Marc Broussard - S.O.S.: Save Our Soul

"Music is what feelings sound like." ~Author Unknown

Today I discovered Marc Broussard, a 25 year old singer from Louisiana. His new album - S.O.S.: Save Our Soul - is funky with a capital F. Even though he looks more like a Viking than a soul singer, Marc has got the goods.

I'm old enough to remember 60's soul music, and I never imagined that a contemporary artist would be able to capture the special energy and emotion of that genre. But I was wrong. S.O.S. is the real thing.

When asked about the message of this album, Marc said "I want to take what was beautiful and right about old-school soul and make it alive again." He added "Soul music grew out of the church, out of gospel, but somewhere along the way it lost its heart. I want to give that heart - the good vibes, the happiness, the love - back to the music and back to the people, whether it's a new generation who've never heard what genuine soul sounds like or listeners who grew up on it."

Wikipedia defines channelling as "The communication of information to or through a person (the channel or medium), from a spirit or other paranormal entity outside the mind (or self) of the channel." If Broussard is channelling on Save Our Soul, then he must have signed up for the Deluxe Spiritual Package, because his covers of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Al Green bullseye the heart pounding excitement of the original artists.

My favorite songs are "Respect Yourself" by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, and "Yes We Can, Can" by Allen Toussaint. Both are powerfully rhythmic, with lyrics that will rattle around in your head for days. This is one of the few albums where I felt compelled to listen to songs 3 or 4 times before moving on to the next track. Unless you are in a coma, or taking "that long dirt nap" I challenge you to listen to Save Our Soul without moving some part of your body.

S.O.S. is Marc's third recording. In 2005 he released his original CD - Carencro. Check out his music video of Home. This was followed in 2006 by Bootleg to Benefit the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. Both albums capture the essence of Broussard's swamp sound.

Marc's bio discusses his rhythmic roots: "Broussard was born into a musical family, so his "ownership" goes back to his days as a boy hearing his father, Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard, (member of the legendary Gulf Coast blue eyed soul band The Boogie Kings) tear through soul nuggets with bands around suburban Carencro. And Marc was singing like the style's founders by the time he was in his teens."

If you want to re-experience the greatness that was soul or if you are just discovering it for the first time, I encourage you to pick up S.O.S.: Save Our Soul. It will lift you up and make you feel good. And that's what soul music is all about.

Tony DeSare - A New Jazz Talent!

Every once in a while I need to go "off topic" because I can't talk about monkeys all of the time!

My wife Trudi and I recently discovered a wonderful jazz pianist named Tony DeSare. He just released his second album (shown at left) called Last First Kiss.

Tony is a fast rising talent in the genre of Harry Connick Jr. and Peter Cincotti. But Tony has his own unique style, which sets him apart from his contemporaries.

DeSare's piano talent is stunning for a artist so young (30), and his crystal clear voice and movie star good looks have caused more than one listener to compare him to Michael Buble. In addition, Tony writes many of his own songs, which makes him a musical Triple Threat.

In Last First Kiss, Tony makes a gutsy departure from "Sinatra style" standards by covering Prince's hit song "Kiss". While Prince's version is Funky with a capital "F", Tony goes in a completely different direction and transforms this song into a bouncy ballad that works quite well!

The back up band includes well known jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, whose impeccable playing adds even more polish to DeSare's virtuoso performances.

If you are a fan of the new generation of piano crooners, then I think that you will very much enjoy this album! Also check out Tony's first album Want You. It is another masterpiece!

Andy McKee playing "Into the Ocean"

Into the Ocean played by Andy Mckee. Monkey Prose received the highest number of site visits (for one day) when I previously posted another Andy McKee song - "Drifting". Here is a new song from Andy. In this video, Andy is playing a harp guitar, which allows him to hit very low notes. I really like Andy's music! I hope that you will too!

Andy McKee plays "Drifting".

Drifting played by Andy McKee. He is an exceptional talent! You can find more about him at http://www.candyrat.com/artists/andymckee/ You may also want to check out Into the Ocean. This post has nothing to do with monkeys, however I am confident that you will enjoy Andy's music! I couldn't find his albums at any record retailer, but you should be able to get them from the Candy Rat website.