It’s a family affair

Marc Broussard

With Original Low

Tonight, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Cafe, $5

(412)… Marc Broussard

With Original Low

Tonight, 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Cafe, $5

(412) 481-7527

Music is an entity that can bond a family together; and the Broussard clan has been held tightly in its grip for three generations.

It began with Albert Broussard. A guitarist himself, he passed his talent on to his children – the ones that he gave up a music career to raise. Son Ted Broussard inherited the gift of riff and has had several gigs in the industry. The Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist’s latest and most widely received is on son Marc’s debut album Momentary Setback.

Collaborating with dad seemed the natural thing to do. At the tender age of five, Marc Broussard made his first stage appearance with his him, singing “Johnny B. Goode.” Fast forward 15 years later, where three-fourths of his life has revolved around the song industry, and the time and experience are finally paying off.

He sounds a bit like John Mayer on the opening track, “The Wanderer,” but don’t let that fool you. His music ranges from mellow and soothing blues to all-out rock. A gamut of influences have contributed to his style – Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and Bryan McKnight are a few. While Broussard can lay claim to the majority of songs on Momentary Setback, David Egan, whose songwriting credits include Etta James and Percy Sledge, assisted the rookie on the album. The notable result is “French Cafe,” a slow and piano influenced jazz ballad reminiscent of Broussard’s Lafayette, La., hometown.

One of Pittsburgh’s local talents, Original Low, joins Broussard tonight. Their sounds can be heard on the X’s 2002 X-Files compilation released by 105.9 FM WXDX and on 102.5 FM WDVE.

Only a few weeks ago Marc Broussard was in town opening up for O.A.R. and after he departs the Steel City, he will join our Clarks for three shows this week. With his background and his up and coming stage credits, this 20-year-old won’t be a rookie for long.