Marc Charron is a workhorse of a singer/songwriter/musician. In a recent facebook posting, Marc noted that, since July 2004, he has performed over 1000 shows, on 6 Canadian tours, 3 Western tours, one Australian tour (with Seismic), and one Eastern Canadian tour (with Lure). But then, in what is either a lament or a challenge, Charron notes "YOU still haven't seen me play..."
I've seen Marc Charron play. I've been most fortunate to have him perform, too early in the morning for most musicians, on my radio show, the Thursday Morning Special Blend on Ottawa's CKCU. His performances are always spirited, well crafted and fun. He's a great performer.
Charron's new record is entitled Coming & Going. It's been generally available at some of his shows in a pre-release form, and I am fortunate to have a copy. Coming & Going showcases the classic Canadian musician: child of the road enjoying the trip, experiencing love and heartbreak on the way, with a longing for home. In contrast to most of his solo shows, this record features a full band, with guests including Eric Grosvenor, Chris Bartos and Stuart Watkins. This is Charrons's first full studio record, and it shines.
"Snowy Frost"'s light acoustic strumming beat, and sing-a-long "doooo do do do do do do" chorus, perfectly captures the cool light inherent in the title, while evoking the loneliness of the road - whether you're on it or not. While "Canaday I Oh" features fine instrumentation with lovely strings, the beat and the strains of the violin also turn your mind to the vastness and difficulties of this land, especially for a DIY solo musician, with a chorus of sounds that seems as primitive as the wind. "Sun Breaks" maintains the outdoor theme, with references to simple Ottawa Valley life, this time using a standard, mid-tempo rock beat. But the acoustic melody breathes pleasant sunlight into the song, and we know exactly what it means when the sun breaks.
The standout track is "Just Like That". Listeners to my show, and Ottawa fans, have probably heard the original, stripped down version of this song (from the Collector's Item EP), which featured simple acoustic guitar melodies and a belting beat from Charron himself. But on Coming & Going, Charron takes full advantage of the band, which perfectly wraps the simplicity of the original track in a much grander setting. The strings here provide wonderful support to the tune, but Charron throws a curve ball mid way through, shifting into a funky reggae beat and back. Themes of the road, the outdoors, and perseverance are there as well - with stunning results.
Go see Marc Charron perform. Bring a friend. Buy his new CD. Of course, Charron is further evidence of the great live music scene we have in and around Ottawa. He has a lot of gigs in various places over the next number of weeks. These are 'cover' shows, but be sure to ask Marc to play some originals - you'll thank me.
MARC CHARRON discography
1994 - Moonshine Redemption demo release
2000 - Echoplex full length record
2001 - Full length solo cassette release - rare
2005 - Collectors Item solo ep
2006 - 10 song live solo record
2006 - LURE demo ep
2007 - LURE full length " it is what it is"
2009 - Coming & Going full length solo release
Marc has toured with/opened for: Xavier Rudd, Cuff the Duke, Sunparlour Players, Meligrove band, Wax Mannequin, Grand Theft Bus, Jimmy Swift Band, Rantmusic, Macgnarleys Rant, Geoff Berner, Pilate , The Stills and many many others.
If you are interested in anything related to Marc Charron, please contact
the email address listed below.
Hey Mark, I've listened to your CD a few times and its great! I just had to say, when you sang Canaday i oh, I really thought u were just adding in the Sault Ste Marie part just because you were in SSM, but then I realized that that's the lyrics! Nice! Looks like you've been busy touring, hope all is well!
Hey Marc, we had a chance today to listen to your new CD. The entire CD is great. You have written some powerful personal songs. Your songs about your father seriously moved Linda and I. Maybe it is because we know you, and certainly, because the songs in themselves are so touching, the emotions reverberated within us to the sight of moist eyes. Powerful, very powerful indeed.
