Last thursday, amid the hubbub of London's Soho area, Marques Toliver along with a couple other talented artists performed at St. Giles In The Fields Church, a venue unusual yet, somehow a perfect space for an alternative rock performance. Upon entering the grandiose church flooded with hipsters and fashionistas eager to see Marques' performance, I thought to myself, "most of these people probably don't go to church." They weren't there to pray or lament, but rather the mass crowd gathered in reverence of Marquis' edgy, emotional, raw talent.
After a couple performances from an exceptional London talent, Marques arrived to an anticipating crowd, with the huge smile that always adorns his face. Marques, who was once a one man show, was now accompanied by a full band. By the way, if you don't already know, Marques sings and plays the violin, harpsichord and guitar (although he probably plays more instruments than I know). The performance itself was an erratic roller coaster of emotions, from the dance tune, 'Deep in My Heart' to 'White Sails'. Marques' violin work struck me during his set, as if he'd been playing pizzicato in my heart. The walls of the church echoed and it's spires shook to the sounds of Marques, playing at each listeners desires and deep rooted emotions, emotions we don't normally admit to or share publicly. All in all, the performance was "real", in its finest definition.
In recent months Marquis was featured on Jools Holland, a television program bringing up-and-coming and established artists to perform, live. Here's his television premier, performing his single 'White Sails' on Jools Holland:
Get a free download of 'White Sails' by clicking here.
I remember meeting Marques like it was yesterday. It occurred one summer day in Williamsburg back when he was performing at the Bedford Avenue Train Station off the L line. He was electrifying and warm-hearted, right off the bat. His persona left me curious but also drew me in; I'm sure anyone who has listened to his music feels this sentiment. The first time I heard him play we were hanging out in my shared loft in Williamsburg. His sound was energetic and new, yet he was so laid back and modest. It blew my mind. No wonder he's played with Holly Miranda, TV On The Radio and The Kooks, just to name a few.
The question is, what's he up to next? Well, he's touring in the UK at the moment, playing a bunch of summer festivals and his EP drops later this month! Follow him on his myspace, here.
Also check out Marques on Black Cab Sessions:
KEEP YOUR EARS OPEN FOR MARQUES, FOLKS!
