Despite all the punk and thrash I push at this publication, I have a deep affinity for all things R&B. Perhaps it was growing up on the sounds of Motown, courtesy of Chicago’s Oldies 104.3. Or maybe because I’m a bass player. Whatever the reason, I’m instantaneously drawn to the genres’ pulsing low-end, straight rhythms, and heartfelt vocals. However, discovering R&B artists who use live instrumentation instead of programmed beats isn’t as easy as it used to be, especially on terrestrial radio stations. Luckily, artists such as Marcus Machado still exist.
On his latest full-length, Blue Diamonds, Machado showcases his distinct brand of psychedelic R&B.
Combining elements of multiple genres with keen aptitude, he has slowly made a name for himself on the indie scene. Aquarius Purple, his debut album, found Machado striking a cosmic balance between soul and rock by playing to his strengths. Imaging lots of Jimi Hendrix influence in his guitar playing with hints of Buddy Guy’s ferocity. Writing off Machado off as yet another Hendrix clone invalidates his own personal journey as a musician. The influence is definitely present, but it never was the primary focus of his sound or story.
By the time Marcus Machado teamed up with Soul Step Records to release his debut album, he already had another record completed. Both the label and Machado chose to hold off on what would become Blue Diamonds in favor of Aquarius Purple. The decision proved to be correct because the debut quickly sold out its entire first vinyl run and immediately demanded a re-press. Since then, Machado has blown up to be one of the most sought-after musicians in the R&B scene. After serving in the music department for the award-winning documentary Mr. Soul and collaborating with the likes of Daru Jones, Th1r3en, and Pharoahe Monch, it was time to put out more music.
Blue Diamonds is the sound of Marcus Machado’s evolution as an artist.
On a first listen to the sensual-to-chaotic groove of the title track, you could easily mistake Blue Diamonds as a record of finding one’s footing. But as soon as “All About Us” hits, you realize this isn’t really an album of experimentation. It’s a proving ground for Machado as an artist.
Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Machado takes the listener on a sonic journey seasoned with blues, soul, jazz, and funk. In fact, most of the guitar wizardry sounds closer to Prince than the aforementioned Hendrix and Guy. But what sets Machado apart from being merely a product of his influences is his believability. Regardless if the song is groovy, funky, or sexy, I believe every single note. Each one sounds like it’s coming from the depths of his soul, something missing from a lot of mainstream R&B songs these days.
Blue Diamonds isn’t just a collection of purple funk anthems.
Machado is joined by a plethora of soul artists stepping up to the mic, filling out the soundscape. His contributors range from Kennedy, Sandra St. Victor, and Rojo Lavoe to TFox, Jermaine Holmes, and Miguel Atwood Ferguson. For me, the centerpiece of Blue Diamonds is “Stop,” the collaboration between Machado and the legendary Brian Owens. Never has a modern R&B vamp made me want to get up and move like this track. I really hope these two artists do an entire record together someday.
Sure, Blue Diamonds may not have a lot in common with the R&B I grew up on, but it does contain the very essence of what attracts me to the genre. That’s why I’m excited to see where Marcus Machado goes from here. With his first two projects, he has more than proved himself as a competent guitarist, producer, and collaborator. Most importantly, he has shown himself as an artist who openly defies his influences (be they projected or organically) to play the kind of music that comes naturally to him. Just like Blue Diamonds is an album that blends many genres to make something not heard anywhere else, Marcus Machado is an artist like no other. He is the next revolution of R&B.
Blue Diamonds is available on vinyl exclusively from Soul Step Records.