Occasionally an artist crosses my path who changes how I think about what makes a great performer and affirms the importance of music in our culture. Such was the case with Martyn Joseph when his reputation spurred me to go see him in Courtenay BC several years ago. Though it was a small venue that night he put on a show as if it was in a 3,000-seat theatre. His jaw-dropping guitar playing with its unique percussive style, his powerful voice, and his compelling songwriting all made for a tremendous live music experience
Though comparisons seem inappropriate for such an original artist, he has been called “The Welsh Springsteen”, but there are also shades of John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and Dave Matthews. He has long been a favourite of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival as well as festivals all over the world.
There is a versatility to Martyn’s music that is hard to categorize. Many have tried, resulting in labels such as Folk, Rock, Soul, Folk Funk and Americana; all of which somehow miss the mark. But sometimes music doesn’t need a defining genre and with the ability to articulate a sense of the bigger picture, Martyn’s music and social commentary manage to empower and speak for many. His songs are pictures, and stories, emotions all put to music and delivered by a master craftsman.
We are very fortunate that Martyn loves to play on Bowen Island and the tickets for the July 22 concert have been selling fast — with many coming from all over the lower mainland for the opportunity to hear him as he is not performing a show in Vancouver on this tour. So Tir-na-nog will fill quickly with Martyn Joseph fans and you might want to take the opportunity to become a new one while you can!
I have been pondering a “Trust Me” series. I LOVE bringing the exceptional music of my peers to Bowen to share their gifts with my community. That might mean someone you haven’t heard of, and I’d like to build it so you could indeed “trust me” that this is a show you shouldn’t miss. Consider this the first in the “Trust Me” series! Note, all funds go to the artist(s) after rent to the wonderful Tir-na-nog Theatre.
Wed. July 22 at 7:30pm (doors at 7:00pm). Tickets are $25 at Phoenix. (604) 947-2793
