Marcus Machado performs at Guitar Center Manhattan. Photo courtesy of Sean Jamar.
Since meeting Marcus Machado last summer, the young guitar prodigy had already stamped his mark on the indie music scene by way of him winning Rolling Stone Magazine's "New Young Gun Contest" in 2014. His extraordinary talent, music influences and his relentless ambition for perfection has left a permanent impression that has reminded us of the days when funk, soul, blues and hip-hop flourished together.
Since the November 2015 release of his debut EP, "29," Marcus has taken the stage at some of New York's premier music venues including The Blue Note, SOBs and Subrosa. As a mastered curator of his sound, the prodigious guitarist has recorded and performed with industry greats such as Sandra St. Victor, Marcus Miller, V Jeffrey Smith, Pharoahe Monch and DJ Spinna - to name a few. When we attended Marcus's guitar clinic at Guitar Center Manhattan last week his performance, and on-stage persona, was indicative of how far he has come as an artist. His music has forged a path for the next generation of guitarists seeking to adopt their own sound; while also, inheriting those who had come before them.
Marcus Machado plays The Platinum Room. Photo courtesy of Sean Jamar.
Along with contemporary greats, Daru Jones, Les Lemon and Paul Bloom Marcus Machado rocked the Platinum Room at Guitar Center performing original songs from his debut EP and renditions of iconic rock legends such as Prince, Eddie Hazel, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and of course, Jimi Hendrix .With features by V Jeffrey Smith and JS Williams, Marcus took charge with performances of Jimi Hendrix's "Power With Soul" and a masterful tribute to the one and only J Dilla.
Marcus's powerful rock-inspired anthem "Rockout" and soulful hip-hop jam "New Thangz" drew customers from across Guitar Center with sounds of jazz, funk, soul and rock piercing through the glass doors of the Platinum Room. Inspiring guitarists, fans and industry professionals looked on as Marcus and his 5 piece band lit up the room indicative of the vintage Gibson, Fender and Duisenberg guitars that hung above the stage.
Marcus Machado and The Soulfolk Experience. Photo courtesy of Sean Jamar.
His feature on The Soulfolk Experience's "Chariot" illustrated a unique contrast and depth that Marcus applies to his music. The soft, bluesy and americana influences offered audiences with further appreciation for how versatile these incredible musicians that took the stage were and how important it was for many aspiring musicians to add to their craft. Marcus topped the evening with titanic finale to the late Phife Dawg with covers of A Tribe Called Quest and other early 90's hip-hop beats that defined not only an era, but an entire genre of music.
Marcus Machado is not only a prodigy, but a representation of a movement that is re-defining how we, as music lovers, view live performances and instrumentation. Marcus's sound is a resurrection of the time where the guitar ruled the stage of rock, funk and soul. As an emerging independent artist, Marcus is solidifying his place amongst his contemporaries and carrying the legacies of the iconic rock stars that came before. Truly the prodigy is ready for the next stage in his young promising career.
Photo courtesy of Sean Jamar.
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