Originally from Syracuse, Martin Sexton initially found success as a busker in Harvard Square. Selling tens of thousands of albums independently in the early 1990s, he found his way into the major label world with an Atlantic Records deal in the late 1990s. Ultimately building up a reputation as a musician’s musician, Martin is a rare artist that can float between the folk, jazz, singer/songwriter and jam scenes. Most of his recent albums — as released through Martin’s own Kitchen Table Records — have charted well on the Heatseekers and Triple A charts of Billboard, marking over two decades of acclaim.
On the heels of recent gigs at the Gramercy Theatre, Martin will be back in the area for the 35th Annual John Lennon tribute event at Symphony Space. Appearing alongside Joseph Arthur, Bettye LaVette, Dan Bern, Nicole Atkins and Joan Osborne — to name a few of the participants– the event also commemorates what would be John Lennon’s 75th birthday. Proceeds from this benefit show will aid the John Lennon Real Love Project, which is tied in with Gilda’s Club.
In support of this Dec. 4 event, and Martin’s latest album Mixtape Of The Open Road, I had the opportunity to conduct some Q&A with the man himself. Event info can be found at www.lennontribute.org, while Martin can be tracked at www.martinsexton.com.
You’ll be participating in a John Lennon tribute next month at Symphony Space. Do you remember the first John Lennon-related song that you learned how to play?
Martin Sexton: I’d have to say “A Day In The Life” or maybe it was “Revolution.” I used to love playing them in my old garage bands in high school.
Any chance you can reveal what you’ll be playing at this event? Or is that intended to be a secret?
M: It’s a surprise.
Any idea when you’ll be playing a headlining gig in New York City?
M: I did two nights at the Gramercy Theatre just a few months ago, so probably not for a little while anyway.
What do you remember about your first-ever gig in New York?
M: My first gig in New York was at The Bitter End playing for an audience of three: the bartender, the waitress, and the doorman.
For a long-time fan of yours, how would you describe Mixtape Of The Open Road?
M: As a mixtape made for you by a friend to offer comfort, entertainment and inspiration with a whole gamut of American music styles.
Do you have a favorite song to perform off of the new album?
M: I’d say that would be “Set In Stone,” the folk-acoustic track on Mixtape. A song that speaks to any of us having to leave home and leave our loved ones behind. Although everything changes in the world, the love we have for our family is always set in stone.
Your last seven releases have come out through your own label Kitchen Table. Is there anything that you miss about being on Atlantic Records?
M: I miss Ahmet Ertegun and his record man genius of finding and developing massive talent. And his warm vibe and the way he would kiss me on both cheeks to say hello.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
M: Spending time with family. Simple things: Being outdoors, fishing, cooking, running a business, soccer games. Enjoying the blessed life that I have.
Do you have a favorite album of 2015?
M: Between putting out Mixtape and touring behind it, I haven’t really heard many albums this year. Most of my music has come from live experiences.
Finally, Martin, any last words for the kids?
M: Stay true to your heart, don’t take any wooden nickels, and stay close to you know who.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
