Review: Marc Broussard ‘S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul’

By Mike O’Cull

Dynamic soul singer and guitarist Marc Broussard goes deep into classic blues on his new benefit album S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul.

The record drops March 3rd, 2023 on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive Records and is part of Broussard’s Save Our Soul series of fundraising releases. Broussard has a long history of charitable work and has supported many causes over the years.

The new set is a wonderful collection of blues and soul gems that will generate money for the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation to enable youth rehabilitation through music. It’s also a partnership with Miami-based nonprofit Guitars Over Guns, an outstanding group that offers music education and mentorship to young people from vulnerable communities. Bonamassa and Josh Smith co-produced and both also appear on guitar. Other notable guests on these sessions include keyboardist Reese Wynans, guitarists Eric Krasno, Roddie Romero, Bobby Schneck Junior, vocalist JJ Grey, Broussard’s old friend bassist Calvin Turner, and harmonica ace Dennis Gruenling.

S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul is filled with top-shelf covers and interpretations of songs by the likes of Son House, Little Milton, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and other legends. Each one is great in its own way and channels the belief and beauty inherent in all blues and soul music.

When Broussard knew the record was going to go in a blues direction, he also knew he had to enlist the help of his old pal and blues influencer Joe Bonamassa. “I couldn’t think of a better person than him,” Marc said. “I reached out directly to Joe, and he jumped at it. It was just that easy.” Together, they crafted a knockout album that’s going to light up a lot of speakers and help a lot of people.

From the first notes of the moody intro to the opening cut “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination,” you can tell this record is special. Broussard is a vocalist of uncommon gifts and emotion. Hearing him in front of this strong-arm studio band that includes both Bonamassa and Eric Krasno on lead guitar rocking this Bobby “Blue” Bland number is a spirit-lifting peak experience. You can almost touch the magic that was in the air when this went down. From the vocal mic to the horn section, this one will flip your switch.

Broussard attacks the Lou Rawls-written “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water” in an uptown, B.B. King style that’s full of life and the pain of it all. His voice and presence are both impressive and expressive and he wrings every little bit out of this tale of heartbreak. Josh Smith shows up to install some prime guitar licks that definitely helps Broussard and friends turn up the heat.

“That’s What Love Will Make You Do”

 
Bonamassa jumps in again on Marc’s cover of Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.” The groove on this one is heavily funky and everyone playing hits it hard. Broussard is at his best here, giving out soul like Halloween candy, and Bonamassa’s lead lines are sharp and inventive. This is music that gives you know choice but to respond to it.

Broussard gives Son House’s “Empire State Express” a grinding, explosive treatment that’s hard-edged. Its dissonance almost pushes it in White Stripes territory and uninitiated listeners not hip to House may consider it indie rock. It’s one of the finest moments on S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul and really points out the timeless nature of the blues.

Other high-water marks on S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul include John Lee Hooker’s “Locked Up In Jail (Prison Blues)” and the Broussard/Josh Smith/Calvin Turner original ““When Will I Let Her Go” which once again features Joe Bonamassa. Marc Broussard has a winner on his hands with this one and knowing that it’s going to help people who need it gets it an instant gold medal. Buy this record and help make the world a better place.

Pre-order S.O.S. 4: Blues For Your Soul  Here