As much as I love contemporary pop music, I frequently find myself listening to classic rock on the many stations I’ve carefully curated via Pandora over the years. There’s just something awesome about the way skilled musicians shred it on the guitar or wicked pianists go crazy on the keys. As such, I was happy to learn about the work of Marshall Oakman.
The New York-based singer-songwriter is the mastermind behind “At The Boiling Point,” a newly-released single featuring legendary musicians Kasim Sultan (on bass), Liberty Devitto (on drums), and Paul Pesco (on guitar). The track has definitive traces of old school rock, with an awesome piano intro accompanied by light percussion that quickly erupts into a rich harmony.
Featuring timeless themes and magnetic melodies, the dynamic composition has identifiable elements of rock, both English and American, although it is heavier on the latter. But it’s also got wonderful vocals; Oakman has a youthful, vibrant, and very pleasant voice that adds a nice tone to the track, which gives it both a contemporary as well as retro feel.
The prolific performer has been working on his craft since he was a child. According to the press release, he was only six years old when he first fixed his eyes on a piano: “Pressing down on the black and white shapes, he discovered a timbre and texture that revealed magical keys to open doors that never close. As time passed, songs were born, flowing with a life of their own.”
Over the years, Oakman was privileged enough to collaborate with a lot of impressive talent. Much of which has worked and performed with some of the world’s leading artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Madonna, Hall & Oates, Steve Winwood, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Richie Sambora, Indigo Girls, Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, Todd Rundgren, Patti Smith, Meat Loaf, The New Cars, Alicia Keys, and more.
Today, Marshall is working hard on his music, and hopes that his work will encourage and inspire fans to appreciate and enjoy the gift of life every day. But, at the very least, we can all enjoy the wonderful track that is “At the Boiling Point.”
Note* Album provided for objective review by our partners.