An often used way of describing someone seemingly wise beyond their years is to call them an "old soul". To first witness guitarist Marcus Machado at work is to personify that idea. His musical vocabulary- what some may call his "chops", suggest a player who has been bodily inhabited by the greats who came before him. There are obvious influences and favorites- Hendrix and Scofield come to mind pretty quickly. But his isn't a revue show, and his playing isn't mimicry, but instead, a measured and reverential excellence that gives nods to his heroes, while offering a glimpse into the limits he's clearly intent on stretching. Speaking with the former child prodigy reinforces this idea, as his grasp and understanding of that which preceded him, as well as what is happening in the now, makes clear this body as vessel had been filled with an old man's lessons. Listeners should and will be grateful. //#MarcusMachado performing on the B-Side for @brictv #concertphotography by #craigcarpenter 1/21/16, Brooklyn, NY.
