Review: Marcus Trummer ‘From The Start’

Photo: Heather Saltz

Review: Marcus Trummer ‘From The Start’

By Martine Ehrenclou

Canadian blues, soul and rock guitarist, singer-songwriter Marcus Trummer reveals his shining light on his new album ‘From The Start’ out November 15th. He has a voice with beautiful timber, tone and texture. You can’t learn that. Call it natural born talent, Trummer also fuels his debut album with yet another hard-to-come-by trait—authenticity. And you’ll hear that in every note.

There’s something special about Marcus Trummer. He’s deeply soulful, as if he’s lived decades and suffered by them too. He’s a fresh-faced 23-year-old whose singing runs deep, his songwriting even deeper. There’s plenty of Soul music on ‘From The Start’, some with blues and rock flourishes, but with a definite modern feel.

The 10-track all-original album by Trummer is produced by The Commoners’ guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo and Renan Yildizdogan and features Silas Trummer (drums) and Stacey Shopsowitz (bass guitar). ‘From the Start’ also includes a tight horn section with Tom Moffett on trumpet and Andrew Moljgun on saxophone. On drums is Silas Trummer, and Stacey Shopsowitz on bass, Miles Evans-Branagh on organ/piano, and Nicky Lawrence on background vocals.

In 2022, Trummer was nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto and won the 2023 Telluride Blues Challenge. Although his voice draws inspiration from vocalists from the 60s and 70s, it’s rooted in the present. His songwriting reflects decades of living, not a mere two. Here you have an artist who can go the distance.

Contemporary Soul number “Holding Out For You” kicks off the record with a helluva groove, complete with horns, organ, and a tight rhythm section. A tale about the one who got a way, Trummer’s guitar playing is tasteful. This song has crossover potential, as do several on the album.

The word that comes to mind about Marcus Trummer’s ‘From the Start’ is fresh. His songs have his individual stamp, sounding like a nascent soul/R&B/blues master.

Following suit is “Let You Down” with a catchy melody and groove. Trummer grasps this one not unlike the opening number, with subtle swagger and an innate grasp of what it takes to write a great song and pull it off when you record. He’s earnest when he sings “I won’t let you down.” The smooth guitar licks that follow are another bright surprise from this new-ish artist.

“Holding Out For You”

There’s something very appealing about sincerity from an artist. Especially in today’s world. And you can hear it in Marcus Trummer’s voice. Some try to fake it, but you can suss out who’s working too hard at pulling off something they aren’t suited for. Trummer’s genuineness speaks to listeners who crave real music not contorted by machines.

If you’re looking for something nice and bluesy, look no further than “The Only Thing.” A nod to B.B. King, Trummer shares a story of loneliness on the road and how love is the only thing that will never grow old. The horns are a delight along with the organ, a staple throughout the album.

Trummer’s approach is casual, laid back even, but if you listen close, not as background music while you’re talking on the phone, you’ll hear tasteful guitar riffs with space between the notes, like some of the old blues masters. His voice has a natural style.

A few of the songs on ‘From The Start’ could be worked on to stand out a little more from the rest of the 10-track set. Some are a bit too similar to one another– maybe that’s due to the horns being so present in the mix and at times competing with the lead vocalist.

“Ready To Go” is a soul-roots tune with a breezy vibe. Trummer sure has a handle on vocal phrasing. Where did he learn that at such a young age? With hints of Marcus King on this tune, he glides into a melodic guitar solo that doesn’t bowl you over with speed or guitar effects—but with skill and deep-rooted soulfulness.

The album ends with a different feel. A gritty, southern rocker “Let The Devil Win” is a compelling track with piano, banging drums, a tight rhythm section and savage guitar solo.