Reviews and Acclaim
 
 
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"Terence Martin, like Richard Shindell, is a vivid wordsmith whose darkly fluid songs seep into your head and heart." - John Platt, WFUV-

"Terence Martin is the real deal: one of those rare singer songwriters who allows you right in to feel what he is singing.” - Pete Fornatale, Mixed Bag, WFUV

"Just when those of us who listen to a lot of high quality music feel that we’re up on all the good ones, Terence Martin reminds us that there is still another story, and another way to tell it."
- Meg Griffin, Sirius Radio –

"Terence Martin is a deep and thoughtful writer, composes finely crafted songs, has a beautiful voice, plays a mean guitar… and it doesn't hurt that he looks like Harrison Ford!" - Christine Lavin -

"The songwriting is strong and poetic, the lyrics universal and the music captivating. Martin undersores his quiet musical poetry with a simmering passion that’s just this side of tangible. Visually vivid, this is music that conjures up images of train-hopping hobos and small towns that thrive in the Americana myth." -The Fairfield County Weekly –

Cover Art
Fairfield
County
Weekly

The best singer-songwriter you've never heard!  
By Jim Motavalli       -Nov 04, 2002-

Sometimes you just know. I first heard Terence Martin sing on a sunny summer day in a magical setting, the garden behind Will Tressler's barn in Easton during his legendary annual folk happening. Tressler has been holding these get-togethers, a must for area musicians, since the 1960s, and music gets made all over the property. Those first two songs were played in a glade for an audience of exactly three: my bassoon-playing friend Richard Epstein, my 8-year-old daughter Maya, and me. And from that very first note I knew I was in the presence of a major artist. -more-


"There are some songwriters that leave such a powerful imprint that you feel changed in some fashion – Terence Martin is one of those."  -
Kevin McCarthy, Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews -

“Terence Martin’s  use of metaphor and symbol are as finely writ as any serious novelist and stand on a peer footing with the work of Neil Young or Bob Dylan." (John Hammel, Homegrown Radio)

 “Martin is a poet in the greatest sense of the word.” (Singer & Musician magazine)

“An extraordinarily skillful writer whose powerful songs are impossible to forget.”
(Charlie Backfish ,WUSB radio)

Acoustic
Guitar
Magazine		 Terence Martin's credentials as a symphony bassist, touring rock musician, and poet converge persuasively in this collection of original folk-based material. Accompanied by acoustic fingerpicking, harmonica, mandolin, bass, and accordion, Martin's voice and delivery bear comparison to Greg Brown, Gordon Lightfoot, and Richie Havens. Martin's emotive lyrics stand out as studies in the use of telling detail, twists on familiar phrases, and crystalline imagery to evoke experiences along life's thorny path. "The Way It Didn't Go," recounting the moving particulars of a love affair that never happened ("I saw a child / Who might have had our name / He passed me in a crowd / Just the other day"), and "Sky the Wrong Color," simultaneously describing one morning and the entire life of a devoted couple, epitomize the way Martin effectively matches language with musical phrase on this thoughtfully crafted CD. (Good Dog, www.martinsongs.com)


"Speeding through stillness…a nice probing edge…complimentary lines from the same soil [as Bob Dylan]"
- Poetry critic John Zournes -

  “Terence Martin has a magnificent ability to express emotions and feelings poetically and then deliver them carefully wrapped musically.”
- Sing Out Magazine, Spring 2003 -

"Martin manages the rare trick of evoking regret without getting stuck in self-pity or reproach. The road not taken still seems to hold beauty."
- Daniel Gewertz,  Boston Herald -

"Terence Martin has a great acoustic/folk/pop style that leaves you breathless after just the first few songs. As I expected, the lyrics were great and presented that inspiring storylike feel. Terence creates a tapestry of great imagery with his music. You can almost see your version of the video in your mind. The acoustic guitar seems to reach out and grab a hold of you, while the subtle background instruments create a fill that makes the music seem larger than life. I'm always happy to review music of this quality. Terence Martin has that tone of his voice that pulled me into each song. I've reviewed a lot of folk music over the years, but I can't think of anyone who I simply loved to listen to more than this music and this artist. If you're an Americana/Folk style music fan, this is definitely an album that will not disappoint."
- Michael Allison , THEGLOBALMUSE.COM -

“Terence Martin is more than a craftsman. His voice, and the lyrics and rhythms of his songs echo in your head long after."                    
- Marilyn Rea Beyer, Music director, WUMB -

"It comes as no surprise that songwriter Terence Martin is also a poet. Martin's songs are poetic in structure, sketching out pointed observations of the world around him."
- Dirty Linen, August 2001 -

Sleeper

Americana Music Chart  # 44
Folk DJ List -
#3 Top Releases, January 2003
#5 Top Song, “The way it didn’t go” February 2003
Album Network  #3 Most Promising Artist
Top Spins,  WUMB Boston folk radio
 “Midnight Special” Pick Hit for February
"Sleeper by Terence Martin brims with honest, perceptive, stylish lyrics. Just the first song, ``The Way It Didn't Go,'' proves its mature vision. Many composers have tried to write about lost romantic opportunities. Martin manages the rare trick of evoking regret without getting stuck in self-pity or reproach. The road not taken still seems to hold beauty.”
- Daniel Gewertz, Boston Herald -
 "Terence Martin's third solo effort confirms what we already knew - lyrically, the man possesses the soul and spirit of a poet. On Sleeper he marries twelve narratives to finely constructed, acoustic driven melodies and then delivers each of them in a pleasingly warm and husky voice."    
- Arthur Wood, Founding Editor, Folkwax - 
“Sleeper  is pure musical poetry.”           
 - Les Reynolds, Indie-music.com -

 

waterproof

"You won’t need a lyric sheet to be compelled by this artist, who paints vivid pictures in words and music. This is a full-length, ready-to-go CD that makes a deep impression via Martin’s breathy, bassy voice, simple-yet-effective melodies and tasteful arrangements, especially on "Waterproof," and "Orphanage Trees." Though his influences (Dylan, Drake, Zevon, Cohen) echo on occasion, Martin manages to avoid copycatting. This is grown-up, high-calibre stuff."
- Top 20 Independent Submissions for 2001 -
- MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE, February 2001 -

"Now and again you stumble across a shiny gem. This is definitely one."
- Folk Roots Magazine, June 2001 -

"There is so much good writing on Waterproof that one is tempted to seek out lines here and there, and collect and savor them, picking out favorites."
- Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live in NYC -

"In the crowded field of singer/songwriters, Terence Martin stands out with fresh, intelligent lyrics, creating powerful images one won't soon forget. Waterproof is one of my 'Top Ten Albums' for the year."
- Tom Bohan, WRUR, Rochester, New York -

"A collection of beautiful songs, fascinating from beginning to end."
- Rootstown Music Magazine, Belgium -

"Waterproof is very well done and is a nice follow-up to Martin's first CD, Division Street.Among the current crop of singer/songwriters, Terence Martin is a real find."
- Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange -

"A finely crafted series of elegant, shimmering soundscapes…"
- Newark Star Ledger -

" Rich, dark and polished, like a fine piece of furniture."
- MusicDish -

"I can’t get Waterproof out of my CD players, and it’s likely to end up my favorite album of the year."
- Jeffrey Gill, Folk Image -

"If this were recorded on vinyl, my copy would quickly wear out."
- Cliff Seltzer, Main Stage Coffeehouse –

 

the last black & white tv

Terence Martin # 8 Top Artist for August - Folk DJ

"The Last Black and White TV" # 6 Top Album - Folk DJ
with 3 songs in the Top 20:
"Down from Sacramento" # 9 Top Song
"Short on Words" # 11 Top Song
"Miles from Here" # 20 Top Song

"The Last Black and White TV" debuted at:
#16 on Cashbox Magazine / Roots Music Report's Folk Top 50
#10 on Roots Music Report's NY: Roots Radio Airplay Chart

"The Last Black and White TV" has received confirmed airplay on over 130 stations (including simulcasts) in 35 states nationwide, and internationally in Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand. It also received extensive Internet airplay.

For the week of Oct 10th, "The Last Black and White TV" debuted at # 38 on the prestigious AMA's Americana Top 40 with 98 reported spins. (Also debuting this week were Raul Malo, Eric Clapton and Elvis Costello)

In September, "The Last Black and White TV" charted # 7 Top Album on Folk DJ, marking two consecutive months on their Top 10; Terence Martin charted # 12 Top Artist; The title track charted # 6 Top Song; and Good Dog Music charted # 30 Top Label

The CD also landed on the Top 10 at several stations including five weeks (and counting) at #1 at WMUD in VT and "Down from Sacramento" was featured on "Folk Alley's Best New Folk Mix" on NPR Music.

In addition, the song "Down from Sacramento" has been selected by Lufthansa Airlines for their Folk / Americana / Country Playlist on their Inflight program which will air on all long distance flights worldwide for two months starting mid-November.


“Terence Martin’s latest CD, “The Last Black and White TV” might be his finest recording to date. Terence puts us in the passenger seat for a musical roadtrip to some very personal mileposts, each song crafted with an honesty and accessibility that is a hallmark of his songwriting skills.”
- Ron Olesko, Traditions WFDU -

"The Last Black and White TV is of the 10 best discs of 2010!"
- George Maida, WCVE, Richmond, VA -

"I just got finished listening to Terence Martin's new cd, The Last Black and White TV. and it blew me away with it's 'quiet' intensity. This is the finest in a long string of excellent albums from Terence. The depth and subtlety of his imagery as well as his superlative use of metaphor to burrow down into the heart and soul of relationships is non-pareil. He is also a master of effective vocal restraint. I love the way his husky semi-whisper makes it seem like you are privy to these universal truths he is imparting. ...Good, good stuff. " - John Hammel, Homegrown Radio -

“Terence is rock steady, consistently delivering well-crafted songs."
- John Platt, WFUV’s Sunday Breakfast -

Years ago, when Gregory Peck introduced Bob Dylan at the Kenney Center, he recalled the impression he had as a child of old Civil War veterans "kicking up the dust" whist marching in a 4th of July parade -- that's how Bob's music sounded to the great actor. Such is the case with the bittersweet Mr. Martin on his latest release, which was co-written with Gregory Hicks. With a voice like sand & glue and words that evoke images that would impress Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Martin kicks up dust aplenty on this album, weaving tales of the human condition depicting these bleak times we live in. The deceptively laid back rhythm section (these players are "in the pocket" at all times) affords Martin ample space to get his message(s) across while sweetening the proceedings with tasteful lap steel, dobro, harmonica, and accordion accompaniment. My ears caught the sublime musical references to Dylan's "Queen Jane Approximately" and "Desolation Row" in the haunting dirge "What Side of Town." The listener shares Martin’s confusion and longing for simpler times as the singer wearily intones "the last black and white TV in America has got something to say to me -- but I can't make it out." "Down From Sacramento" is the travelogue that Johnny Cash never got to sing. Highly recommended for fans of Bruce Cockburn, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen (Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, Tom Joad), Bob Dylan (John WesleyHarding), David Gray, and Ron Sexsmith. "
- Tom Semioli, Minor 7th Magazine -

 

Even Trade

Americana Music Chart  # 44
Folk DJ List -
#3 Top Releases, January 2003
#5 Top Song, “The way it didn’t go” February 2003
Album Network  #3 Most Promising Artist
Top Spins,  WUMB Boston folk radio
 “Midnight Special” Pick Hit for February

“Guitarist and songwriter Terence Martin delivers another set of well-crafted, confidently performed contemporary folk songs with the release of Even Trade . Martin's music and smoky voice are consistently compared to the likes of Bruce Cockburn and Greg Brown, and those comparisons are apt because he readily acknowledges those musicians as influences. But you can also hear bits of Richie Havens, Graham Parker, and Bob Dylan in that mix, and those varied references add up to a sound that is familiar yet still original. The instruments (guitars, bass, drums, harmonica, mandolin, and accordion) are tastefully and cleanly produced by Martin and Dennis Hrbek, and the lyrics are loaded with clear and effective imagery. California ends with these nice lines: "They seem to ask was it always / Waiting here for us / An empty glass to pour your life in / Or a handful of dust." Even Trade deserves the attention of anyone interested in the state of modern folk songwriting and performance." - Gary Lee Joyner- Acoustic Guitar magazine -

"Terence Martin claims Richard Thompson, Greg Brown, and Bruce Cockburn as some of his songwriting heroes - with good reason. Maybe he should add Ernest Hemingway, too. He shares with them a clarity of expression, a sense of place, and a gift for the telling phrase. His new CD 'Even Trade' is another display of his mastery." - John Platt, WFUV Radio -

“In a career studded with solid craftsmanship and one fine album after another, Terence Martin has produced a masterpiece with Even Trade He solidifies all of the gifts he has exhibited in the past; strong melodic content, married to a non-jaundiced insightful eye into the fun and foibles of humanity, and a voice, that in his mellifluous baritone, carries just the right combination of humor and gravitas to enliven his characterizations’ and bring them forcefully to life. His use of metaphor and symbol are as finely writ as any serious novelist and stand on a peer footing with the work of Neil Young or Bob Dylan, (I was wondering if Used To The Dark was a sly homage to Dylan’s She Belongs To Me, both in structure and sensibility) both of whom with which he shares a trenchantly keen eye for human nature. The arrangements and production are perfectly suited to the lyrics, always underscoring the meaning and never overstepping their bounds.” - John Hammel, Homegrown Radio-

“Moments in life, large and small, leave dusty footprints. It takes someone with the right talent to read them. Terence Martin is that someone. Crafting musical poems, using a jar on a desk, keys on a dresser or a tilted sign, he’ll sing them to you in his feathery baritone. The latest collection of visions, his fifth CD, Even Trade, offers his musical poems in a brilliantly produced, finely crafted album. - Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live in NYC -

“Terence Martin continues to demonstrate some of the smartest writing out there in the acoustic music world today on his new CD, Even Trade. With twelve terrific new songs (six of them co-writes with Gregory Hicks) coupled with his captivating performances on this recording, Martin can easily stake a claim to being one of the top-shelf singer-songwriters on the scene today.” - Charlie Backfish, WUSB Radio -

 

"Field Recordings" a review by Lee Zimmerman, No Depression
A seasoned heartland troubadour, Terence Martin recorded at least half a dozen remarkable albums over the course of his all too brief lifetime. Although it’s merely six songs long, Field Recordings is a brilliant, seemingly spontaneous epitaph to a career that’s among the richest in the annals of Americana music. Recorded while Martin was in the final throes of his battle with pancreatic cancer, it found him gathering a few close friends in his living room to offer up an especially poignant selection of songs that reflect the earnest, yet rugged emotions that have always marked Martin’s efforts. The resilience and resolve is all too apparent in songs such as “Grand Junction,” “Three Hours Ahead” and “Down Here,” where his dusty vocals and the sparse but supple arrangements create a warm, welcoming embrace. The sadness of knowing this was Martin’s final recordings is overshadowed by both the tenacity and tenderness conveyed throughout. There could be no finer postscript for a life shared so generously in song. The man will be missed.

 

 

March 2008   -  New CD "Even Trade" has arrived!

Terence is happy to announce the release of his new CD, Even Trade, on the Good Dog Music label.
The new collection of 12 original songs features his most personal work to date, from themes of freedom versus responsibility and revisiting the past, to love lost & found. The songs have deep roots in folk and the Americana landscape, seven written with long time collaborator, Gregory Hicks.

Even Trade was produced by Terence and Dennis Hrbek and features performances by Jim Allyn on mandolin, guitar & accordion, Clifford Carter on piano, Rick Gedney on guitar and Dan Bonis on slide guitar, Brian Nesgoda on drums, Amy Berkson on harmony vocals and Gordon Roehrer & Joe Dochtermann on bass.

 
May 2006   -  Mountain Stage

Terence has been selected for this year's Mountain Stage "New Song Contest" as an early bird finalist. Terence will compete in the finals Saturday, August 26 at the Mountain Stage New Song Festival in Shepherdstown, WV.
Five co-winners will be chosen and one of these will be selected to perform live on Mountain Stage.
Winter 2006   -  Sing Out Magazine

Terence Martin leads with a right hook and achieves another knockout with Lost Hills. With every return listening you pick up a new twist and an added nuance to Martin’s songs. He belongs in the foremost pantheon of contemporary singer songwriters.”

October 2005   -  Top 50 New Indie Artist releases,  Terence Martin - Lost Hills

Singer-songwriter Terence Martin puts poetry in motion on his fourth album, Lost Hills. The disc captures acoustic rock in its pleasured state – blended beautifully with country, blues, and hints of Heartland and Hornsby. The New York residing musician was born in London and raised in Los Angeles. He moved to the East Coast in 1997 to partake in New York’s rising acoustic scene. In addition to his musical prowess, Martin is a poet in the greatest sense of the word. If reading poetry isn’t your cup of tea, Martin’s Lost Hills’ lyrics are just as rhyming and insightful, displaying a romantic view of life.

July 2005   -   No. 3 on the Folk DJ List for Top Album

Lost Hills came in No. 3 on the Folk DJ List for Top Album!
"East of the River" was the No. 6 Top Song and Terence was the No 8 Top Artist!
"Hank Williams" won honorable mention in the Mountain Stage New Song Contest, sponsored by Performing Songwriter Magazine!
May 2005   -   4th CD  "lost hills"

We’re proud to announce Terence’s long awaited 4th release, Lost Hills !
The new CD brings his songwriting and performance to a new level, and showcases some of the finest musicians performing today. It features 11 Martin originals and a cover version of the Warren Zevon song, “Mutineer.”

Lost Hills was produced by Terence and Dennis Hrbek and features performances by Will Lee on bass (the Late Show with David Letterman), Chris Parker on drums, Clifford Carter on piano (James Taylor), Radoslov Lorkovic on accordion (Greg Brown, Richard Shindell), and Billy Masters on guitar (Cry, Cry, Cry). Charlie Karp, Jim Allen, Dan Bonis, Chris Davis, Gordon Roehrer, Pearson Constantino and Amy Berkson are also featured.

Lost Hills will be available soon at the shows and here online from Good Dog Music.

 December 2004
Terence has been very busy these past months recording new songs for an early Spring 2005 release! He already has had sessions with Will Lee (the Late Show w/David Letterman) Chris Parker, Clifford Carter (James Taylor) and Radislov Lorkovic (Greg Brown, Richard Shindell). We will be having a PRESALE for the CD - information will be up on the website soon.

WFDU's Odds & Ends CD has been released- 10 Years of "Crash on the Levee" w/Jerry Treacy. The cd contains 12 exclusive live performances from over the years, including "Folding Chairs" by Terence, and tracks by Ellis Paul, Slaid Cleaves, Josh Ritter & others. Help support this wonderful radio show!
Go here to order & for complete track list: wfdu.fm

"The Way it Didn't Go" won 2nd Place in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards - Best Song in the male singer/songwriter category!!   10,000 cds & 140,000 songs from 85 countries were submitted to JP Folks for consideration.
jpfolks.com to learn more about JPFolks & the awards.

October 2003    Terence selected at Falcon Ridge
Terence was selected for the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Previews Tour and Most Wanted Song Swap.   Terence was one of the top vote getters in the Emerging Songwriter Showcase at Falcon Ridge this year, along with Jeffrey Foucault, Carla Ulbrich and George Wurzbach.  Terence will also be included in the Most Wanted Song Swap on the Falcon Ridge Main Stage 2004.

"Familiar Mysteries" selected by Garland Appeal
"Familiar Mysteries" from Waterproof  appears as the title song on a recent release from the Garland Appeal, the charity for breast cancer research sanctioned by Paul McCartney.   The first classical CD from the Garland Appeal, A Tribute to Linda, honored the memory of Linda McCartney and featured a piece written by Paul.  This new compilation features independent artists and includes contributions from  Phil Roy, Sloan Wainwright, Gandalf Murphy and others.

Read more about the Garland Appeal



The Garland Appeal