"You may not know it yet, but Samantha Martin is a rock star, she'll tear your heart out one note at a time." Serena Ryder
One of the rising stars in Toronto’s roots-rock scene, Martin and her band can be seen frequently on stage at The Dakota Tavern, Toronto's most respected Americana/Roots venue. With the release of their self titled debut album, Samantha Martin and The Haggard in March 2012, the band will be taking their music on the road far beyond Toronto. Recorded in July 2011 at Toronto's Lincoln County Social Club, co-produced by the band and John Dinsmore (producer and multi-instrumentalist with Kathleen Edwards, NQ Arbuckle, Sarah Harmer) The album boldly traverses deep southern soul, roots/reggae and 50's rock n roll.
Tribute is paid to musical influences including Otis Redding and Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, The Staples Singers, CCR and Patsy Cline as well as Reggae artist Delroy Wilson; but the album is distinctly Samantha Martin and The Haggard. Few other artists are able to incorporate such broad genres successfully and present a cohesive sound all their own.
The band is Samantha Martin on rhythm guitar and vocals, Mikey McCallum on lead guitar, Greg Sweetland on bass and Pete Lambert on drums. The album is tastefully punctuated by the background vocals of Gospel Divas, Amoy & Ciceal Levy and Marlene O'Neill, and Country backup vocals are provided by Dani Nash (The Pining), Alejandra Ribera and Siobhan Power. Multi-instrumentalist Derek Downham (The Beauties) steps out from his usual position behind the drum kit to play keyboards, wurlitzer and combo organ on the recording.
The common thread that ties it all together beautifully is Samantha Martin's exemplary vocals.
More Quotes:
“Absolutely one of my favorite singers. A voice dripping with character, tone and raw power." Colin Cripps
"Interesting that she's coming up at the same time as Etta James has (sadly) passed. Samantha Martin has a voice that stops people in their tracks. Those are rare." Luke Doucet
“Samantha is a powerhouse of soul and with a shredding raspy vocal that clearly comes straight from the heart... Think Bonnie Raitt after 8 shots of whiskey and you get Samantha Martin." Romi Mayes
"….a cowgirl in blue suede boots: big voice, true heart, classic sound. Samantha Martin is a one of a kind dame whose voice manages to be all at once gritty, playful, sexy and 100% real. The album is a moody road trip through the Americana landscape, with more south than north in it, evocative of sweltering August nights and the smell of Mississippi silt... She's gonna holler ‘em all down with her rifle of a voice, leaving nothing behind but a smoking microphone and a trail of loyal fans." Treasa Levasseur
"Samantha Martin has the kind of growl that whups my ass and gets my heart pumpin'" Oh Susanna
"Samantha Martin’s new album showcases her soulful, whisky-sweet vocals. The songwriting on the album is a tip of the hat to her early influences - a mix of classic country, 50’s rock, rockabilly, gospel and reggae and she’s backed solidly by her band, The Haggard. The new album is fresh, fiery fun!" - Suzie Vinnick
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