2017 Northwest Folklife Festival

Joel Martin (From Toledo) is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with in the Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter scene. Martin's lyricism feels beyond his years. Or maybe I've become too accustomed to the shallow. His writing ranges from heartbreaking Cohen-esque love songs, to poignant reflections on the relationship between personal identity and the ever-changing landscape one calls home--reminiscent in mood to much of Nick Drake's canon--to blistering political critiques that would make Woody Guthrie proud, full of historical references, simple but deceptively sly common language, open rage at unchecked corruption in the religious and political upper echelons, and deep compassion and solidarity with all those suffering under systems of unchecked power. It's hard to write believably about a complex world if you don't know it. When I listen to Joel's songs I feel I'm hearing a tortured, talented soul's attempt to share about something real--as real as his own blood--something pumping in his veins. And the more personal he gets the more I feel his stories resonate in my heart. Martin's offering songwriting with something to say--and the more that hear him the better for all of us. Musically, Martin balances a usually soft and mellow, warm vocal delivery with occasional powerful yells and stressful bridges--showing an intuitively deep knowledge of the power of control for such a young songwriter. Also his dry yet kind, straightforward stage presence, with little to no rambling between songs barring a short joke or explanation here and there, fits with the folk style of the rural northwest he comes from. No pretense, just quiet confidence. And his guitar skills are impressive and deepen the meaning and emotional impact in each song offering he makes. While the contemporary influences of Fleet Foxes, Tallest Man on Earth, and Conor Oberst are clear, they never eclipse the older and heavier undergirding of country folk, bluegrass, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and the moody grey of the Pacific Northwest that drive so much of Martin's work. As we bemoan the passing of a lyric-prophet like Leonard Cohen these days, wit the understanding that many of his generation are soon to follow in the coming years, we would do well to keep ours ears open for the new ones that are growing up in our midst. One of them is Joel Martin, from little Toledo in the rainy hill country of Southwest Washington. Martin will quietly share, whether you listen or not. That's what lyric-prophets do. But it'd be a lot better for you if you took the time to hear him. You'll be glad you did, and you'll likely come away with a little more hope for the future--especially the future of quality songwriting and sharing that speaks deeply to our current conditions. --Seth Mountain