Search - Martin Sexton :: Live Wide Open

Astounding high-energy versatility from a true talent.

Douglas Vencill | San Diego, CA USA | 04/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's always a cool thing when our HP brings new friends into our lives...it's even cooler when we find out how much we have in common with said new friends...& it's the coolest thing in the world when these new friends turn us on to musicians we've never heard before who end up knocking our socks off. I honestly can't recall the last time I was introduced to a new musician by hearing a concert recording first; but as some in here will attest, I'm glad that this is the first Martin Sexton album I heard. As one who's the tender age of 51, I've heard many incredible live albums over the years...Springsteen, James Taylor, Don McLean, Humble Pie, Foghat, Frampton, The MC5, Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tomita, Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach, The Elders, Clannad...the list could go on and on. But this recording of Martin's stands out in ways that are unique, not the least of which is the fact that it's just him and drummer Joe making all this mind-bogglingly good music live (with the exception of the great Nils Lofgren helping out on lead guitar on "Ice Cream Man"). There are times when you'd swear there had to be at least 4 people on stage. And the engineering is the one thing that impresses me most--full-bodied, full-range, just beautiful. (Nothing worse than a muddy-sounding concert recording.) It's hard for me to grasp the no-minded negative reviews polluting this space...I mean, to each his own, but seeing some of the bile spewed by certain "reviewers" in here makes you wish Amazon had a built-in Airhead Filter.



It's pretty plain Martin pours his heart & soul into these performances, and that he's having one hell of a good time doing it. While there are certain songs I like more than others on here (remember, I'm a newbie), overall I am usually able to listen to this entire set all the way through each time I pop it in. I also get the impression that Martin is either a member of NA or AA, judging from the content of some of his songs...if so, that's cool, since I'm a recovering addict as well. Either that, or he's just familiar with the 12-Step program of recovery by way of friends and/or family members. (Case in point: "13 Step Boogie," one of my favorite tracks. For those who aren't familiar with recovery programs, "13-Stepping" refers to an unwritten addition to the 12-Steps...it's an unwelcome practice at meetings when a person who's been in recovery for awhile puts the moves on a vulnerable newcomer with the sole intention of getting laid.) So Martin, if you're in recovery, congrats and I hope you stay clean, brother. (I'll have 10 years clean on October 3rd.) And if you're singing in honor of loved ones who are either hooked or in recovery, then it's cool that you write & sing songs that are sensitive to their trials & tribulations. That being said, I love how "13 Step Boogie" pokes good-natured fun at the whole thing...it's a great, energetic, finger-snapping, toe-tapping song with one of the greatest call-&-response audience participations I've ever heard, complete with a little tip of the hat to the great Cab Calloway. "Wasted" brought back fond memories of hanging out with buddies and getting loaded in the pre-recovery days. "In the Journey" is a great testament to conversations that frequently take place between people in recovery, and more often than not, between sponsors and sponsees. I also love the manic rendition of "The Beast In Me," the gorgeous acoustic rendering of "Hallelujah," the tent revival meeting climax of "Black Sheep," the mind-blowing jam session that IS "Gypsy Woman"...and I have to tell you this, too: "Where Did I Go Wrong?" hit a little too close to home, reminding me of a painful break-up of 9 years ago...brought a few tears out the first time I heard it. And I believe his rendition of "Ice Cream Man" more than likely brings a smile and nod to the faces of Eddie, Alex, Michael & David Lee.



So: for those who appreciate everything that makes a live recording the timeless, wonderful thing that it is, don't waste another minute and add this to your collection. I've been sampling Martin's studio songs on Amazon here, and so far I love what I'm hearing...it's a safe bet that all of his releases will soon be in my hands. And wonder of wonders: soon after I met my friend who turned me on to Martin's music (thanks, Eric), we found out that Martin's performing next week at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS. We've got our tickets and I'm on pins and needles waiting for what I'm certain will be an evening I'll never forget. Hallelujah."

Don't believe the nay-sayers

John W. Lloyd | Decatur, GA United States | 04/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Someone seems to have a grudge against Martin Sexton here, but grudges aside, this is one amazing album. Martin Sexton is one of the most underrated, overlooked artists of our generation. His voice, booming one moment, lilting falsetto the next is more true and beautiful than any in music. His guitar skills are simply astounding-- his ability to comp and solo without breaking rhythm is womderful. When one considers that the man typically tours only with a drummer (no bass player, no keys), it magnifies his accomplishments. From bold and raucous to sad and slow, you will NOT be dissatisfied with this album. Buy it, love it, and thank your lucky stars you made the acquaintance of this fine, fine artist when you did.Without qualification, highly recommended."