Live Wide Open [Live]

Live Wide Open [Live]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Martin Sexton is one of those musicians who is so spectacular in concert--without a band, without a net--that his studio recordings are often a bit of a letdown. The double-CD set Live Wide Open, which inaugurates Sexton's own label, Kitchen Table Records, finally brings to record the essence of his high-wire shows: from blissed-out Ray Charles-style R&B and gospel to soaring pop ballads to his almost campy transformations into a '70s heavy-metal god. To accomplish all this, Sexton needs nothing more than his megawatt voice, deep-pocket guitar (jazz comping, rock lead, and funk bass rolled into one), and the sly grooves of his longtime drummer Joe Bonadio. Sexton's two major-label efforts, The American and Wonder Bar, had their moments but tended to muffle his extravagant gifts as a singer and performer with conventional pop production; 1996's Black Sheep fared much better by only lightly supplementing his solo style. But Live Wide Open is the next best thing to the sweaty in-person experience. --Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

Live Wide Open,Martin Sexton,Kitchen Table,Alternative Folk,Contemporary Folk,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Folk,Pop,Rock

Average customer rating:

wide open soul

Astounding high-energy versatility from a true talent.

under rated talent...or just undiscovered?

A great CD. One of my favorite albums. (one star, below??)

Awesome talent

Live Wide Open
Martin Sexton
Manufacturer: Kitchen Table
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Seeds

Black Sheep

The American

Wonder Bar

In the Journey

ASIN: B000063KRN
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

In the Journey
Angeline
Beast in Me
Freedom of the Road
Hallelujah
Things You Do to Me
Women and Wine
Where Did I Go Wrong
13 Step Boogie

Tracks:

Gypsy Woman
Can't Stop Thinking About You
Wasted
Black Sheep
Ice Cream Man
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

Martin Sexton is one of those musicians who is so spectacular in concert--without a band, without a net--that his studio recordings are often a bit of a letdown. The double-CD set Live Wide Open, which inaugurates Sexton's own label, Kitchen Table Records, finally brings to record the essence of his high-wire shows: from blissed-out Ray Charles-style R&B and gospel to soaring pop ballads to his almost campy transformations into a '70s heavy-metal god. To accomplish all this, Sexton needs nothing more than his megawatt voice, deep-pocket guitar (jazz comping, rock lead, and funk bass rolled into one), and the sly grooves of his longtime drummer Joe Bonadio. Sexton's two major-label efforts, The American and Wonder Bar, had their moments but tended to muffle his extravagant gifts as a singer and performer with conventional pop production; 1996's Black Sheep fared much better by only lightly supplementing his solo style. But Live Wide Open is the next best thing to the sweaty in-person experience. --Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

Customer Reviews:

wide open soul.......2006-05-05

a supreme talent who really gives it his all. He's such an ordinary looking guy who delivers such an extraordinarily joyous and immensely talented show.

A wondrous display of "vocal soul" that runs circles around so many others in this genre.

Astounding high-energy versatility from a true talent........2006-04-24

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.

under rated talent...or just undiscovered?.......2005-07-19

Martin Sexton is one of those artists that just blows you away when you see him live. I have been fortunate enough to see him live about 6 times, and 5 out of the 6 were at "Stephen's Talkhouse" a very small venue that allows the audience to be there with Martin. It is as if you are in your living room and Martin is performing! Anyway, his albums are all wonderful, but as many other reviewers mentioned, Marti needs to be seen live FIRST...it is at that point that the listener can truly appreciate the music that has been recorded. Unlike most albums produced today, Marti's albums are not frosted over by electronics or anything else...they are Martin, his guitar and sometimes one other musician, a guitarist or drummer. It is amazing that one man and his guitar are capable of producing a sound that most bands can only hope to acheive with 4 pieces or more. I highly recommend this album along with all the others. Marti is a legend, most people just don't know him yet.
FYI < Marti grew up in Syracuse NY, NOT Boston (to all of those other reviewers claiming Boston as his home town). Marti spent many years in Boston playing on the streets, but is not a native. ENJOY and buy this album. I promise you will not be dissappointed.

A great CD. One of my favorite albums. (one star, below??).......2005-06-21

I have been a Martin Sexton fan for a few years now. Heard an interview with him on NPR and had to give it a try. Been hooked ever since. I really liked the Black Sheep album. So I bought The American and was dissapointed with all the studio mixing and over production that sucked the soul out of his music. This live album, however, is by far my favorite. Great live sound (I hear all instruments clearly) good sense of how dynamic he can be live, and the crowd noise is at a minimum but there's enough there to give it a live feel. I always liked Martin alone with his guitar (just as I saw him live in Boulder last year). Thought a band may be a downer but jeeeez, I would love to see this guy live with his band. His voice is as strong as ever and there is no overpowering instrument on stage. Simply a fantastic live album. If you have not heard MS before, this is a great start. At this point, I don't feel a need to break-out the other two albums I have of him as this has it all. I can't help but say that the negative reviews of this album are done by idiots (the hateful reviews that really speak for themselves) or by others who have little sense for a good live show by an amazing artist. Everyone of my friends who has heard this album thinks it is great. Five stars is the only option.

Awesome talent.......2005-01-23

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.

Average customer rating:

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SSJR
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

The Mikado: Overture
The Mikado: A Wandering Minstrel I
The Mikado: Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man
The Mikado: Young Man, Despair
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner!...Taken From The County Jail
The Mikado: As Some Day It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: Were You Not To Ko-Ko Plighted
The Mikado: I Am So Proud
The Mikado: The Sun, Whose Rays
The Mikado: Here's A How-De-Do!
The Mikado: Miya Sama (Entrance Of The Mikado)
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried
The Mikado: See How The Fates Their Gifts Allot
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
The Mikado: Alone, And Yet Alive!...Hearts Do Not Break!
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
Trail By Jury: The Learned Jungle
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Litttle Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Gallant Crew...I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore
Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad I Served A Term

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: Fair Moon, To Thee I Sing
H.M.S. Pinafore: Things Are Seldom What They Seem
H.M.S. Pinafore: The Hours Creep On Apace
H.M.S. Pinafore: Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
The Pirates Of Penzance: Oh, Better Far To Live And Die
The Pirates Of Penzance: Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast
The Pirates Of Penzance: Poor Wandering One!
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When The Foeman Bears His Steel
The Pirates Of Penzance: Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat-Like Tread
Patience: The Soldiers Of Our Queen...If You Want A Receipt For That Popular Mystery
Patience: Am I Alone And Unobserved...If You're Anxious For To Shine
Patience: Sad Is That Woman's Lot...Silvered Is The Raven Hair
Patience: A Magnet Hung In A Hardware Shop
Patience: Love Is A Plaintive Song
Patience: So Go To Him And Say To Him
Patience: When I Go Out Of Door
Patience: After Much Debate (Finale Act 2)
Iolanthe: When I Went To The Bar As A Very Young Man
The Lady Of My Love...(Finale Act 1)

Tracks:

When All Night Long A Chap Remains
When Britain Really Ruled The Waves
When You're Lying Awake With A Dismal Headache
If You Go In, You're Sure To Win
Ruddigore: My Boy, May Take It From Me
Ruddigore: The Battle's Roar Is Over
Ruddigore: In Sailing O'er Life's Ocean Wide
Ruddigore: You Understand?
Ruddigore: When The Night Wind Howls
Ruddigore: My Eyes Are Fully Open
Ruddigore: There Grew A Little Flower
The Gondoliers: We're Called Gondolieri
The Gondoliers: From The Sunny Spanish Shore...In Enterprise Of Martial Kind
The Gondoliers: I Stole The Prince
The Gondoliers: When A Merry Maiden Marries
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
The Gondoliers: Dance A Cachucha, Fandango, Bolero
The Gondoliers: There Lived A King, As I've Been Told
The Gondoliers: I Am A Courtier Grave And Serious
The Yeoman Of The Guard: I Have A Song To Sing, O!
The Yeoman Of The Guard: How You Say Maiden, Will You Wed
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Where I Thy Bride
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Oh! A Private Buffoon Is A Light Hearted Loon
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Comes The Pretty Young Bride

LIVE at The Puppet House (solo acoustic EP)

Average customer rating:

A tasty appetizer ~

LIVE at The Puppet House (solo acoustic EP)

Manufacturer: Eyesee Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00007EEFE
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Tracks:

Cleaning House (previously unreleased)
Tough To Balance
Some Rebellion
Wishing Street
Heavens' Key
Sky Open Wide (previously unavailable studio track)

Customer Reviews:

A tasty appetizer ~.......2002-12-17

Ian Charles LIVE is a greatly recorded representation of his 2000-2002, Wishing Street "Solo Acoustic" Tour.
He manages to find new, inventive arrangment of his early song, "Tough to Balance". Originally a driving rock-n-roll song from his debut, ...To Those Who Wait(1995). Now a funky alternately tuned soul song and "Some Rebellion" from Long Hill Road (1998) Acoustic Guitar and voice. That great voice.
The new songs, a previously unavailable Acoustic ditty named,
"Cleaning House" and the new studio track, "Sky Open Wide" from his upcoming and highly anticpated (by me)Cd for next year (2003)
Plus, having acoustic versions of his indie hits, "Heavens' Key" and "Wishing Street"(2000). This is almost a half hour of perfectly balanced and passionately performed Ian Charles songs from the last leg of a long tour. Pick it up.

Average customer rating:

With Arms Wide Open (Live at Arci's)
Baby Jane Dexter
Manufacturer: Quannacut Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000K3WQJA

Product Description

"Baby Jane Dexter may be the most talented singer within a time-honored genre of cabaret performer. Blunt, open-hearted and blues-tinged. Ms Dexter doesn't read songs phrase by phrase for their literary nuances. She locates their emotional centers and stays there." - Stephen Holden: THE NEW YORK TIMES. "No need asking whatever happened to Baby Jane. She's alive and kicking ass and you'd be foolish not to be in on the fun while she's doing it." - Rex Reed: NYObserver. Baby Jane Dexter is the winner of the 2002 Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Award for Major Jazz/Pop/Rhythm & Blues Vocalist of the Year. This is considered the Oscars of New York nightlife and was presented at Town Hall 4/1/02 /// GENRES - EASY LISTENING: Cabaret JAZZ: Jazz Vocals TYPE - LIVE RECORDINGS /// Tracks : 1. Intro 2. With Arms Wide Open 3. Taking a Chance 4. Sweet Simple Love 5. I Want More 6. Telephone Songs 7. The Gentleman Is a Dope 8. You Don't Know What Love Is 9. Something to Live For 10. Spinning Wheel 11. Damn Your Eyes 12. Walk a Mile in My Shoes 13. Is You Is 14. Hello Young Lovers 15. More 16. Forever Young

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