Jodi Martin’s Saltwater

Posted on Aug 9, 2016 in Album Reviews

Read our review of the album Saltwater by Jodi Martin

There is a lot to like in Jodi Martin‘s Saltwater.

It was produced by classy roots performer Shane Nicholson who has proven many times to be a talented ally in the studio (Kasey Chambers, Catherine Britt, Josh Rennie-Hynes and Oh Pep, to name a few).

All thirteen songs here are telling originals, with three co-written with folk journeyman Arlo Guthrie (son of Woody) and one with noted musician/producer Jeff Lang.

Martin’s rich vocals and attractive home-spun lyrics and sensibilities are a treat, and the album is beautifully packaged.

This is in fact the extended version of a 2014 album which has (thankfully) been given a wider release (via MGM) with three quality bonus tracks.

Martin is out of Ceduna, the coastal desert region of South Australia and has been performing on the road for many years. Now she is touring again, kicking off a three-month national tour with her sister Robyn, through to November 2016 and covering a hell of a lot of terrain.

Guthrie calls her “authentically Australian” and The Waifs’ Josh Cunningham calls Saltwater an “indie folk masterpiece”.

‘Saltwater In My Hair’ is a warm introduction, joyful and earthy with a telling chord change, while ‘Diesel’ is a jaunty insight into familiar people and places. ‘Irreplaceable’ is slow and delicate, with loving vocals. ‘Criminal’ rails against threats to Mother Nature and ‘Peace to Keep’ has an engaging melody. ‘Bar in Paris’ is a highlight, full of acute observations around local and other destinations which are highly evocative. The three bonus tracks fit beautifully with what has preceded – ‘Magnetic North’ showcasing Martin’s beautiful vocals with the closing ‘Round The Corner providing a rousing, rockier conclusion.

Saltwater is a wonderful collection from an inspired and intelligent observer.

Here’s a clip of the title track: