Emotionally charged acoustic rock/alt country is Lisa Martin's hallmark sound. Drawing on diverse influences spanning the last 3 decades, Martin's music bridges the elements of folk, rock and country with a sprinkling of blues.
Whether performing solo or with a full band, she is always well received and captivates the audience with her powerful vocals, guitar prowess, heartfelt delivery and quick wit. Her live performances, which run the gamut from well crafted original songs to covers of the eras most popular female artists, always exceed the listeners expectations and are steadily earning her a following of loyal fans throughout the Northeast.
A Western MA native, Martin performs regionally in the northeast and in parts of the mid-west. She has opened for many nationally touring artists including Patty Larkin, Vonda Shephard, Livingston Taylor, Aztec Two-Step, Ellis Paul, Steve Forbert, Vance Gilbert, Toshi Reagon and others and has headlined at the legendary Iron Horse Music Hall, in her home territory of Northampton, MA. Highlights of her regional performances include the Newport Sunset Festival, the Hear In Rhode Island stage at the Newport Folk Festival, the Midwest Music Summit and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference.
Her debut CD, Set Me On Fire, garnered 2 nominations in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards in 2001 and was also recognized in 2003, earning a Live Wire Award from the Springfield Republican, which recognized 10 local artists/bands for that year. The CD, which features some outstanding players including Duke Levine (Mary Chapin-Carpenter) on electric guitars, Richard Gates (Paula Cole) on bass, Lorne Entress (Mark Erelli Band) on drums and Leah Kunkel on backing vocals, is the perfect vehicle for Martins passion filled originals.
Her follow up CD, Lisa Martin - Live!, was released in July 2007, and shows no signs of a Sophmore slump. Quoted by Motif Magazine of Providence, RI : "The self described emotionally charged acoustic rock singer-songwriter has succeeded in capturing lightening in a bottle." Positive reviews from fans and critics continue to trickle in as Martin's exposure grows.
Press Quotes:
"Few of her acoustic cohorts can rock out like she does" - B. Goslow, Worcester Phoenix"For fans of catchy folk rock with an eye toward country, any of her shows are must-see performances." - D. DiMuccio, Motif Magazine, Providence, RI
"This 10-song disc highlights Martin's songwriting ability and her knack for wringing out all the passion that could possibly fit into a three-minute song." - Donnie Moorhouse, Springfield Republican".she says what she means in a way that sounds as if she means what she says." - S. McClennan, Worcester Telegram & GazetteThe authenticity in Martins voice was enough to make Sheryl Crow look like a flimsy sell-out. - D. Barry, Hartford Advocate
"....with an intense back beat rarely found within the folk genre." - D. DiMuccio, Motif Magazine
"Lisa Martin writes songs that are so melodic and catchy, that it's impossible to get them out of your head. Fortunately, you'd never want them to leave anyway!" - Mark Erelli, Signature Sounds Recording Artist
"Lisa has a beautiful voice and is a first rate musician." - Stephen Kellogg, singer-songwriter
"Lisa Martin's songs are a rare combination of crushed velvet and corduroy overalls - silky, sexy and you never want to take them off!" - Justina Golden, Profound Sound Voice Studio
"A wonderful listen that evokes the kind of feelings that make you want to simultaneously smile, dance, laugh, cry, and reflect on life's many lessons all the while being totally blown away by the wave of strong rhythms and subtle nuances. I can't stop listening to this disc. I just love it!" - Wes Cooley, fan review from CD Baby www.cdbaby.com
"Beautifully written, performed and produced, "Set Me on Fire" showcases Lisa's immense talents as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Few artists match her ability to create such meaningful, moving music centered on matters of the heart. A dazzling breakthrough set from one of my favorites!"- Guy-Michael Grande, singer-songwriter
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