Gregory Markel, a.k.a. “The Voice” performed at The Derby, Tuesday, Sept. 18th at Cindy Alexander’s West Coast CD Release party. Often compared to such powerhouse greats as Bono, Robert Plant, Jeff Buckley and Sufi singer Nusrat Ali Khan, former “Altered State” singer/songwriter pounds out soulful acoustic ballads including his classic “Strong As I Am” featured in Michaels Mann’s cult film, “Manhunter.”
The evening may have belonged to indie pop darling Cindy Alexander at her West Coast CD Release party at The Derby Tuesday night, but Gregory Markel’s soulful and jaw dropping 4+ octave range, (earning him the nickname “The Voice”), rose head and shoulders above the plucky pop promotional fare with his emotionally charged “Strong As I Am” and riveting “Until You Come Back to Me.”
Considered a “hit or miss” musician, Markel is not easily appreciated with a half-ear subjected to background bar buzz due to his distinctive flair for emotive spasms and sometimes discordant rhythm shocking his audience into experiencing his music rather than filtering it. Armed with a throaty juggernaut and an unassuming yet palpable vulnerability that in a lesser artist would unravel into narcissistic caterwauling, Markel deftly sustains phenomenal control while bursting into an almost unconscious ricochet of plaintive harmony. His signature range however is not all that sets him apart, if not makes him difficult to categorize which seems just fine with Markel as he infuses progressive rock pounding guitar riffs with hair raising gospel, folk and blues in some of his more haunting ballads. Often compared to such powerhouse greats as Bono, Robert Plant, and Sufi singer Nusrat Ali Khan, Markel’s songwriting and chord progression share similar complexities to Freddie Mercury and Jeff Buckley particularly in his 90’s progressive rock band “Altered State” #1 on Rock Radio hit “Ghost Beside My Bed.”
As a solo artist, Markel continues to experiment with a mature dexterity that keeps his music fresh and uncluttered. Loyal fans enjoyed his acappella rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Halleluiah” and crowd pleaser “Until You Come Back To Me” that packs a wallop of a punch at the end with unbelievable stamina and pitch perfect resolve. His moving message of redemption between a child and parent in “Strong As I Am” which charted within The BBC Top 20 and appears in Michael Mann’s cult film “Manhunter” is still one of his most celebrated, fan generating ballads to date and received a strong reaction from those who heard it for the first time that night.
Although a must hear, Gregory Markel, a.k.a. “The Voice” is not always easily digestible by the uninitiated. His massive range and proclivity for controlled but at times jarring outbursts assaults the ear, and demands the listener’s preconceived notions to be set aside in order to fully participate with his profound mood-evoking music. As if tucked away inside his back pocket, Markel unleashes his shocking octave range if too predictably on every song. What sets Markel apart can at times seemed to me repetitive and over indulgent. His sensually charged voice oozes without the need for splashy undulations in his dynamic register. Like the fabled sirens of the sea, the lure of Markel’s ability is best met with surprise rather than expectation.
Gregory Markel’s transcendent, if not metaphysical approach to music is sincere. His soul rendering performance matched by his heady songwriting pulsates with frenetic energy that is best experienced live.
Samples of Gregory Markel’s music can be heard on his official website, www.gregorymarkel.com and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/gregorymarkelrocks.
Markel Rocks!