Customer Reviews

Live Wide Open

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Go ahead, pick this one up. It's historical, for gosh's sakes- Marty's first live album! I was disappointed a little, because at the same time in my life that I got into this guy, I was running away from all those never-ending stadium rock guitar solos, and now Martin wants to BE those guys (Led Zeppelin, et al). I didn't much care for the Gypsy Woman reprisal. But it's worth it for tracks like Hallelujah, which on Wonder Bar is a catchy, harmless little tune but gets transformed here into something amazing. Angeline is great, and so are Women and Wine, Black Sheep, Beast In Me, etc. He's not the guy you want him to be at every moment, but his shows are always something special.

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.

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.

I purchased this CD at Marty's show. I say that because I'm a huge fan of his. I've seen him live five times and have downloaded tons of bootleg live cds. To truly appreciate his talent, you must see him live, but a live cd is the next best thing. I mostly wanted to write this review to clear something up from other reviews I've read. A few people have said that he should pack up his band and go back to his solo work. The thing is, this is his solo work. The only musician added to his tour was Joe Banadio his drummer. Otherwise, there is no band but him. That's part of what makes him great. He plays all parts with his guitar and his voice. The lead you hear on gypsy woman is him singing through some kind of effects. He plays the bass while playing guitar by lowering his e string. Listen to this album with the knowledge that he is responsible for every sound except the drums and you will begin to appreciate his musicianship. You may have a hard time believing this, but I saw if for myself. In fact, I was present for one of the shows on this album. Do yourself a favor and catch one of his shows. You'll see what I mean. ...

I'm not sure WHAT album that last reviewer listened to, but it DEFINATLEY was NOT this one. Must have had a bad day or something.... This album is EXACTLY what I was hoping it would be.. After seeing him MANY times over the years, I was really itching for some live stuff. Well.. I GOT IT! This cd captures the 2001 tour PERFECTLY. The angelic beauty to the funked out guitar jams! It is exactly how the show felt. He's really having a blast with the crowd. Sure, there are some fan favorites missing from this cd but when i finished listening the the cd's, I missed nothing! It's fun, beautiful & inspiring all at once. A definate MUST for Martin Sexton, or just plain music, fans!! Put this cd in, grab a beer, and let it take you away. My summer is set. Not to mention I'll be seeing him live next week in Seattle.!!! Thanx Martin

After hearing the song Black Sheep on a compilation disc I decided to pick up Live Wide Open. It is definitely one of the best live albums I've heard in years. Vocally and musically it is tight throughout. It has a great mix of funky, grooving tunes and mellow tunes. Martin is also a great lyricist, which nowadays you don't see too often. It's a shame such a talented artist isn't more exposed, there's so much garbage out there.

This is the second albumn I have bought of Marty Sexton's; the first being Black Sheep. Each time I listen to his music, I find a new range, pitch or harmony that has been lost by many of the "Pop" artists mass produced within the music industry.

Live Wide Open is a great and more importantly; original albumn that combines his funky style with R&B and a whole lot of Marty (no other words can really describe his style). I enjoy it as much as Black Sheep and hope he will be traveling to Houston soon!