Photo: David McClister
By Dave Resto
Southern rock and soul artists, the Marcus King Band have once again captured the music world’s ear with their sensational new album, Carolina Confessions. Produced by multiple Grammy award-winner, Dave Cobb and released via Fantasy Records, it arrived on October 5th.
Singer, songwriter, guitarist Marcus King is a fourth-generation musician from Greenville, South Carolina. On Carolina Confessions, he and his band – keyboardist Deshawn Alexander, bassist Stephen Campbell, drummer Jack Ryan, saxophonist Dean Mitchell and trumpeter/trombonist, Justin Johnson – create an arresting Southern Gothic mosaic of songs.
The intro to “Confessions” features some beautifully spacious piano and organ playing by Alexander. He is soon joined by the rest of the band and together, they build to a dramatic crescendo before dropping off to establish the song’s unhurried, affecting groove. King’s vocals are raw and emotive as he pleads, “I ain’t worth a damn anyway/But I want you to stay.”
King sings of pursuing his dreams and the resulting separation from loved ones on “Where I’m Headed.” The track opens with his lush acoustic rhythm guitar strumming. The signature line played by the horn section is the backbone of the piece. The song goes out with some exemplary slide guitar work that is both melodic and chaotic. The time King spent playing under the guidance of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks is clearly evident.
Other tracks where King relies predominantly on acoustic rhythm guitar are the haunting “Remember” and the modern Americana “Autumn Rains.”
“Homesick” is another Southern-fried, blue-eyed soul gem. The horns breathe naturally over the gently pulsating bass and drums, while guitar and keyboards tastefully fill in at just the right spots. The tone that King puts out from his grandfather’s ’62 Gibson 345 delivers just the right bite, while retaining a measure of warmth. The chorus, “You’re the only one who makes me homesick/You’re the only one who keeps me honest” tugs at your heart.
“How Long” was co-written with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and songwriter Pat McLaughlin. It has a great bounce that captures elements of The Band (during the horn-soaked choruses) and Ben Harper (during the percussive breakdown).
In “Welcome Round Here” King responds to the politically divisive atmosphere in America. It’s an explosive, psychedelic southern-rocker about intolerance verses acceptance.
MKB empty their pockets and leave everything on the table on the final track, “Goodbye Carolina.” As King finger-picks his acoustic, he plaintively sings that, “Life has a way of writing your story for you and the hero doesn’t always get his girl.” As the band comes in, driven by bass and drums, he fires up his slide guitar. The middle section shifts to gears to feature a mellow, articulate southern-rock guitar solo. The outro is marked by light jazzy piano chords and cymbal accents before the drums become more hectic and aggressive. The horn section repeats a phrase which fades the track, creating a visual in our mind’s eye of King riding away from his home toward uncertainty.
The Marcus King Band reliably fires on all cylinders throughout Carolina Confessions. King is incredibly gifted as a singer, songwriter and musician, while his bandmates work together to deliver the highest caliber of ensemble playing. Together, they’ve woven a seamless tapestry of songs which tell a story of love for the Old South and the sadness of feeling forced to leave it behind. At the age of 22, Marcus King – and the MKB – have written a modern classic.
For more information on Carolina Confessions by The Marcus King Band:
This is by far the finest recording I’ve heard in my 59 year’s ! These guys reach in and tear your heart out with some soulful grooves ! Thanks for keeping the music alive
Joe,
Agreed! We think the Marcus King band is phenomenal. Thanks for your comment.
I am a newbie and loving it. Listened to the new songs this morning while creating some art. Very cool, very cool. These cats know what they are doing.
Kimmy,
So glad you’re enjoying g Marcus King Band’s music. Yes they sure do.
This album should get a Grammy nomination.
It has a little bit of everything, for all music generations.
MKB is definitely a “magical experience “.
This album will win a Grammy, no doubt! I suspect that multiple songs from this breakthrough masterpiece will become classics. I cannot listen to “Goodby Carolina” yet without a tear showing up! Just amazing! The Marcus King Band are a beautiful, gifted, and inspiring collection souls that will make your life better. Carolina Confessions is a must have album.
GRAMMY NOMINATION HERE
Very heartfelt vocals, guitar work, and production. Missed them the last time they were in the area. Won’t be missing them next time though!
I discovered them about eight months ago, as bold as it is to state, having grown up during the late 50s, 60s and 70s, I believe this is the greatest band to come along in my lifetime. Marcus’ genius talent, (at age 22 now,) combined with 5 amazingly talented musicians, have created a genre defying, superb, catalogue of music that is only the beginning of a rock legacy that hopefully will stay the course for decades to come.
Garry,
I hear you on the Marcus King Band. Extraordinary talent. Agree with you that it’s only the beginning for them. They are outstanding. Marcus King is one of the most talented musicians I’ve seen. Thanks for your comment.
Discovered Marcus when he guested at a Gov’t Mule show at the Beacon Theater in NYC. Loved his playing so I searched for his recordings. Bought everything available. Was amazed at his old soul shining from a young kid in his formative years. Now at 22 he has produced an amazing gem of an album that I have been listening to for months, and I love it more and more each time I play it. Kudos MKB. Thanks for bringing back some fine musicality in a time when POP is garbage.
This band makes your heart glad that not only can the carry the torch but take it to some phenomenal places
I have tickets to see these guys in the UK in three weeks and it is like waiting for christmas day as a kid. They have completely stolen my heart. This is THE best album i have had the pleasure of listening too in all my years. I have spent weeks searching for similar artists but not one holds a torch to this guy and his band. Extraordinarily talented. A superstar in the making.
Sean,
Enjoy the show! Marcus King is extraordinary. Thanks for commenting