Marc Jordan’s resume might read singer, songwriter, artist, actor and playwright, but in May, he’ll be bringing just his musical talents to the Collingwood stage.
Jordan’s new album, Both Sides, was released in April and on May 5 he’ll be rolling into the Gayety Theatre to sing a few new songs alongside some old favourites.
The long-time musician also plays with Lunch at Allen’s, who made a stop in Collingwood back in December. Jordan said he enjoys playing in smaller venues.
“If it’s 300 or 400 seats, it’s more intimate. It kind of suits me better,” said Jordan this week in an interview with CollingwoodToday. “It’s a funny thing. You’ve gotta play the space. My music is a little complex, because there’s a jazz element to it. It works better in those mid-sized theatres.”
Jordan grew up in Toronto. His musical influences span from classical to jazz, soul to folk and everything in between.
“My father was a classical singer from Montreal. So, I grew up with my early years being all about the classical stuff, but my father also liked Maritime folk music,” said Jordan.
Jordan says that when he was a child, his parent bought him a radio he kept beside his bed that helped to expand his musical interests.
“In Toronto, back in those days, they didn’t really play a lot of soul music or R&B or anything like that. It was pretty white bread,” said Jordan, with a laugh. “I took a wire and attached it to the antenna screw and wrapped it around the drain pipe outside my window. Our house became the biggest aerial in Toronto.”
“If there was a storm in Cincinnati I could pick up gospel radio shows in Louisiana. It was music that wasn’t played in Canada. It gave me an early appreciation for soul music,” he added.
Jordan said he carried that early passion for music throughout his life.
“I wanted to be a recording artist, first and foremost,” he said. “I kind of drifted into writing songs for publishers.”
Jordan has written songs that have been covered by artists such as Rod Stewart—who secured a worldwide No. 1 hit with Rhythm of My Heart, Diana Ross, Chicago, Bette Midler, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Josh Groban and Natalie Cole.
Jordan’s 18th release, Both Sides, was released on April 5 and is a mix of his own material and standards of the ’60s and ’70s, such as Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now, Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side, Curtis Mayfield’s People get Ready, and Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses.
In addition to his musical endeavours, Jordan also dabbles in painting, acting and writing plays.
“I didn’t have many options because I’m horribly dyslexic,” said Jordan, with a laugh. “I knew I wasn’t going to become a lawyer. I’m 5’8’’, so basketball was out. The bottom line is, I loved writing songs, and I love singing. I love doing it.”
For more information and to buy tickets to Jordan’s show, click here.
