POSTED ON JANUARY 28, 2009:
Pop Gumbo
Louisiana native draws from a variety of styles for a sound all his own
By G.K. Hizer
We're finally emerging from an unofficial winter sabbatical for local and national acts alike. I always look forward to seeing who will be the first to stop through Tulsa at the beginning of the year. Because our town has been known as a melting pot of styles, from rock and blues to jazz and country, it seems appropriate that Marc Broussard was announced as one of our earliest visitors.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Broussard comes from a fine musical pedigree; his father, Ted, is a member of the Louisiana Hall of Fame and guitarist for "Louisiana Country Soul" act The Fabulous Boogie Kings, who saw the height of their fame in the '50s and '60s.
After debuting with Momentary Setback on the independent Ripley label, Broussard found acclaim at the young age of 20 and was subsequently picked up by Island Def Jam Records, giving him greater visibility and distribution.
Unfortunately, Broussard's mixed influences and love for a variety of styles was too apparent at times, which resulted in mixed reviews as his career progressed. Nevertheless, Broussard has seen his following continue to grow, due in part to constant touring and a strong live show delivered with a rich and soulful growl.
With the arrival of last year's Keep Coming Back, all that seems to have changed, as Broussard delivers what is arguably the best album of his career. Yes, it's still a mixture of pop, soul, blues and jazz with hints of Cajun/Zydeco roots, but this time the ingredients complement each other instead of clash.
When the opportunity arose to speak with the Broussard last week, I was happy to take advantage of it. I wanted to get a glimpse of what has changed and what to expect when he arrives in town on Tuesday night.
The primary difference has been brought about by a fresh start with Atlantic Records. "This is definitely the first time I really got to put my own stamp on a project," Broussard said.
"I was definitely given more control this time: from the sonic aspects to the money management of this record -- and it was really conducive to a creative environment. We could do whatever we wanted to do," he continued. "I had also been on tour, so I had my finger on the pulse of my audience and felt like I had a better handle on what my fans wanted to hear."
When I mentioned the variety of influences that come through in his songs and how they seem intertwined in a pop vein, he explained that, "Coming up in Louisiana, I was around a lot of pop music, so I feel like I have a lot of pop sensibility. I'm still a little A.D.D., though which has led some people to say my records are schizophrenic."
"I'd love to make a theme type record that's more consistent, but that's not me. I think it's like why Maxim is such a popular men's magazine: It jumps around a lot between different topics and subjects. It's kind of like my music - I like to bounce around, but it seems to work well and the fans dig it," he said.
Broussard's fan base has continued to grow over the past six years from touring with a variety of different artists; but he is probably recognized most by pop and even jam fans. That may change in the first quarter of 2009, however, as Atlantic records will service his next single, "When It's Good" (a duet with LeAnn Rimes), to country radio.
"That's going to take up the majority of my time in the spring," he said. "It's my first attempt at breaking out of the pop/rock genre and I'm really excited because country fans are really loyal, so it could project me to the next level."
Winning over a country audience shouldn't be hard for Broussard. Of course, Rimes' presence provides added appeal, but his personalized storytelling and heartfelt delivery draws fans from the entire spectrum.
This Tuesday night, Broussard continues to bridge the gap between genres as he shares the stage with songstress Jessie Baylin and old friend Josh Hoge. The show offers an appropriate opening to Cain's concert calendar as he deftly ties together a variety of styles much in the same manner that the Ballroom does for Tulsa every year. Tickets for Tuesday's show are still available and are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. For more, visit cainsballroom.com.
