White man with soul plays Lab Theatre Peter La Grand When you hear the name Martin Sexton you probably feel nothing, for not many know this name. But when you hear Martin Sexton, you will feel chills, peace and happiness. Martin Sexton, a self proclaimed “white man with soul” is attempting to reach America one fan at a time with a distinct blend of acoustic guitar and soul that he honed on the streets of Boston. Critics seem to agree that the best thing about Sexton is his live show, one critic even saying that the most amazing thing about his new album Black Sheep is that Sexton can make his music even better live. And no one fails to mention Sexton’s voice. Comparisons to the likes of Al Green and Van Morrison (truly the only white man with soul) seem to be included in every Martin Sexton article written so far, and this will be no different. Yes, this man’s voice is thick like ‘jo momma’s gravy. He is the kind of singer that gives the feeling that you are experiencing the actual vibrations of his chest when he sings. Furthermore, he attains that motown honesty with his singing that all of us wish we could, complete with falsetto. On his latest album, Sexton includes R?, folk, pop, and acoustic soul. While sometimes artists who attempt to be this versatile fail, Sexton pulls it off with grace and power. Sexton’s guitar playing is excellent, and his melodic creativity is superb. No matter what you label him, Sexton does you proud. His lyrics are simple- many tell of stories that draw you in without effort. And due to the fact that Sexton is on his own label, his music is unadorned and uninhibited by the polishing methods apparent in most music. This is music that you would be happy to let your parents hear, music that you will be proud to stand behind. There is no angst here, only searching and passion. This is music that you can make part of your life; this is wholesome music.