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:
—
Jodi Martin Tour Dates
For tickets, follow the link
Fri 12 Aug 2016 @ 8:00 PM Ceduna Memorial Hall, Ceduna SA
Wed 17 Aug 2016 @ 7:30 PM Wudinna Hall, Wudinna SA
Sat 20 Aug 2016 @ 8:00 PM Nautilus Arts Centre, Port Lincoln SA
Sun 21 Aug 2016 @ 4:00 PM The Wheatsheaf Hotel, SA
Sat 27 Aug 2016 @ 9:00 PM Albion Hotel, Albury NSW
Fri 02 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM Candelo Town Hall, Candelo NSW
Sat 03 Sep 2016 @ 7:00 PM Smith’s Alternative, Canberra ACT
Sun 04 Sep 2016 @ 3:00 PM Kiama Community Centre, Kiama NSW
Sat 10 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM Carrington Bowling Club, Carrington NSW
Sun 11 Sep 2016 @ 7:30 PM Camelot Lounge, Marrickville NSW
Wed 14 Sep 2016 @ 7:00 PM Latin Loafer, Port Macquarie NSW
Fri 16 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour NSW
Sat 17 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM Bangalow Bowling Club, Banglow NSW
Thu 22 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM The Junk Bar, Ashgrove QLD
Fri 23 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM Irish Club Hotel, Toowoomba QLD
Sat 24 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM The Imperial Hotel (The Green Room), Eumundi QLD
Fri 30 Sep 2016 @ 8:00 PM , Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury VIC
Sun 02 Oct 2016 @ 2:00 PM , Sutton’s House of Music, Ballarat VIC
Fri 14 Oct 2016 @ 10:00 AM, Wingham Akoostik Festival, Wingham NSW
Fri 21 Oct 2016 @ 8:00 PM Darwin Railway Club, Darwin NT
Fri 28 Oct 2016 @ 10:00 AM , Maldon Folk Festival, Maldon VIC
Thu 03 Nov 2016 @ 8:30 PM , Republic Bar, Hobart TAS
Sun 06 Nov 2016 @ 4:00 PM Cally Hotel – ‘Women in Song’, Warrnambool VIC
Via Gaynor Crawford
***