Marcus Deml
By Mike O’Cull
Guitar master Marcus Deml of The Blue Poets shows the world how he spent his lockdown time on his new solo instrumental album Healing Hands. Set to bust out November 26th, 2021 on the Triple Coil Music label, the record is a wildly creative set of new songs that demonstrate the level of magic that happens when you lock a talent like Deml in a studio with no time limit, expectations, or marketing plan in mind. Deml dedicated himself to writing, recording, and experimenting every day with no particular agenda other than seeing what kind of music came out. The resulting release is exquisite and captivating, full of the sound of a world-class guitarist and composer working purely for the love of music. Deml is highly skilled, stylistically diverse, and keeps his focus on the big picture of his tunes and not just shredding within them. His vision and discipline make Healing Hands a clear-cut winner.
Born in Prague and now based in Hamburg, Marcus Deml is a gifted musician with a solid reputation. He graduated from G.I.T. in Los Angeles, lived in the USA for seven years, and appeared on more than 300 albums by artists including Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball, Rick Astley, Saga, John Wetton, Nena, and many others. He has put out six albums and a live DVD with his fusion band Errorhead and three with Australian vocalist Gordon Grey as The Blue Poets. Deml is a refined, articulate guitarist who is comfortable in any musical setting and always keeps the overall vision of a song at the top of his priority structure. He has a wonderful touch and any new music from him is cause for celebration.
Deml opens his new effort with its title track “Healing Hands.” The song begins in an almost ambient fashion that builds itself into a detailed, anthemic workout. Deml is tasteful, dynamic, and compelling throughout while still displaying his considerable chops and mannerisms. The Van Halen-esque volume knob swells he employs at crucial moments are especially flavorful.
“Immigrant Blues” isn’t so much of a blues song as it is a blues-inflected instro cut that hangs its hat on Deml’s inborn melodic leanings, expressive phrasing, and arsenal of well-deployed techniques like plucked harmonics and smooth legato lines. His ideas and phrasing are original and genuine, never needing the false bravado of overplaying that props up so many lesser guitar players. None of this would matter, though, if Deml couldn’t deliver an emotional payoff but his senses of feel and soul will fish you in and keep you hyper-focused on catching what comes next.
“Hammerhead” is a strong riff rock track with a little bit of fusion just below its surface. Deml lets all of his uniqueness hang out here and easily constructs melodies, rhythm figures, and memorable sections. His Strat-ish tones are warm and inspiring, even on an edgy, modern cut like this, and are a pleasant shift from the many humbucker-slinging rock guitar types out in the world. “Hammerhead” is one of the best moments contained on Healing Hands and you absolutely do not want to miss it.
Another amazing cut here is the blazing “Hillbilly Cadenza.” Deml gives listeners his take on the idea of rocked-up country guitar playing and makes the style his own in a very pure way. He uses his own tone and incorporates outside influences including rock and classical into his hoedown and makes it all fly high. Interestingly, Deml retains his European character in this fully American idiom and the cross-cultural exchange he creates is deep and entertaining all at once.
Marcus Deml ranks among the top guitarists working today and writes tight, detailed music that never fails to charm. Check out Healing Hands and discover one of the best.
‘Healing Hands’ order link here
Watch “Immigrant Blues”
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