Live Wide Open [Live]

Martin Sexton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 2, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Kitchen Table
• ASIN: B000063KRN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,118 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest live recording I've ever heard, June 4, 2003

By 

Scott Walldren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live Wide Open (Audio CD)

One of the most versatile contemporary singer-songwriters touring America (in 2001 he racked up over 80,000 miles on the road), Martin Sexton's Live Wide Open showcases his amazing presence live. Recorded mostly at the Park West in Chicago, the album carries through the various highs and lows of Sexton's voice and songwriting moods. "Beast In Me" is particularly funky, while "Can't Stop Thinking About You" drags the listener into the neon nights and smoke-filled rooms of heavyhearted desperation. Throughout the album, Sexton's vocal and guitar performance is practically flawless. Sexton groupies may be let down by the track selection and implimentation, but this is certainly a great place from which to begin listening to Martin. Personally, this is the finest live recording I have ever heard, both in sound quality and performance.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I don't understand some people..., June 25, 2004

By 

Steve (Calgary) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live Wide Open (Audio CD)

To 'A customer from Boring, Oregon' who's negative review could only muster the scruffy, plump looking Martin. You know what? You are so right........I completely forgot that you have to be pretty to be a good musician don't you? Top 40 that every day!!! Musician craftsmanship is directly correlated to your cheek bones!

NOT!!!

Get a grip.....that was not a musical criticism. When you are listening to your music on your headphones, does it really matter what the artist looks like? If you're concerned with looks buy GQ....if you want to hear music, buy this album, because it is priceless.

Please criticize the music, not the appearance of the man, that's just stupid.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are reading this review..., November 26, 2003

By 

Louis Tuck (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live Wide Open (Audio CD)

congratulate yourself because you are one of the privileged few to discover Martin Sexton! I find it surprising that a singer / songwriter as talented as Martin is hasn't gained the type of notoriety he deserves....but who am I kidding? We're talking about the music industry; full of blasé, hype-driven, corporate pop rock.

"Live Wide Open" is a welcome escape from the boring, over produced pop albums we all can't seem to avoid. After seeing Martin in his last tour "An Evening With Martin Sexton", I can honestly say this two-disc set portrays Martin's music as it is truly meant to be shared...live and wide open! It seems as if Martin comes alive in concert - as if he is breaking free from the shackles of the studio, and once free, he lets the beast within him break out! On the thrid track as Martin introduces the song "Beast In Me" during a Hollywood show, he proceeds to break it down "LA style" and then proclaims "The beast is the best in me!" as he invites the crowd to join in. Regardless of whether your a fan or not, the energy and thrill of this live show makes it one helluva fun song (and album) to listen to, and you'll be singing the songs in your head for days.

After listening to Martin for several years, I often marvel at his ability to write fresh and unique music using varying styles such as blues, R&B, classic rock, jazz, folk, and others. I've also gained respect for his clever lyrics, sharp songwriting, strong vocal presence, and creative guitar arrangements.

Regardless, this is Martin at his best! In many ways this album could be considered a "best of" since it includes many of his most popular songs (Angeline, Beast In Me, Things You Do To Me, and Black Sheep). In summary, Live Wide Open is solid compliation of live performances, and perfect way to introduce the novice fan to the delights of Martin Sexton.