Search - Daniel Lee Martin :: On My Way to You

+1/2 -- Modern country that's very likable

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 06/16/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This former Florida advertising exec's second release continues to swim in the same mainstream country sounds as his 2003 debut. What saves this from sounding like Nashville product is Martin himself; he's likable in the manner of George Strait, and though the songs, arrangements and production aren't particularly different than that being offered by the majors, the end result is substantially more charming than CMT's flavor of the day.



The generous sixteen song track list, composed mainly by Nashville writers, is filled with sensitive ballads and introspective mid-tempo rockers. The romantic upbeat opener shows off Martin's charms, with an easy vocal buoyed by a driving drum beat, electric guitars and plenty of fiddle. It's may be nothing new, but it has good hooks and will play well on country dance floors. Martin's sole original, "Moonshine Momma," adds a clever twist to the home-brew genre by turning the moonshiner into an object of lust.



A pair of covers finds Martin to be a thoughtful interpreter. His slow rendition of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" builds from guitar and mandolin to a full band arrangement, with a vocal that builds from initial reserve to an emotional finish. He revitalizes the Georgia Satellites "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" as a swampy blues, with a vocal assist from World Series champion pitcher (and record label partner) Bronson Arroyo; this is a fan concert favorite brought powerfully to disc.



Throughout the disc, Martin's defining characteristic is earnestness. Singing a sly country blues like "Just What You Did," or crooning more gentle for the fingerpicked "Through and Through," you can sense his commitment. Martin kickstarted his indie career with a relentless Wal-Mart tour, and followed up with endless road gigs, a divorce, and rounds of gathering material, musicians and funding for CD releases. Whether or not this adds up to national success, Martin's clearly happy just playing music for a living. 3-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]"

Another great CD by Daniel Lee Martin

M. Gratton | Vermont | 06/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We first heard Daniel Lee Martin as an opening act for Lee Greenwood at a benefit concert a few years ago. We bought his CD while we were there. I enjoy it and it's one of my wife's favorites. When his new CD came out there was no doubt that we were going to buy it. We both enjoy it very much. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of him in the future."