Camp Holiday

Martin Sexton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kitchen Table
• ASIN: B000B5KRSO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,111 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The powerfully soulful and perennially inventive vocalist Martin Sexton has made a Christmas record that really does sound like it was recorded around a woodsy campfire with friends and family (truth be told it was, in fact, cut in a cabin someplace in the Adirondack Mountains with his father and daughter who help out on "Silent Night"). Other times, it plays like a lost folk music field tape from the Alan Lomax era. Or a Burl Ives demo crossed with a rich streak of delta country blues. However you hear it, the unassuming collection of Christmas standards is one of the rarest and most memorable discs you give to fans of timeless singers like Al Green, Van Morrison or other soul men with uncompromising integrity. Sexton’s "Blue Christmas" might be the most vulnerable version ever recorded, while the prayerful a cappella "Let There Be Peace on Earth" is simply beautiful beyond words. An instant classic. --Martin Keller

Product Description

Martin Sexton, called by Billboard "a vocalist of amazing proficiency and sensual conviction," recorded Camp Holiday in a cabin deep within the Adirondack Mountains. You can almost smell the wood smoke as songs like "Blue Christmas" fill the room. Unencumbered by the distractions of big production, the simplicity allows this one-man band to shine like the brightest bulb on the tree using his body as a drum, his voice like a trumpet and his spaghetti strainer as percussion.

Camp Holiday is the perfect winter companion, complete with quintessential festive ingredients: the warmth of a timeless classic in "I'll Be Home for Christmas," the joy of a swinging "Holly Jolly," a family gathering in "Silent Night"--where his father and daughter sit in--and a timely rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

The holiday spirit of giving is not lost on this album either. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses.

Sexton, a Massachusetts-based troubadour who's no stranger to the road, has been widely hailed by critics. The Wall Street Journal called him "an impassioned performer who can bring women and men to tears when they see him live." The New York Times said "he can turn an ordinary song into a jazzy showcase" and "his unpretentious heartiness helps him focus on every soul singer's goal: to amplify the sound of the ordinary heart." And Acoustic Guitar called him "not just a good singer, songwriter, and musician. He's a musical adventurer and innovator" and cited his "mad scientist approach."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I'm trying my best to like this CD...., November 26, 2005

By 

Dawn Scheidt "Shoddy 13" (Marquette, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Camp Holiday (Audio CD)

Everyone that has heard Martin sing becomes a die hard, loyal fan. He is the most gifted singer on the market today. I was excited to see a new CD out, especially in time for the holiday season, but I was quite disappointed. I suppose it was more a matter of the songs and not the artist. The Christmas songs chosen are common and sung too often. There are no suprises and no real feelings involved in these songs. Every other CD of his is powerful, emotional, and a tribute to what music can do for the soul. This, however, is not one of them. I enjoy his lyrics and the power behind them. Therefore, this CD did not do it for me. I did enjoy the bare-bones acoutics of the CD and the songs were given a Martin twist. His father(?) even sang on one song. I am still a fan of Martin and will buy his next CD. PLEASE give his other CDs a chance, just not this one. Sorry Marty...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is okay., November 26, 2005

By 

D. Fieland (Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Camp Holiday (Audio CD)

After hearing this album I'm not too surprised what it sounds like. Sure, this isn't like some of Martin's powerfull albums, but come on it's a Christmas album with a list of tradtitional tunes that have been covered a hundred times. I wouldn't expect anything profound. This is good for what it is; a good Christmas album with a good voice. The naysayers need to get a life and give this guy a break (bad christmas spirit on their part; they might as well get the crucifix and nails while they're at it).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A little short, but excellent., December 20, 2005

By 

K. Turner (Syracuse NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Camp Holiday (Audio CD)

It's short running time being it's only downfall, I love this CD. Other reviewers are entitled to their opinion, but as for me, this CD takes these already timeless and beloved songs to an entirely new level, with their "around the campfire" feel (I'd have loved to have been invited to that "recording session"). But with the one new song celebrating all holidays, without being so nauseatingly P.C., this makes a nice addition to your Elvis, Sinatra and Burl Ives Christmas recordings.