Review for opening set with Tift Merritt:
“Warming up the cozy crowd was Chris Marshall, self-described as a guy who “lives down the street, writes songs, then sings ‘em.” But they happen to be very good songs, and he’s an engaging local performer who deserves the attentive audience he had Monday evening. “
- The Oregonian

“…a sweet-voiced local country boy with some righteous gospel in his blood.”
- Portland Monthly


August Light reviews:
“The messages here resonate just as strongly as the melodies. Highly recommended.”
- PowerPopaholic.com

“Each song on the album is reminiscent of an older age of country and soul, yet the music, vocals and lyrics are fresh and new. There is an openness in the storytelling of each track that leads us to believe that each song contains a piece of Chris Marshall, a moment in his life captured for all time through lyrics… This album has it all.”
- Melissa Minners, G-Pop

“Marshall does not go out of his way to impress you, nor does he express any glitz and glamour. Marshall’s alt-country aura is that of purity and that says a lot (4.8 out of 5).”
- Andrew Duncan, ZapTownMag.com


Starting Out EP reviews:
“…Chris Marshall brings an intelligent and warm approach to writing country music that is a hallmark of its history but too little emphasized today. Starting Out isn’t his debut recording, but it’s a coming out of sorts for an artist with the potential to not only be popular but also lasting and significant. The philosophical bent of his writing may escape some, but the principles on which his writing is based are universal. Love, hope, struggle and learning (including pain and sorrow) are the currency in which Marshall trades, all with the purpose of understanding the world around him. His questions are ones we all ask, and his songs are gentle comfort to those who continue to seek and struggle from day-to-day. Starting Out should be the beginning of big things.”
- Wildy’s World

“…wonderfully inspirational country-tinged music that avoids country music clichés. Starting Out is a small gem of a record, unique, Oregon to the core, and I look forward to whatever Marshall comes up with next.”
- Matt Love, Nestucca Spit Press

“This five song EP CD serves up a pleasing quintet of gently lulling and harmonic country tunes. Chris Marshall’s soothing voice hits the pleasantly reassuring spot while his songwriting is nicely mature and thoughtful. The tuneful arrangements keep the steady, yet subdued beats and gradual tempos ebbing along at a relaxed clip. Moreover, the music has a haunting doleful quality to it which adds to its considerable poignancy. A lovely and finely affecting little jewel.
- Joe Wawyzniak, JerseyBeat.com

“…reminiscent of the best songs that Ryan Adams has written…’STARTING OUT’ is a strong collection from a songwriter I definitely want to hear more of.”
- Tim Hinely, Dagger Zine (daggerzine.com)