Sugarcoating

Martin Sexton is one of the modern legends on the independent folk music circuit. His fans are loyal and attuned to his every quip. Sugarcoating is another solid effort from a thinking man’s songwriter. “Found” begins things with Sexton’s usual wit and balanced thought. “I’m a man who seeks high places, searching for the common ground,” indeed. “Always Got Away” is a piano ballad where Sexton uses every facet of his voice, from the road-wise, gritty growl to the sweet yearning falsetto to make his point. “Livin’ The Life” adds funky keyboards that sound as if Sexton’s been listening to Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees and taking notes as the funky keyboards create a 1970s FM radio atmosphere. The title track reflects on 9/11 and the media’s role in our lives with a country backbeat setting up the line dance. “Stick Around” name drops the Beatles’ Abbey Road and recalls both the Fab Four’s pop bounce and their string orchestrations. The Deluxe Edition of the album features several live cuts that exhibit his captivating live performances.