THE BRUCE MARSHALL GROUP!

Formed in 1991, The Bruce Marshall Group has been performing and recording steadily delighting crowds and garnering rave reviews. Bruce was on the road for most of the 1980s with Bruce Marshall and the Clue, a popular Boston based band that recorded an album on ATM records in 1988. In the early 1990s, Bruce formed a duo with old friend James Montgomery and they released 2 live CD’s. The Bruce Marshall Group emerged shortly thereafter and originally had an eight piece lineup. Their first CD, LOVE OF THE RIDE, was released in ‘92, their second CD, SNEAK PREVIEW VOL II, was released in ‘97 and featured 10 new tracks with a five piece unit. Their latest effort, KALISPELL, sports 11 new Bruce Marshall originals and some covers by Tyrone Davis. At live shows they treat their fans to a soaring ride as they rip through a catalogue of original material that truly sets this band apart. They love to mix it up, whether it’s pulling off exciting jams that build with dynamics and layering, or playing the concise arrangements of their songs, slipping seamlessly through blues, r&b, country blues and southern boogie. The band consists of Bruce Marshall- lead vocals, electric & acoustic guitars and Dobro. Bruce writes all the songs for the group. His infectious energy on stage sets the tone for the live show, giving his all for every single performance. He favors a melodic style of lead guitar rarely heard today and is featured on slide with his trademark steel body dobro. Dave Cournoyer sings lead and backup vocals, he joined the group in 1995. Formerly with The Shittons, The Vex, and The Rubies. This guitarist/vocalist has earned a reputation for coaxing seemingly impossible sounds from his instrument. Totally at ease with over the top solos or sweet subtle lines, he builds his solos from a whisper to a scream.

David has a gift for creating just the right parts for the original material. He is the group’s “secret weapon”. He’s taken his slide work to another level. John Donahoe- adds color and texture to the group on tenor sax, fiddle, and mandolin. John joined the group in 1999, formerly with The Cliph Band. His support lines and blistering solos are a major part of the excitement of the live show and helps define the group’s unique sound. His sax work really sells the blues/r&b material and fiddle is great in the country/blues numbers. Watch the crowd’s reaction as he lays down one of his smokin’ sax solos and then picks up the fiddle and proceeds to blow the roof off the joint! The mandolin is a nice touch and meshes beautifully with guitar and Dobro. John also sings back up vocals. Jeff Majeau- anchors the group on bass and has the rare ability to play with restraint and understatement while driving the band. A consummate professional, he creates the perfect bass lines for the original songs, totally at ease with swing, shuffles, he truly enjoys playing music and conveys that on stage, Steve Wolpe- has been a teacher and performer in the Boston area for over 30 years playing with many bands such as The Taylor Made Band, Mission of Blues, The Joe Mack Band, Chris Fitz and Fatwall Jack. After starting out with his first band in 1962 at a very young age of 14, Steve has never looked back on his music career. He attended The Berklee College of Music in the 1970s. With a mixture of a very strong rudimental background and traditional jazz teaching, he has truly developed a wide variety of styles for percussion. His strong back beats and technical abilities allow him to really drive the band and get the crowd grooving! Check out The Blues Audience newsletter for future dates of this multi-talented New England band. Click on this link to our home page and Subscribe today with Pay Pal!

These photos were taken by Diana Shonk at The Monadnock Country Club in NH

What's on the horizon?

The Bruce Marshall Group is currently working on tracks for a new CD they
recorded at Mockingbird studios earlier this year, so far there are 11
cuts and they are very excited to unleash this new batch of originals on
our fans and the public. Bruce is also wrapping up his
first solo record of his career, final mixes are being done in Toronto,
14 originals in their most unadorned state.
 
Bruce opened for R & B legend Gary US Bonds at the Tupelo Theater last
month and it was an incredible evening, Gary was in great form with a
strong band, the story telling was endearing and his comedy rivaled his
singing, which is as strong as ever.  Bruce made a ton of new friends
and plugged BMG's upcoming show there in Sept. for the 3rd year
anniversary of the hall....
 
Bruce opened for Danny Klein and Full House, at Love Lane in Lincoln,
MA, a benefit for therapeutic horseback riding.  Danny was a founder
and bass player of the J. Geils band and Full House is great Geils show
and includes two Bruce Marshall and the Clue alumni, Peter Hackel on
drums and John Vanderpool on Sax. 
 
The Bruce Marshall Group had one of their best nights ever at
Dante's in Marlborough in May, the crowd was big and they stayed
'till the end, this venue is fast becoming one of the best around for
live entertainment and Steve and staff have done a great job with their
mix of strong local and national acts. 
 
Speaking of the Firefly's crew, a big thanks to them for making Bruce's
1st year anniversay of the open mike in Framingham a huge success on
May 9, they put out a ton of food for everyone and let us go an hour
late...this has become a very popular and admired open mike for it's
warm and non threatening vibe, a place where songwriters can road test
new material, network and form new musical friendships and
collaborations.  We've come a long way from the 1st couple months,
building it up and getting the word out. Thanks to all the musicians
and especially the "family" , fans and staff for supporting this night!
 Check out the acoustic open mike every Wed., 8-11.
 
Bruce just completed the vocals for the new WB Mason commercial, after
singing on last year's version they've signed him on for a Gospel
Version due out in a few weeks, they play it during "Extra Innings"
after Sox games.

 
Catch Bruce solo every other Tue at the Colonial Inn in Concord, MA,
every Wed. at Firefly's in Framingham, MA.