoustic guitar soulfully he also hits the side of the instrument like a drum, sending chills through the crowd of eager onlookers. It’s a unique accompaniment, adding dimension to his music. Foster has been influenced by Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sister Rosetta Tharp just to name a few. His style is rooted in folk and blues and he can belt out a tune like lighting striking the earth. Foster’s vocals are powerful forces of nature all by themselves, let alone taking into account the words he is speaking. His lyrics are painfully poetic, and their true beauty is intensified by the tone of Foster’s bluesy voice. He is the real deal; true talent can be seen when a man stands before a crowd with just his voice, guitar, and life experience on display for all to see. Music stripped down to the barest essentials, raw and untainted is what you get when you see Marcus Foster.

His lyrics have a way of connecting with the audience allowing each of them to feel the same emotions, thus relating firsthand to the words he speaks. A side note for those who may be unfamiliar with the London born singer/songwriter, his career has really taken off after a song he co-wrote with fellow musician Bobby Long landed on the Twilight soundtrack. He also has another song that was in the motion picture “Five Dollars a Day”. He currently has an EP available through itunes so go out and buy it today. Folk music lives on with this singer/songwriter so click here to purchase your own copy and then sit back, relax, sip on an ice cold beverage and let the music slowly wash over you.

For everything Marcus Foster, Sam Bradley and Bobby Long related be sure to check out the Land of Dreamers, a wonderful site dedicated to the budding careers of these talented musicians.

Join me on Facebook for updates throughout the day on all things Folk in the Hudson Valley and Greater NYC area.

Video courtesy dymplz1979 on youtube

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, NY Folk Arts Examiner

Kerri is a freelance journalist in the Lower Hudson Valley NY. An avid folk music lover and 2009 Just Plain Folks Music Awards Judge, she's also a poet/songwriter. You can contact her at kmaniscalco@hotmail.com.

Comments

  • Katie 2 years ago

    Excellent write up. Marcus Foster truly is one amazing artist. His witty shy charm off the stage combined with his amazing on stage presence is simply breath taking.

  • JBJelly 2 years ago

    fantastic write up thank you for it

  • Jess 2 years ago

    Lovely write up on Marcus. Thanks so much. I was in Dallas for a few of his shows and he blew me away. I mean I saw him on youtube and knew he was great, but a live show...no words. An amazing performer and writer. If you ever get the chance to see him you should.
    Also, thanks for the LoD plug :)
    x

  • lucyg 2 years ago

    Thanks for the article! When you see Marcus live, he definitely wins you over.

  • Cyn 2 years ago

    Thanks for the excellent write up!!! You captured him well ! It was great to meet you, maybe next time we'll get there in time for pizza :)

  • Jane 2 years ago

    What an awesome article about an amazing musician/performer. I got to see him live in Texas & he was unbelievable & unforgettable. I can't wait until I get to see him again!

  • virginiamom1 2 years ago

    Fantastic show Sunday night-- my husband and I both agreed that it was well worth the trip from Virginia to NYC. It's great to read an article that captures how amazing this artist is, and you nailed it: his voice truly is "a powerful force that leaves you breathless for a minute." Although it's his last show this summer, he may be returning in December!

  • Jessica 2 years ago

    What a great write up on Marcus!!! I wish I could have been their that night.

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