Three Musicians, One Room, and a Crosby, Stills & Nash Classic Done Right
An easy hello between Cal and Brendan floats across the room, then a count of one, two, a one, two, three sends a classic train song rolling. The surprise is how Joshua Lee Turner, Bobo & Smith turn a casual tape-room setup into an absolutely stunning live cover of Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Joshua Lee Turner joins Bobo & Smith on Instagram for a rock cover of Marrakesh Express, and the take keeps its human, in-the-room energy from the first seconds. The unmissable moment is the playful call for take four before the count-in, because Music Pulse readers can hear that this isn’t a stiff studio performance.
The arrangement brings together a 2001 Martin 000-28H guitar, a Music Man Joe Dart Jr. bass, and a Conn Minn-O-Matic drum machine. As the song moves forward, it paints its strange, colorful travel picture: sunset in someone’s eyes, Moroccan skies, animals packed wall to wall, smoke rings, colorful cats, and cobras in the square. The repeated destination is Marrakech, with All aboard that train giving the chorus its big, joyful sing-along lift.
The comments quickly zero in on what makes this performance stand out: the vocal blend. One viewer puts it simply, “Those harmonies are INSANE!” while another praises Josh Turner’s “impeccable” ability to harmonize with other musicians.
Others are impressed by the musicianship happening underneath those vocals. One listener points out that “singing while playing that bassline is pretty tuff,” while another sums up the whole performance with, “The talent here is supreme.”
There is also a strong sense of appreciation from older listeners hearing a younger generation embrace Crosby, Stills & Nash. One 65-year-old viewer says it “fills me with joy” to see younger musicians loving this kind of timeless music, adding, “Thanks for your beautiful covers.”
Perhaps the nicest compliment is also one of the simplest: “You give this a nice light touch. Perfect.” That easy, natural feeling is exactly what makes this version of “Marrakesh Express” so enjoyable.
Turner is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer who began posting eclectic covers and original music on Josh Turner Guitar in 2007, when he was 15. Graham Nash wrote Marrakesh Express, which Crosby, Stills & Nash released in 1969, as covered in Graham Nash’s songwriting story.
This performance is recorded live to 7.5 IPS RTM SM911 tape through an Otari MX-5050 Mk. II 8-track and a Fostex 450 mixer. A Vanguard V44S II vocal mic runs into a Lang Silverr 47 preamp, the guitar uses a Sony ECM-53, and the bass goes through a Rupert Neve RNDI. The drum machine runs through a Supro Amulet and is mic’d with a Shure 57, with conversion through a Pro Tools Carbon Pre and mixing in Pro Tools. For another guitar-led classic, Juliana Wilson’s Sultans of Swing guitar cover is well worth watching.
Joshua Lee Turner and Bobo & Smith’s Marrakesh Express cover is special because it keeps the song’s sunny train ride, stacked imagery, and unforgettable chorus while leaving in the laughter, the missed notes, and the loose final moments. It’s an incredible live-tape performance of a Crosby, Stills & Nash favorite, full of guitar, bass, rhythm, and genuine friendship, so check the useful links below.
The biggest payoff isn’t a flawless, polished ending. It’s hearing the musicians enjoy the take they just made, even with a few bumps along the way.
That warm, lived-in spirit is what makes this Marrakesh Express session such a fun watch.
If you would like to see more from Joshua Lee Turner, you can follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
