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Artist: Martyn Joseph
Label: Pipe Records
Length: 2 discs / 2 hours, 49 mins
It must take massive emotional energy to pour your heart out through the same songs night after night for years without dampening the power of your delivery. How impressive then, that Martyn Joseph does not just keep the ash glowing in these songs, but lets them spark, burn and rage like a forest fire.
The best parts of his entire musical career are here, from the political to the achingly personal. The singles, including a heart-rending version of "Please Sir", are here; many of the songs are provocative (mainly of thought, but right wing Americans may flinch at a vitriolic "He Never Said"); and the other more specifically faith-based pieces ("Strange Way," "Dic Penderyn," his personal beatitudes" People Crazy as Me" and Larry Norman's "Great American Novel") bookend the first disc.
The live arena is Joseph's oxygen. He breathes rapport and exhales much of his soul. His shows are intimate tête-à-têtes with the audience. So it is natural that he plays solo here, although for a few songs keyboardist Nigel Hopkins and ex-Iona flautist Mike Haughton provide discreet and effective assistance.
Sadly the powerful musical force of this DVD has its edge blunted by the seriously negligent visual editing that delights in shots of cameramen and intrusive, swinging microphones - particularly in the interview on disc two.
The second disc also includes some fine extra songs, such as "September Blue," where Joseph takes to the piano, and a behind-the-scenes visit that you can take or leave.
Visual intrusion apart, this passionate and smartly presented package shows Joseph to be the Welsh acoustic Springsteen with stunningly engaging songs about the hearts and lives of real people the world over.
Derek Walker 4/1/2007
