Well, mostly I have performed solo, which is why I thought it would be a good idea to record my second album "What You See..." done with just voice and guitar.
These days, as well as solo, I find myself playing my songs mostly with my good friends Anthony Kost (upright bass) and Allison de Groot (banjo, composer).
I'm also very fortunate to have these very fine musicians (friends and family) join me on occasion:
Vanessa Kuzina (singer-songwriter, guitar, flute, mandolin, percussion) Stewart Fay on bass guitar and Jed Desilets on drums
Oh, and I'd like to mention here that I'm a band member too...for my good friend and singer/songwriter Brenda Neiles. I accompany Brenda with banjo, Dobro, lap steel, mandolin, and (occasionally) fiddle.
I also play guitar and a bit of Dobro for my good friends Shawn Tester (singer/songwriter, vocals) with her husband Anthony Kost (upright bass, banjo, guitar) in an ensemble we call Shawn Tester and the Grand Old Conglomeration.
I'm a fortunate man.
As well as recording my own album projects, I've had the priviledge of playing on these albums: ~ Lovers Find Reasons ~ Lindsay Jane (Dobro) ~ In The Wood ~ Bill Dowling (Dobro, banjo, lap steel) ~ A Mile In Their Shoes ~ James Van Norman (Dobro) ~ Remembering ~ Stewart Fay (guitars)
Influences
Musically? The 3 wise men of course...Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, and Bob Dylan. The list is varied from there, everything from Yes to John Hartford and everything in between.
In general? Pretty much everything breathing brings about.
Folk, Rhythm & Poetry. Marcel Desilets has blended these elements into one, to create an enjoyable listening experience for the thinking ear. Some of his songs are humorous, some are sweet, and some are downright cosmic; but all of them are loving celebrations of life. Marcel adds to his poetic sense of lyric just a beautiful touch on guitar, giving way to original songs that come with over thirty years of writing.
"To Be Here" ~ review:
It would be rather natural to categorize mellow Manitoba singer/songwriter Marcel Desilets as just another laid-back local folkie. The difficulty is that upon listening to his third full length album, To Be Here, it's obvious he has so much more going on inside his songs that they can't easily be labelled. Indeed, his quiet delivery is very folk inspired. His hushed vocals are caressed by plenty of skilful dobro, mandolin, fretless bass and "parlour" guitar shadings and lyrically he is more a pure poet than a rhyming dictionary enthusiast. Listening to his placid stories about smooth - starting summer days and the unquestionable enjoyment of wearing comfortable slippers bring a sense of peace and definitely won't require your soul to do any heavy lifting. As he explains in the uncomplicated lyrics of the moving Simple Words, sometimes everything we really need is right here, right now and right in front of us. *Four Stars* Jeff Monk - Winnipeg Free Press
"What You See..." ~ review:
What You See...is what you get, just Desilets' voice and guitar on 10 tracks dating back to 1981. The overall feeling is laid back and rootsy, as the singer-songwriter creates a cozy vibe, bringing you into his world where the fishin' is easy and there's an endless array of possibilities outside his window. No subject is too mundane for Desilets, who finds inspiration in everything from the maple leaf on his umbrella, to the boredom of a waiting room. Desilets truly shines with his skilful guitar work, which recalls the fleetness and passion of no less than Bruce Cockburn. Rob Williams - Winnipeg Free Press
"Turtle Highway" ~ review:
"A capable acoustic player with an excellent half-sung/half-spoken voice, Desilets writes disarmingly simple folk songs that should appeal to fans of Keelaghan, Cockburn and Lightfoot."
Bartley Kives - Winnipeg Free Press
Just wanted to say hi from Paris! Hope you're doing well. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip, I guess you came back home with wonderful memories. Wish you a beautiful inspiration (it's a real pleasure to listen to your music!;) Kisses, Ann*a
Hello dear Marcel! Thanks. I's a pleasure to have you in my space. I like your music. Happy Sunday. Kissesl Peace, Respect and Love from Italy. Maria Grazia
Thank you for your kind words and comments! Its really something wonderful to fathom all the talent here. Stay strong in doing all you love! And please feel free to keep in touch and drop me a message or a comment anytime you'd like. Keep me updated on what's up and how you're doing.
On November 17th, my first new age style listening adventure, "Desert Seas" will be released. Please search for Miss Kristin on Itunes and you will find all 8 of my unique and special CDs. Check em out! Some rock and some groove, i'm sure you will find one just right for you!
We have lots more great music in store for you in the coming year too, so be patient, hold tight, stay tuned and sit right. Warm and sultry, heart to heart comin your way! Much Love, Miss Kristin
Hi Marcel, Thanks for the add. Peter is away for a few days so I am monitoring his MySpace for him. Have a great day!! Germaine Personal Assistant to Peter Alsop
Hello Marcel!Sorry we have been out of touch,there has been so much going on..Thank you so much,i'm glad you like the new song!!How is the album recording going?Can't wail to hear it!We havent finished the music to your beautiful poetry yet..but will send it to you when its ready.. big hugs to you and loved ones!
Thanks so much for coming out to the show the other week. It was really great seeing you all again! We've had some good shows on the tour since then but Winnipeg was certainly a highlight for us, playing for friends and family.
Marcel, I've been enjoying your records on the road. Great work! I love your fingerpicking style. And as agreed, my next one will definitely be off to you...whenever that is.
And Karen, thanks alot for the encouragement! I'm glad you like the record.
