Marshall Oakman – “When Life’s Cold” [Song Review]

Singer-songwriter Marshall Oakman recently unveiled the music video for his single, “When Life’s Cold,” a song that reminds listeners that they have the power of choice when confronting hard times.

“When Life’s Cold” follows Oakman’s previous singles, “At the Boiling Point” and “She’s No Doll, She’s A Woman.” As with his earlier releases, the musicians back up Oakman on “When Life’s Cold” include a who’s who of New York’s finest: Kasim Sultan (Joan Jett) on bass, Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel Band) on drums, and Paul Pesco (Madonna) on guitar.

Oakman first came across a piano at the age of six. The magical spell of music enveloped him. Later, he started writing his own songs, creating a unique pop-rock sound.

He’s performed at The Cabana in Long Beach, Reel in East Rockaway, Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, Jones Beach Bandshell, Kasey’s Rooftop in Rockville Centre and Montauk Music Festival, along with most of the East Coast, including the New York metropolitan area, upstate New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Marshall Oakman, photo by Nicole Rochelle (@nicoleerochellee)

Opening on simple piano chords that elevate to a resonant melody riding a loose rhythmic flow, “When Life’s Cold” conjures up memories of early Billy Joel with its big, piano-driven surfaces. Oakman’s distinctive vocals imbue the lyrics with potent tones, evoking sweeping outlines of visceral emotions.

Full of genuine sentiment, empathy and susceptibility, on “When Life’s Cold,” Marshall Oakman sounds more confident than ever.

Run Time: 3:49
Release Date: August 4, 2024
Record Label: Independent