There is nothing better to finish off a weekend than a good jazz show. I was fortunate enough to be in uptown Charlotte this particular evening for guitarist Matt Marshak. Nestled in an upstairs hideaway, Madison’s was the perfect setting for this intimate show. With its low ceilings, dimly lit chandeliers, comfortable sofas and classic draperies, it had the feel of an old jazz club that had become so famous in the 1950’s. The energetic crowd had just settled in when Marshak hit the stage with his band.

He began the first set with one of his more intense tunes called “Seduction” from his This Time Around release. Marshak showed what makes him a crowd favorite and why he’s made it back to the Carolinas again. It was one that really set the mood for the evening as it came to a close. A heavy riff intro brought on “Nuthin’ But Time” that he reached back to 2001 to pull out of his first CD. Its soaring chorus made it a lot of fun and finished up with an ending that brought down the house!
         
The next three numbers were cover tunes, including a Boney James number featuring Malik on keyboards, the laid back “Sleepwalk” from the 50’s, and finally mixing things up with Prince’s “Kiss.” Drummer Carl Anderson had the whole place singing and rocking on this fun one. Matt slowed down the pace once more with “Quietly.” Its haunting melody gave way to extensive keyboard work and the two sounded really good together. Rounding out the set was a couple of George Benson classics that everyone knew quite well. Both “Affirmation” and “Breezin’” were well accepted from the crowd before the break.
         
The break didn’t last long and Matt opened the second set with his hit “Space Coastin’” from his current CD On The Rocks. The crowd really got into it and loved the positive riffs this song is known for. He featured the band on “I Will Be With You”, as Kenny showed off his bass and Anderson laid out some great drum work. That brought out a little bit of James Brown and finished off with War’s “Take A Little Trip.” The latter whipped the crowd into a dancing mood and had everyone on their feet as they closed out both the weekend and a wonderful evening.
         
The great thing about Marshak’s shows is his genuine love for the music. He always showcases a good mix of classics and crowd favorites as well as his own music. They are always a lot of fun, and you leave feeling a whole lot better. Make sure you check him out the next time he’s in your area.