Martin Sexton

There’s folky, and then there’s Martin Sexton, who, unlike most solo, acoustic-playing honkies, isn’t hamstrung by notions of ascetic purity. Sure, he’s plenty sensitive, but Sexton knows that guy + guitar = rock show. And he brings energy, a drummer and enough bass-plucking to get bodies moving. He also knows that rock can be a mess, so he works his keening voice like he thinks he’s both Al Green and one of the Son of the Pioneers. Even the odd Prince cover isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Add his imaginative songwriting, and it’s like a quick history of pop mashed up all in this one cheerful fellow. This is an early show, but it’s worth checking out. Guys, drag your lady friends; dollars to doughnuts, Sexton will make them melt.