Utah Blues

“The Soul Man”
Martin Sexton, The Depot, April 25, 2007
Review by Brother Chunky at: www.utahblues.com

My friends have been telling me about Martin Sexton for years and I did enjoy some of his recordings, but you HAVE to experience a live performance to feel his power. Thanks to my friends, who called months ago to commit me to go to his concert, I experienced Mr. Martin Sexton. I am now a believer.

Mr. Sexton has perfected the art of “solo performance” through the years, but his latest album “Seeds” was recorded with his new band. These carefully selected musicians (bassist, drummer, and organist) shared the stage with Martin for all but a few songs of the two hour set. A Reggae version of “Glory Bound” (one of Martin’s most popular tunes) was a definite highlight. It caught his long-time fans off guard, but judging by the crowd response, it was a good surprise. Another amazing moment came during the solo part of the show. Martin started playing a funky percussion and bass rhythm on his Godin guitar (thumping the body and slapping the strings), added “beat box” effects with his mouth while approximating a convincing “guitar solo” with his voice (second microphone running through some effects into a Fender guitar amp). This was technically impressive and just plain COOL!! At another point, Martin gathered the band on the side of the stage to go “old school.” Sharing ONE microphone, they paid homage to Johnny Cash by performing “Folsom Prison Blues” (stand up bass, acoustic guitar, a metal pail for a drum, a little air hose powered organ and Martin’s voice). The crowd LOVED it.

I experienced several “chills running up the spine” moments during this concert. I heard another audience member say, “Martin IS music!!” That is an accurate statement. Music flows through Mr. Sexton straight to the soul of the listener. This is true SOUL music.

You can learn more about Martin Sexton at: www.martinsexton.com and there is quite a selection of performance videos at www.youtube.com. “The Depot” deserves some kudos for providing a great venue with a fabulous sound system and CLEAN restrooms. Jonah Smith (soulful singer/songwriter from NYC) opened the show and he is also quite good. Check him out at: www.jonahsmith.com.

Brother Chunky can be found at: www.soundlick.com/brotherchunky and www.myspace.com/brotherchunky.