Marcus Trummer’s debut album “From the Start” is released by Gypsy Soul Records on November 15th.
Trummer is a 23-year-old award-winning guitarist and singer from Calgary, Alberta. His 19-year-old brother, Silus, plays drums, and Stacey Shopsowitz plays bass.
The album is produced by The Commoners’ lead guitarist, Ross Hayes Citrullo, and the MD of Gypsy Soul Records, Renan Yildizdogan.
My press release tells me Marcus Trummer’s music draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s. With his warm and emotive vocals, Trummer pays respect to classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Al Green. His expressive guitar work channels the impassioned approach of players like B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. Packed with raw emotion and honesty, Trummer’s songwriting is not to be overlooked. His thoughtful lyrics examine universal subjects of love and coming of age, unpacking experiences that resonate with all listeners.
Dubbed “a precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise beyond his-years weariness” by the Calgary Herald, the Calgary-born artist is already earning recognition. In 2022, Trummer snagged a nomination for “New Artist of the Year” at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto. The following year he travelled to Colorado to perform as a finalist in the 2023 Telluride Blues Challenge, which he would go on to win.
This was one of those occasions when I knew nothing at all about an artist, so I came to the album completely fresh. Spotify describes him as ‘Young Blood, Old Soul”—let’s see.
My review
“Holdin Out For You.” This opens in a really nice, funky way, with plenty of slow-moving dance groove and a nice shoulder shuffle in the melody. I enjoyed the guitar break too. It set the album up for me and it was a great opener.
“Let You Down” retains a positive vibe. It is a poppy blues number with that dance vive still in there. I mean, if you fancy a little boogie, then this album does appear to deliver it.
“Hard Time” is a slower number; again, it has a pop/blues vibe and it sways nicely for some late-night listening as you share a drink with your loved one. I’m going to give the drums a mention in this one; they create a lovely heartbeat for the track.
“Waiting For Change” presents a Southern-style melody with a harmony chorus. The lyrics tell their story and the rhythm is strong. One to listen to and unwind from the troubles of the day (I should have done my review late at night for this album, I think; I’m having a listen during lunch).
“The Only Thing.” This is a slow burner, old style and the most straight-down-the-line blues track the album has seen so far. It was one of those songs that really reminded me of something, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what! Again, I will point towards a great guitar break that lifted the whole track; I felt it was the weakest of the tracks so far.
“From the Start.” This one lifts the mood again, back to the harmonies and the background vocals that add to the piece. I liked the sway of the music; it was a good listen.
“Break My Fall.” My cat came and decided to curl up on me as this song arrived. It is a fine song for your last drink of the evening, and it has this sense of togetherness and unity. It’s a good album number.
“Not The Same.” I enjoyed this one right from the start. A good drum vibe, some great instrumentalisation, clear production and plenty of energy in the vibe. Another good chorus and a real team effort!
“Ready To Go” returns us to that late-night feeling. It has a slow beat, some smooth rhythms and vocals.
“Let The Devil Win” sees a rocker close the album. You can’t sit down to listen to this one! It’s an enjoyable Southern groove rock n’blues number, and it combines many of the elements that really work through the album—a solid story, confident guitars, beating drums and those touches of harmony.
In summary, what a great way for me to spend my lunch time with a new musician and an album that I enjoyed very much! Hats off to everybody involved: really solid production, some lovely vocal harmonies, inventive songwriting and some nice funk in the groove now and then. A very fine debut!
Standout Tracks: “Holdin Out For You,” “Let You Down,” and “Not the Same.”
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Stream music by Marcus Trummer here
By Anna-Louise Burgess