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John Arthur Martinez - Lone Starry Night

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Country music reviews, In an attempt to bring you the very best in Country Music reviews, Rikks Revues has gathered the best Independent and signed, or Major and smaller label country acts and has gathered them in one place for your viewing and listening pleasure. So take your time, and when you get done with one review, go back (click the arrow after the review) to the main Country reviews page, and check and see what other star, or star in the making you might have missed. If a single artist has more than one review, they will all be listed on the artists main page, newest reviews always nearer the top. Enjoy the Review of John Arthur Martinez' "Lone Starry Night", then head back to the main country music reviews page and check out any other artists you may have missed, or would like to read about.

Click on jAm's CD Cover to go check out his website.

Interview with John Arthur Martinez Click Here

John Arthur Martinez -
Lone Starry Night

John Arthur Martinez - Lone Starry Night

On the first season (2003) of Nashville Star, millions of viewers became enchanted by John Arthur Martinez. His unique flavor of tex-mex country won fans across the board. Much as this year with Lance Miller, I didn't believe jAm (as he is known to his friends and fans) had what it took in the first episode or two. That's fine in itself, but after show 3 I was a believer, he has a tender charm and endearing stage presence that helped change my tune. John Arthur Martinez has shown me over the last year how great a songwriter he is, going along with a recognizable voice.

The love of Texas shines through as jAm sets of on a twelve song journey that captivates the listener. Fans that found John Arthur Martinez through Nashville Star will remember some of the songs here ("The Man Who Holds The Bow", "Home Made of Stone" and the delightfully playful "The Armadillo Song") he performed on the show. Dualtone records (June Carter Cash, BR549, Radney Foster) took the chance and saw something shine through and signed John Arthur Martinez, the end result is a wonderful experience that jAm fans and country music lovers will be sure to embrace.

John Arthur Martinez shows all aspects of his talent here, an astounding vocalist, a gifted songwriter, and story-teller wrapped into one. From start to finish, Lone Starry Night never fails to satisfy. Bringing country full circle, bringing it's roots and sound back to the truest form. This is for sure one of the most amazing country CDs that has been released this year, damn near perfect my friends, a pure delight to listen to, John Arthur Martinez has just chiseled his way into a long country career with Lone Starry Night.

Filled with memorable tracks, and a few wonderful surprises along the way too. The sound of this new disk is far superior to jAm's independent releases, in part due to the production Matt Rollings ( Nominated for CMA's musician of the year 8 years in a row from 1991-98) brings to the project. Matt also adds his signature keyboard magic to the project. A few of the most amazing songs here are "Pour A Little Love On It" which could be an AC hit as well as country with it's soulful approach, "Home Made Of Stone", "Tonight At Fiesta", and the wondrous "The Man Who Holds the Bow" could all be hits. Already blazing his trail up the Texas music charts, this is a must have, period! Lone Starry Night may just be a contender for country album of the year.

( 5.5 Stars out of 6 )

Buy "Lone Starry Night" @ WalMart.com for 11.88 (USD)

Buy "Lone Starry Night" @ JR Music World 11.99 (USD)

Buy "Lone Starry Night" @ Buy.com - 12.98 (USD)

"Lone Starry Night" @ TowerRecords.com for 12.99 (USD)

Buy "Lone Starry Night" @ Amazon.com for 13.98 (USD)

Buy "Lone Starry Night" @ Amazon.ca for 18.99 (CDN)

John Arthur Martinez - Stand Your Ground

(Independent)

John Arthur Martinez - Stand Your Ground

Bringing Texas home……

John Arthur Martinez has a solid sound that is pure Texas! I don’t know if that’s a good thing for everyone, but I for one sure enjoy his style. John Arthur opens “Stand Your Ground” with a tune familiar to fans of USA network’s “Nashville Star”- “The Man Who Holds The Bow”. I enjoyed the version on the CD more than his performance on the show. Is that a good thing, I think so.

John Arthur is a superb songwriter as well, and partners with some great writers (Mike Blakely, Kent Finlay, Jerry Harkins, Anders Rasmussen to name but a few). He writes in a style that definitely suit his vocals, and brilliantly. This CD ranges from the tender love songs, “Everything I never knew I wanted”, uplifting songs, “Stand Your Ground”, up-tempo numbers, “Wild”, reminiscent songs “Spinning our Wheels” (one of my favorites), Texas swing, to pure fun ditties like “The Armadillo Song” and “Pool Hall”.

There is a little something here for everyone. Marble Falls (as well as the rest of Texas) should be darn proud of John Arthur. A good disc, well produced by Grammy winner Phil Mezzetti (who has worked with Asleep at the wheel, and The Texas Tornados).

The bottom line here is I like the John Arthur I hear here on “Stand Your Ground” a bit more than the “snippets” we got to hear on “Nashville Star” each week. John Arthur has a future in this business. For those who (I know it is tempting at times) want to compare John Arthur to other singers , I am here to set the record straight- John Arthur sounds like John Arthur Martinez.

John Arthur is proud of his roots, you can hear it in his music, and he should be applauded for it as well. After listening (again and again) I hear a future in Country Music! The Texas style has a strong following, and National television exposure can’t hurt either. One thing, keep listening after the last song for a fun hidden track.

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