25 July 2011 (gig)
27 July 2011
This was an unexpected delight as Marcus Bonfanti supported the excellent Philip Sayce at the Borderline Monday night.
Unexpected because seeing him in a support slot I didn’t think that the crowd reaction would be as strong but knowing his ability to raise the humour in a crowd I probably shouldn’t have been surprised.
Marcus is a Blues player with a lot of Americana and soul in his dark voice, normally seen playing solo, just him and his guitar or harmonica, long black hair and beard a statement look but it is his voice that really draws you in to him – remarkably dark and soulful and not sounding as he looks.
He opened with ‘God Only Knows’, just him and a harmonica and he had that harp howling like a banshee while his vocals plumbed depths you wouldn’t expect from someone as young and then switched to electric guitar as he rattled off a fine set with his original songs interspersed with a fine line in audience chat.
‘Jezebel’ got the crowd’s interest and as he followed up with the dirty Blues of ‘Honey’ he commented that all his songs seemed to be about girls and failed love affairs and ‘Now That I’m Gone Is Your Life Any Better’ only seemed to amplify that sentiment. Looking at the audience though there were a fair number of the ladies present who were getting well into his music.
‘My Baby Don’t Dance’ about an old girlfriend who liked clubbing but only to get bought expensive drinks raised a few wry smiles.
He closed with ‘The Bittersweet’ and a fine version of ‘Give Me Your Cash’ with his slide sounding hearty and raw and the crowd gave him a rousing cheer.
He really is one of the best young players and singers around London at the moment and also one of the most original – give yourself a treat if he is playing anywhere near you.
