Comments for Marshall Lawrence, Where's The Party?

Marshall Lawrence makes all the right moves! Reviewer: J. Friesen http://www.doctorblues.com http://cdbaby.com/marshalll Marshall Lawrence is one the best of the newer generation of Canadian blues guitarists. Based in Edmonton, he performs a potent mix of traditional blues and his own “acid blues” sound. This stylistic merger has more than proven itself on Marshall’s debut CD release, Where’s the Party? Joining Marshall for these Homestead sessions were "Marvelous" Marvin Yakoweshen on tenor saxophone; The Marshettes (Angela Lee Mandric & Angie MacKenzie) on backing vocals; Peter Dykes on bass and vocals; and Kelly Pikula on drums. The effort was produced, engineered and mixed by the multiple award-winning producer Barry Allen. The general theme of Where’s the Party? is firmly rooted around good times, but the blues is the blues, so you’ll also find songs about lost loves and being “done wrong”. The result is a feel good disc perfect for cranking loud, and balanced by some traditional low down blues. Lawrence opens the album with the Big Bill Broonzy classic, “Key to the Highway”, and the pleasant surprise here is his unique blues mandolin playing, as well as some strong supporting vocals. Next, Marshall cranks out “I’ll Play the Blues for You”, a minor scale rocker that features his hot guitar tones. The ripping continues with the Lawrence-penned “Pour Me Another”. A quintessential party tune, the song is highlighted by some commanding soloing that demonstrates Marshall’s killer vibrato. A forceful rendition of Chester Burnett’s “How Many More Years” is one of the strongest tracks on the CD. The solo section opens up with 60s-influenced rawness, hinting at the true roots of Marshall’s “acid blues” sound. Kick yer shoes off for “Snatch It Back and Hold It”, the Junior Wells Chicago blues classic that jumps off the CD next! The pace is furious—almost amphetamine driven—with Marshall leading the way with some raucous fretboard fun. “But I Forgive You Blues”, “There’s Something On Your Mind”, and “Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do” make up the laidback portion of the disc, and this is where the strength of the band really shines through. The rhythm section is solid and powerful, providing an excellent foundation for Marvin and Marshall to stretch out. The disc closes with a driving cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, and Marshall’s own “Hey Brother”, a heavy “acid blues” tune, complete with a Jimi-inspired, wah-wah drenched guitar solo and raw, wailing vocals. Where’s the Party? is a captivating collection of blues that capitalizes on Lawrence at his prime with the genre. On his debut release, Marshall Lawrence makes all the right moves. Make sure you check this one out!