If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see Martin Stephenson live, you know that the man just exudes happiness. With a constant smile on his face, his love of music and by extension life, shines through. Martin has been spreading that joy to audiences for over 35 years, and always leaves people in a better place after one his shows.
The title of this mostly acoustic album might be a mission statement to his life view, and a reflection of his infectiously positive outlook. Even the break-up song of ‘Already Gone’ has a declaratory of freedom and independence.
‘Twas a pleasure being of service to you. Good to see that you worked things through. There’s no doubt, and I’ll see myself out, ’cause I’m already gone.
The opener ‘Early Morning Drive’ sets the tone with a breezy upbeat lilt to get the toes tapping. There is Martin’s usual mix of genres from the folky ‘Mcfie, Mcfie’, through the rockabilly, knockabout fun of ‘New Wave Dave’, to the rather lovely ‘Sweet Lady’.
‘Most Peculiar Man’ takes a look at toxic masculinity, and the need for equality between the genders. An enlightened stance on this issue really shouldn’t be seen as an oddity or peculiarity. It should be the norm. This is one of Martin’s gifts. You can be singing along to the tune, before actually considering the lyrics, and realise there is a point where all males need to take a look at themselves.
Martin has been producing quality music across over 40 eclectic albums, and continues to engage and surprise. ‘Blue Boy’ is as fine a song as any in his vast repertoire, and one any songwriter would be proud to put their name to.
Martin writes in the liner notes:
Good will is a higher currency than money, sharing the world with a loving heart.
Wise words in these troubled times, and with music like this, spending some time at the ‘Good Will Factory’, might do us all a bit of good.