Marc Broussard

Roots music fans have yet to see the tip of the iceberg, by way of talent, that guitarist, singer, and songwriter Marc Broussard possesses. The relative newcomer on the Louisiana roots music scene has been making waves since the release of his 2002 debut album, Momentary Setback.

For this album, Broussard was joined by Louisiana music veterans including Sonny Landreth's bassist David Ransom and top-shelf songwriter, singer, and keyboardist David Egan. the album was engineered by Tony Daigle, who has won Grammy Awards for his recordings with B.B. King and Michael Doucet & Beausoleil.

Born in Carencro, LA, Broussard was just five when he first joined his guitar-playing father on-stage. Not surprisingly, the elder Broussard contributes guitar on his son's debut. Broussard was raised in a family where several aunts and uncles played music, as well as his own father and grandfather, so to say he was raised in a supportive environment would be an understatement. When a 21-year-old Broussard was fast pursuing his first record deal, his parents were right there with him, helping him to evaluate the best plan possible to further his career as a singer and songwriter. With his deep, smoky voice, Broussard sounds like a singer beyond his late twenties, and he has a diverse, mature set of influences that include everyone from jazz guitar icon George Benson to Motown superstar Stevie Wonder to keyboardist Chick Corea. Other heavy influences on his approach to singing, recording, and performing live include other good people, all steeped in blues and classic rhythm & blues: Brian McKnight, Donnie Hathaway, Otis Redding, Tyrone Davis, Marvin Gaye.

Prior to launching his solo career, Broussard was part of a Christian rock band called Y. The band lasted a little less than a year, but it was a learning experience for the youngster, who was told he couldn't be a Christian rock singer because his voice was too soulful and bluesy.

Since the independently released Momentary Setback was released in 2002 (by Ripley Records), Broussard has recorded Keep Coming Back for Atlantic Records, which has further raised his visibility and touring base in a time when many conventional record companies are feeling the effects of a down economy, as well as a continuing assault from the Internet. Broussard's relationship with Atlantic Records dates back several years, when the late Ahmet Ertegun first heard Broussard sing with Solomon Burke at a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That night, Ertegun promptly offered Broussard's band a slot at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival later that year.

On Keep Coming Back, Broussard is accompanied on by Nashville studio veterans Gary Burnette on guitar and Tim Akers on keyboards, and eight of the album's 12 tracks were recorded in one take. Despite the fact that he's only in his late twenties, Broussard has put in a healthy amount of time on the road, opening for and sharing stages with the likes of Maroon 5, the Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, O.A.R., and Bonnie Raitt. More good songs and more stellar live shows are in the offing for Broussard, regardless of what happens to conventional record companies., All Music Guide