We have to admit we hadn’t heard of Marcus Eaton, but when we noticed Twitter was atwitter with excitement over the fact that he’s playing at Babalu (1723 N 45th) this coming Sunday, November 15th, we had to do some investigating.
According to his promo material, the dude gets around: he’s been “warmly received by Baden Guitars, Fishman, Mesa Boogie, TC Electronics, Sennheiser and Radial, and has played shows with an array of acts including Jewel, Bob Dylan, Train, Victor Wooten, Buckethead, Tim Reynolds & TR3, Dave Matthews Band, Derek Trucks Band, Martin Sexton, Blues Traveler, John Mayer, Counting Crows, Edwin McCain, Ozomatli, Young Dubliners, Michael Franti & Spearhead, New Monsoon, Jason Mraz, Collective Soul, Sheryl Crow, Guster, Ben Taylor Band, Nils Lofgren, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Gin Blossoms, Jake Shimabukuro and Blackalicious.”
What does “warmly received” mean? “Opened for”? “Played at same event as”? “Trashed a hotel room with”? Anyway you slice it, it’s an impressive list of musicians to be associated with, and we do know he recently played the side stage at the Gorge next to Wallingford’s own Dave Matthews Band, so he’s got some chops.
We gave a listen to his music and liked what we heard. In fact, we were going to say exactly what Adam Moore of Premier Guitar Magazine said, except he said it first:
Eaton plays the acoustic, but not like you might expect. He rapidly shifts between frantic fingerpicking and strumming, clean acoustic sounds and swirling, looped effects. His music fits firmly in the post-modern musical relativism that has become the norm among a new generation of musicians – viewing genre distinctions not as absolutes but as starting points..
Come on, folks, post-modern musical relativism! What are you waiting for? Get yourself to Babalu!
Marcus will be playing with his drummer, Kevin Rogers (“an extremely versatile player who incorporates odd meter, polyrhythms and deep pocket grooves with a composer’s ear that has a unique sensitivity for the song”). Sunday, November 15th, doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, $10 cover.
Sounds like a shoe-gazing version of Peter Mulvey, or a threadier Garnet Rogers.
..oh, and the “warmly recieved” list? Yeah, those are all instrument and gear manufacturers, not bands
For God’s sake don’t click on that Bababu link in a quiet laboratory setting. The place’s annoyance transcends its physical location.
Saw Marcus play at the Tractor last year, and I know that I, for one, will be front and center at Babalu on Sunday. Forget about the wording in Premier Guitar’s article…it is really fancy talk saying, essentially, “prepare to be blown away.” I went to the Tractor to see Tim Reynolds play, but was so unbelieveably impressed by the Marcus Eaton Trio…how these guys aren’t on a big label with a fat-ass contract is beyond me…I’m going to see them live for $10.00? Hell yeah…!
Take a couple hours to drop by Babalu’s Mambo Room on Sunday and get to know some of Marcus’ music. His stylings are so unique, they need to be seen live. We have had the rare opportunity to see him perform in some rather intimate settings, and watching him create and layer a song is truly amazing…
I watched Marcus play before a small crowd of about 70 people last month, most of whom had never heard of him before… these people left the show with their jaws hanging open.
Plus, the Baden Guitar he plays is flat out one of the coolest looking acoustics I have ever seen…
Saw Marcus Eaton Trio this September in a private backyard, and then at the Gorge the following weekend – I saw the webcast from The Tractor, with the trio, I saw a webcast from the show Dave B talked about, where Marcus played solo… and each and every time I have been amazed by the music, the performance, EVERYTHING.
I so wish I could be in Seattle this weekend, but will have to settle with the webcast, that will be from the event… All in, or around, Seattle should go to Babalu, and catch the show LIVE – Even if you haven’t heard any of the music before, you will not be disappointed!
You are all in for a treat!
I was at the Tractor last year, too. I went for Tim Reynolds and wound up astonished by Marcus Eaton Trio. They’re truly fantastic. I really didn’t expect such a talented and professional opener, and I enjoyed them just as much as TR3. If I can find a sitter, I’ll be at Babalu on Sunday.
oh yeah man, i love this guys music. I’ve seen him live three times and was just blown away! his been a huge inspiration in my guitar playing. You guys should really check this out!!
I am truly excited to have Marcus playing at Babalu. I have often thought, as a resident of Wallingford, that Babalu would be cool IF it were the kind of place that brought out my friends and neighbors for good times & good music. The atmosphere is elegant but the “vibe” has never been one I felt comfortable with.
My dream has always been to create the perfect setting that would draw us all out for a little R&R…
The music Marcus plays has taken over my mass collection. He is all I can seem to listen to. In that way only Dave Matthews Band has been able to create such a loyal following, with such dedication and passion, I watch friend after friend become hypnotized by this music. You don’t want to miss this.
Marcus Eaton is in a class of his own – dude lays it down! Marcus’ music is a lot of things, thrilling, inspired, beautiful, inventive, wild and totally original. Guy’s just fun to watch and easy to listen to, he’s put on a few of the best shows I’ve seen of late. As far as acoustic guitar sets go, I’m yet to experience first hand any better than this.
Come and see for yourself why Marcus Eaton is worth my 6 hour commute to Babalu’s this Sunday.
I was at the DMB shows during Labor Day weekend of 2008 and had wandered into the beer garden looking for a brew when the Marcus Eaton Trio started playing on the side stage. After listening for a few moments I thought to myself, “WOW, who the heck are these guys?” I was completely blown away. I don’t think I ever got that beer; instead I wandered to the stage for a closer look.
When I heard about them playing Babalu’s on sunday I made a point of scheduling a weekend trip from the Tri-Cities to visit Seattle and take in the show. I expect it to be a good time.
Marcus and his mates are great. If you have any interest at all in supporting and thoroughly enjoying a very down-to-earth bunch of musicians, these guys are for you. I have followed and tried my best to support Marcus and his talents since he started playing in Pocatello,ID while we were in high school and it’s so amazing to see how far he has come. Rock On, Marcus!! Hope to see you at the Brewery next time you’re in town!