Fabian Marshall

From the opening notes of People Watcher, Fabian Marshall grabs your attention and intrigues you with its acoustic reggae sound and infectious beat that suddenly finds you tapping your foot in time. But as you listen more you’ll find a rich tapestry of a musical palette filled with varied sounds and rhythms. As a friend of his says “Fabian Marshall is a musical chef who mixes things that ought not to go together. And yet, you leave his table terribly satisfied”. Listen to Snow Bird, a true story teller song with rhythmic vocals, shaker sounds and light melodic guitar parts, or When I See You, a beautiful ballad written for a close friend’s wedding that features the unique voice of Katarina Martensson of Sweden. Or fast forward to Soul Searchin’, a song with a real groove and showing a definite blues influence. Who is Fabian Marshall? Getting him to talk about himself is like pulling teeth but here in his music you can catch a glimpse of the man. Ask those who know him and you’ll hear stories and snapshots of his life that look as varied as the music: former horse trainer...drinking Mate in journeys through South America…dabbling in the big hair rock of the 80s…winning a ping-pong trophy with a half-broken paddle on a whim entrance to a competition…living in a one-room shack with his adventurous parents and two little sisters, minus power, running water or plumbing…roasting his own coffee beans…working at a children’s camp…singing in church choir and filling in as a soprano once in a while with that crazy falsetto of his. It’s not only through the broad soundscapes where you’ll learn about Fabian Marshall, but also through his lyrics that are often painfully honest, and speak of personal battles or spiritual journeys. There is a dark edge to this album, evident in songs like Foot on My Throat or Fight Left, yet there is also a strong element of hope, perhaps giving inspiration to persevere in the midst of struggle and find deeper meaning in the midst of pain. Fabian Marshall will draw you in with those catchy beats and hooky melodies of his but keep on listening and you’ll find yourself taken in deeper and the music will grow on you like a good friend. Enjoy the journey!