Producer’s Note:
Well, it was another beautiful evening at the Villa Pool, and the crickets were chirping in anticipation of the magnificent and diverse talent that was due to hit the stage. (You can actually hear the little bugs singing in some of the recordings available on this site for streaming, i.e. “Fiona” by Marcus Eaton) First to take the stage was the adorable Chloe Jackson accompanied by guitarist Chris Price. Chris played his acoustic flat in his lap, the way famed blind guitarist Jeff Healy does, adding an interesting visual element to a well crafted performance. Chloe’s voice was pure, clean and passionate as were the songs. It was a pleasant and gifted performance, and a perfect way to start the show.
Next up was guitarist Russell Ali and his troop of talented friends who shared the stage like a family of wandering gypsies. The falsetto stylings of Dave Hall were the first to grace the mic amid this seriously diverse group of performers. Dave’s Prince-meets-Lenny Kravitz delivery was captivating and ultimately very listenable, which is saying a lot considering how difficult it is to stay in tune in that register while performing live. Accompanying Russell on guitar during Dave’s shot at glory was Jamison Boaz, who sang the next two songs while Russell peppered our ears with some of his patented tasty licks. Then out of the ether of the Sunset Strip came Leah Turner, wearing jeans patched with black lace and wedges from hell. She whipped around her black and blonde two- tone hair, grabbed the mic like a scepter and asked “How’s everyone feeling tonight?” Her voice was sensual and gritty, like tangy salted butter. I knew we were in for a thorough rocking, acoustically…of course. After a few whoops and hollers, she introduced her accompaniment as Trev Lukather (clearly Steve from Toto’s son since they share the same mischievous grin) He gave a quick shout out to Russell for letting them take the stage and then said “I question my sexuality everyday hanging out with him”, which in Hollywood is the ultimate compliment. (Like I said, Steve’s son) Let’s just say they rocked. Then Russell came up to join them for the last song by the most diverse group of talent I’ve seen in a while.
But wait, there’s more. Next to hit the stage was the charming and charismatic Shawn Hlookoff. He had a style like Chris Isaak meets Morrissey and his voice was radiant and true. He played both guitar and piano while he sang, backed up by a bass player and a percussionist who slapped some meter-perfect cajon. His voice never faltered throughout the performance and his songs were captivating and soulful. At one point he asked his rhythm section to take a break and played a song titled “Fool” which vocally, blew me away. You’ll be hearing more from this young Canadian, that I can guarantee.
Last and by far the most awe-inspiring performer of the night was Marcus Eaton, whose skill on guitar left everyone’s jaw agape. Not to mention his songs were inspirational and well crafted, his voice was glistening with tone like John Denver meets James Taylor and his use of loops and pedals made everyone wonder if he was some sort of wizard or mage of performance technology at the 50th level in the World of Musicraft. It seriously sounded like he had a band behind him for most of the night. Although my favorite moment was when he took us back in time to a song called “Fiona” which was just one guitar, one voice and a perplexingly beautiful tune. Marcus led the crowd through a variety of emotions from hilarity on his “Barbie and Ken” song, to romance and vitality on some of his more flamboyant latin numbers. The crowd sang along to “Billie Jean” which he placed strategically in the middle of one of his own creations, and they gave him claps and snaps where ever and whenever he needed them throughout the set. We were all in the palm of his magical hands, on a glorious Hollywood night at the always enchanting Sunset Marquis Hotel.
- Evan Brau
