With the cold weather snapping at our backs, we headed to Rockwood on Sunday night to catch our show with Joe Marson. Having flown in from California a few days prior, and playing a wedding the night before, we expected a cold and tired artist, but got the exact opposite.
Rockwood
Starting the set a bit early, Joe took to the stage with his acoustic guitar and played us a tune that he usually ends his set with and the chatter of the crowd ceased immediately; because when he sings, you have no choice to listen. Then the soulful night would continue with a emotional take on “Poor St. John,” which elicited massive applause and the first of many “WOW’S” of the night.
Joe Marson
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Filling the spaces in between songs with anecdotes and fun banter, Marson was affable and comfortable at his “favorite venue.” We learned that his newest and possibly best single “Explore/Explode” was inspired by a Pearl Jam song titled “Severed Hand” and then played it flawlessly; which in turn had most of the crowd holding their phones up high for the perfect social-media post.
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Joe Marson
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The rest of the set was executed perfectly and with the friendly acoustics of Rockwood, it sounded tremendous, almost like you were wearing headphones. The only problem with such clear acoustics, is if a glass clinks or a waitress asks for a drink-order – it can mask the tenderness of one man and his guitar when trying to pour his soul out to eager fans. By the end of the show there were many pleas for an encore, but having played nearly an hour, Joe asked the folks to join him in the back bar for a drink and they followed.
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Marson
Article: Shayne Hanley
