Just to find a venue is a challenge in and of itself, let alone an affordable one. No too long ago when Brock performed in San Rafael (in Marin – San Francisco’s ‘backyard’) I was intrigued. Unaware that across the Golden Gate Bridge, any place apart from Marin Performing Arts Center, I was amazed that San Rafael would even have a cabaret spot. Still, I know a determined performer will create a venue if no venue is available. And, no doubt that has been done at various points in his singing career. In the summer of 2014, The First Presbyterian Church in San Rafael made space available for Brock’s “Carole King’s Tapestry Album” show. The show was so successful, it was repeated at Martuni’s to applauding reviews. His inclination to striking and soulful material is amazing. It takes courage and persistence to perform live. What is most important though is that Brock has talent. Not only does he possess talent, he recognizes it. Just look at the quality of material he is drawn to. I think that says a lot right there! Unique, original, and a very embracing personality that attracts audiences easily.
Fortunately for cabaret venues it is that ‘from-the-heart’ quality that makes Brock’s talent approachable. An approachable, affable person who can really sing, ensures the total cabaret experience and makes the venue a delight to be in.
Ah, the venues I used to haunt, back in J-school not too long ago; they were The Rrazz Room, Octavia Lounge, John Foley’s, The Purple Onion and The Plush Room. All are gone now. Except for Martuni’s, that might be one of the last vestiges. I say this again, because just like real estate, venue space for local performers to sing in San Francisco is rare.
Yet, to my surprise and delight, even after going as far as Mexico to perform, Brock has continued to shine, even amid defeat in 2012 when he was on TV’s X-Factor show. The Texas-native has made San Francisco his home and it seems Martuni’s is his platform. Truly a piano bar in every sense of the word, Martuni’s is small as most cabaret venues are. Yet, perhaps it is because of the ‘intimate space’ that Brock is able to connect with audiences in a way that lets the best of his eclectic personality reach people.
With the help of accompanist Dee Spencer, Brock keeps emerging with fresh material.
No doubt his range of styles and taste in music is eclectic. Brock can sing Kenny Loggins songs with a soulful Gospel heart-felt sound one minute and put together an entire show of Stevie Wonder songs, in the next. He makes no apology for singing torch songs and disco classics.
Yet his originality and honesty helps him to expand upon a “songbook” all his own. This coming Saturday at Martuni’s he will be performing a collection of TV theme show songs. With the help of singer Nikki Arias, Brock will churn up all those sit-com and favorite TV show songs from the 1980s and more.
The San Francisco Chronicle noted that even when Brock embellishes his performances with a bit of campiness and fun, rhythm and blues and Gospel songs he does exceedingly well. To learn more about Jason Brock, visit his web site.
