GET TO KNOW… MARCUS LAZARUS

We chat to Marcus ahead of his show with us this summer. He plays at the Duke Of Lancaster on Sunday at 4pm.

Q: Please tell us one thing we may not know about you.
A: I used to be a home visitor for Age Concern as one of my first jobs. Loved it. Cups of tea, cake and stories about the war. Old people just need someone to listen to them which I was more than happy to do and get paid for it!

Q: What is your musical background (and are you self-taught)?
A: My father was Director of Music for the British Army so was raised on classical and marching band stuff, although my Mum always played Glenn Campbell and the great Country & Western stars. I discovered guitar about the same time as I discovered girls so taught myself to play Status Quo and Chuck Berry songs which helped to make me appear more “interesting”. I was a bit of a rebel metal head teenager, although it did put me on the path to discovering blues through the likes of Rory Gallagher, ZZ Top and Gary Moore.

Q: Who do you look up to as an artist?
A: I think anyone who has a sense of melody and trying something different has my attention in any musical sphere. Apart from jazz. Still don’t get it. My absolute hero though is Gary Moore. Just an amazing natural touch and sadly missed.

Q: When it comes to writing songs, what circumstances or events give you inspiration?
A: More often than not its everyday life. Seeing or hearing something, although the imagination is a wonderful place to go visit now and again.

Q: Which one of your songs means the most to you?
A: Typically it’s the latest one usually. If I had to pick one from the back catalogue so far it would be ‘Reflection’ off ‘Save My Soul’. It’s my attempt at redemption for the way I was then.

Q: In terms of your shows, what is your favourite track to perform live and why?
A: Love, you ain’t foolin’ me. Has an acalpella section which sounds great when we nail it.

Q: What’s been the most memorable time of your musical career?
A: Seeing my first album in my hands with my name on it was an amazing thing. And every album since then. But I probably have to say that recording in Studio 2 at Abbey Road when I was in a McCartney tribute was probably the most ethereal musical experience.

Q: What else do you have in store for the rest of this year?
A: There are 2 more EPs coming out as part of a trilogy this year. I’m also constantly writing and at the moment I’m collaborating with other musicians on a secret project which is going to be more “modern” in feel but keeping the blues vibe very much in the foreground. Expect lots of lead guitar coupled with synths and samples.

Q: Where can people find out more about you and your music?
A: www.marcuslazarus.com

Q: Is Lazarus your given name and what are the origins of the name?
A: Lazarus is the third surname I’ve had in my life and here’s another little secret for you. I’m getting married again next year so expect a fourth! I will be keeping Marcus Lazarus as a stage name though as it seems counter productive to start all over again.