Rich and Lori had this to say about the show they attended on October 17th in Rockland, Maine: "Martin Sexton played to a packed house at The Strand Theater this past Saturday. Showing up with a single electric guitar and his own accomplished voice, Sexton initially made his way through a short intro of songs written this past summer. All were created while he, and a song writing partner spent time relaxing on a lake. So new were these songs that he played from sheet music during this "paid rehearsal" portion of the show. All the better, if these songs end up on his new release set for April 2010.
Free of his sheet music and stand he gave full attention to the crowd and went full bore, making familiar songs seem new and unfamiliar songs seem close to the listener's heart. With the essence of each fully in tact, all songs collided with his unbridled artistic freedom. If Sexton was not using his voice, or his guitar to replicate percussive instruments, he was playing his guitar in a manner that suggested it was two guitars in one, with as much range as his own voice. And what a voice! Up, down and sideways Sexton's voice was unfailingly diverse and multi faceted, singing folk, R&B, and gospel-esque undulations with ease. In total the night felt like a polished jam session put on for a few hundred eager fans. No person was left sitting and no hands were left not clapping while he played Black Sheep to end his encore.
Give credit also to concert opening Chris Trapper, who delivered an opening performance worthy of the ticket price. Energetic, composed, comical at times and engaging, Trapper's compositions ranged from sweet to contemplative. Among the note worthy was "This Time", Trapper's song from the movie "August Rush", the sound track of which was nominated for a Grammy. "
Free of his sheet music and stand he gave full attention to the crowd and went full bore, making familiar songs seem new and unfamiliar songs seem close to the listener's heart. With the essence of each fully in tact, all songs collided with his unbridled artistic freedom. If Sexton was not using his voice, or his guitar to replicate percussive instruments, he was playing his guitar in a manner that suggested it was two guitars in one, with as much range as his own voice. And what a voice! Up, down and sideways Sexton's voice was unfailingly diverse and multi faceted, singing folk, R&B, and gospel-esque undulations with ease. In total the night felt like a polished jam session put on for a few hundred eager fans. No person was left sitting and no hands were left not clapping while he played Black Sheep to end his encore.
Give credit also to concert opening Chris Trapper, who delivered an opening performance worthy of the ticket price. Energetic, composed, comical at times and engaging, Trapper's compositions ranged from sweet to contemplative. Among the note worthy was "This Time", Trapper's song from the movie "August Rush", the sound track of which was nominated for a Grammy. "
"Martin Sexton is ripe with raw, expansive talent. His voice comes in a hundred impossible shades. His songs are sweet and spirited and soulful. His repertoire is like a cross-country tour of the American musical vernacular." -Boston Globe
You can get an idea of what Martin Sexton sounds like on his website here:
Wow, Rich. You're a great writer! Perfect style for a music review. It sounds like a great concert. Sorry I missed it.
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Love you guys! Thank you for all your help with my home theater
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