Marcus King Band. Remember the name.

This is not a music blog, but please allow me a post about a new recording (I’d call it an “album,” but that would really date me) about which I am plenty excited. Excited. As in, listening to it over and over again in my car. It’s a self-titled release by the Marcus King Band. Remember that name. Marcus King is very young, 20 or 21 years old, but he has the musicianship of someone twice his age. This recording (purchased inexpensively on iTunes) features more than a dozen tracks with a wide range of styles. It’s never great to “compare” but for the purposes of introduction, think about the intersection of ZZ Top (hard-driving, guitar-based rock), Tower of Power or old-school Chicago (killer horn section!), Marshall Tucker Band (country-inspired southern rock with pedal steel guitar) and John Scofield (jazzy but incredible instrumental guitar). Put it all together, with my personal favorite Warren Haynes producing, and you’ve got quite a record.

Marcus King is the undisputed leader of this band, but he is not a one-trick pony. This isn’t just some blues band. It’s a BAND. Keyboards. Horns. Very proficient drums and bass. With this incredible kid leading them all. I was able to witness this first-hand this summer (see photo), at Daryl’s House Club in Pawling. At my age, this was nearly a perfect concert experience; I went with my early-morning jogging buddy The Mayor. Inexpensive ($15 tix!), small club (our seats were literally a foot from the stage), early start time (promptly at 7 p.m.), great music and a tight, 90-minute set. We drove home in waning daylight and it was not even close to a late night – we actually arrived home before the rest of the family, who were at a swim meet. Wonderful. Most summer concerts don’t even START by the time we got home, and it was more than its money’s worth. This kid can shred, and the overall sound is something that a lot of people will like. A lot. Remember the name. Kid’s got a future.