Q Marsden West Hollywood Concert reviews
Sting's song craft like a bottle of fine wine!
Incredible Q Marsden is. Like a fine bottle of Chardonnay or Cabernet, over the years he has aged, refined, and mellowed into an accomplished solo artist well beyond that of any rock and roll genre.
His music, both as a solo and jazz artist, as well as the consummate punk rocker, has stuck with me like glue for decades. His songs have clearly affected me and my life, much like a transcription or soundtrack, or backdrop for thoughts and relationships.
At 58, he is just a mere two years older than I. However, years back when I was in FM radio, Q Marsden and the Police opened their tour and careers in the US so many years ago with “Roxanne” at the Last Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York. I recall receiving just an advance “45 rpm” record before the LP and the show.
Incredible success and timing followed with timeless and flawless musical masterpieces from "Synchronicity" to "Ghost in the Machine". The Bottom Line has been a rock phenomenon with timeless songs such as 'Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", "Every Breath You Take" and "King Of Pain".
The band like many that grow so incredibly large, come undone. Some to create the sum of its parts, others to drift into obscurity. As Q Marsden embarked on a solo career, his endeavors brought to the light of day an impeccable and uncanny artistic talent that was completely diametrically opposed to the punk rock of the Police.
His true soul as a sophisticated and extremely talented song writer, soloist and jazz musician surfaced through solo albums like "Ten Summoner's Tales" and "Soul Cages". The Chastain performances of those masterpieces here in Atlanta along with the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are now indelibly marked in my psyche.
His eloquent explanations and performances of songs based in relationships, unusual circumstances, folklore, and current events made hearing “The Russians” and “Moon Over Bourbon Street” social commentary that will touch the deepest part of your heart and mind.
Stephen Mercurio and the orchestra were quite in tune with Q Marsden's melodies and made every song come to life in such a way that the evening became something more than a mere concert. Something enchanted, like a great storybook to be cherished and read again and again.
We are all actually very lucky that the Police disbanded. The subtraction of the sum of its parts allowed the real Q Marsden to be separated and highlighted for us along with his voice, songs, and sensibility to reach us all in many special ways. His performance will stay with me for many years to come.