The album “Martin’s Garden” caught me by surprise, a happy surprise. It was released on June 1, 2021, and I’m not sure why I haven’t heard it before now. This, their 2nd Studio Album, was recorded in Roswell, Georgia, USA and produced by Tyler Greenwell.
Tyler Greenwell is a founding member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and was instrumental in getting Derek Trucks to play the sliding guitar on “Mine All Mine”. The two main band members are Dave O’Grady and Muireann McDermott Long, from Ireland, blending their vocals to make you wish there were more tracks on this album. Both are very talented songwriters, as can be witnessed with the lyrics of each song. I’m partial to the Southern Rock style numbers, they just grab you.
I see that Ronnie Wood is featured on this album, too. He brings his best to it, as expected, and began his career playing with British Rhythm and Blues Bands, and was a member of the Byrds. Now, we know him best as a member of the Rolling Stones and a solo artist as well.
The 10 tracks on the album are as diverse as can be, so I believe it is truly Americana at its best! They call it Rock ‘n Soul, and aptly coined for its combination of influences from Gospel, Blues, Country, Southern Rock and the Folk music of both the USA and Ireland. So many different sounds, from the rockin “House On The Hill” to the ballad “Mine All Mine”, to the Southern Rock sounding “Whiskey” and then the light-hearted sounding musical track behind the words to “Swimming In Paint”, there is something for everyone in this one album.
I am not sure why they chose the name Seafoam Green, although it is said that the shade denotes the freshness of the ocean, and this band is a welcomed freshness to the Blues. Carry on!
Carry On! Hugs and Happy Listening ~ Sookie Jade
