Martha Ann Brooks
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Martha Ann Brooks

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"Considerable creative songwriting talent"

* Great news, folk music fans! Martha Ann Brooks’ CD, “Simply”, released this summer, gives you everything you could possibly want in folk music. * The songs are folksy indeed and they are presented with such passion and heart that listeners will find themselves totally engrossed. * Brooks ably demonstrates her considerable creative songwriting talents with imaginative lyrics that are both thoughtful and thought provoking. * The songs on the CD contain compelling tales and messages that flood the listener with emotion. * Her rich vocals crystallize the stories with rhapsodic fervor and the acoustic guitar accomplishment completes the experience. * This is just the right amount of instrumentation to allow the lyrics to flow seamlessly. * Listen to this CD and you will be richer for it. *** Brenda Barbee, Staff Reviewer *** Roots Music Report *** (www.RootsMusicReport.com) - Roots Music Report


"A passionate singer/songwriter"

* Martha Ann Brooks is a passionate singer/songwriter from NW Georgia, who delivers her songs with minimal instrumentation. * A former nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year in Atlanta, she took a hiatus from music in pursuit of her passion for painting and to begin raising a family. She has since returned to music, much to the satisfaction of her many fans. * Her CD, "Simply...", consists of 12 easy listening songs, some of which are really special, such as "One More Goodbye" and "Hank's Song" (written for her "apple of the eye" son and which includes a nice piece of Spanish lyrics). * "When Your Soldier Comes Back Home", an anti-war song she wrote for her husband, has been highly rated as a featured song on the website of Neil Young. * Her lyrics come right from the heart and are about the very personal emotions and events in life. * While the songs have contemporary elements to them, their roots come directly from traditional American folk music. * MAB has some lady singers such as Mary Gauthier, Gillian Welch, and Emmylou Harris as role models, but has also been influenced by Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and a host of others in that vein. * Here are my tips from the track list: "Poor Little Rich Girl", "Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues", and "Just For Today". *** Freddy Celis, Editor *** Roots Time *** (www.RootsTime.be) - Roots Time


"Worth being heard."

* We did not waste any time and started our research, only to discover a more than successful debut album. * Twelve original songs strongly influenced by personal experiences. In other words, she knows what she's singing about. * Her music appears to have a unique originality. * Highlights ? ... 'Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues' - a kind of positive, anti-blues song ... Most certainly... 'Hank's Song' - highly reminiscent of Jimmy Dale Gilmore ... and of course ... 'When Your Soldier Comes Back Home' (the song at or near the top of the list of 1100 songs featured on Neil Young's website for the past 3 months) - about a soldier whose personality has changed after returning from the front. The words of the chorus... 'War is never over / For the ones who fought side by side / They are bruised and battered / The deepest wounds don't show outside'... sound well meant coming from her. * In this case, we think... A woman who wears her heart upon her sleeve and one who is worth being heard. *** Benny Metten, Editor *** CTRL ALT COUNTRY e-Zine *** (www.CtrlAltCountry.be) - CTRL ALT COUNTRY e-Zine


"What Fans Are Saying About Her"

England, UK - This is in the true tradition of all that makes America the best at producing great singer/songwriters.

Athens, GA - I checked out your music and I love it - to me, what you write is essential American folk music.

Cambridge, England - The sheer quality of your singing and playing shines through, as does a soulful heart.

Toronto, Canada - I really like your sound...very genuine and soulful...well thought out arrangements as well.

Virginia Beach, VA - Your music is pure and honest. I enjoyed what I heard very much.

London, England - What folk music should be - independent, creative, and rounded off with subtle musicianship.

Hollywood, CA - You're very deep in a pure way.

Ottawa, Canada - I love your stuff. Excellent lyrics and beautiful voice. Your music is absolutely amazing.

Sioux City, Iowa - Love the simplicity of guitars and vocals. Ya sound great.

Athens, Greece - Beautiful voice. Beautiful music.

Mount Juliet, TN - A knack for keeping the story real. That's what Americana is all about.

Llandyder, UK - Your songs are varied, extremely good and as you say, distinctly you.

Murfreesboro, TN - Your music digs deep into my heart.

Staffordshire, UK - Your lyrics are amazing, as is your singing and playing.

Vermont, USA - It is a pleasure to connect with the oasis of your music, roots firmly entrenched in Americana in the best way. I think you're spreading sunshine each time you strum...

Coushatta, LA - "Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues"...after the first 3 notes I thought OMG, Jimmie Rogers has been reincarnated as a female.

Falkirk, Scotland - You have a wonderful voice and guitar playing...excellent lyrics and a story well told.

Elon, NC - Thank you for the great music. You have such a pure, sincere voice.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - It was a real pleasure discovering your voice and your music.

Gainesville, FL - Your music is awesome.

Chicago, IL - "Poor Little Rich Girl" is a beautiful song.

UK - Lovely vocals. Great songs.

Germany - "Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues" is my favourite. Simple but effective structure and it makes me feel good. Great !

Middle Georgia, USA - Your songs have that honest to the human condition soul.

Cornwall, UK - Beautiful vocals - Awesome lyrics - Musically amazing !

Peabody, MA - You are incredible. You have a sound that really comes thru the song and gets ya.

Karlstad, Sweden - Great stuff. I especially enjoyed the video of "Sylvie Marie". Great song.

Pottsboro, TX - "Voodoo Thing". Wow ! What a cool song.

Ayershire, Scotland - Enjoyed your songs - especially liked the atmosphere on "Cold and Dark".

Destin, FL - I love that "Voodoo Thing".

Hamburg, Germany - "Voodoo Thing" is a cool, groovy song. I love it ! "Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues"...I would love to set it on repeat the whole day through.

Nashville, TN - Love your songs...especially"Poor Little Rich Girl".

Torino, Italy - I love your songs, especially "Can't Sing A Sad Song Blues". You sound awesome !

Moscow, Russia - Nice songs. Amazing vocal.

San Francisco, CA - Keep up the beautiful music.

Nashville, TN - "Sylvie Marie"...Really well done.

Georgia, USA - The real deal...no denying it in the songs she writes and sings.

Pacifica, CA - Your songs shine with a rare, unadorned beauty - strikingly honest, brilliantly resonant.

Wales, UK - Excellent song and performance ("Sylvie Marie"). You're a star in my book.

- Fans from around the world


"Simply...Martha Ann Brooks"

***** 5 STARS *****
This Cd is perfect for those who like lyrics with thought and invention, the music is simple and pure, the voice sweet and honest and the songs will make you think, make you relax and make you smile.
This is in the true tradition of all that makes America the best at producing great singer/songwriters.
You cannot fail to be taken in by this record, Even Neil Young has posted (her song)"When Your Soldier Comes Back Home" on his website, so if you don't trust the word of this Englishman, you can surely trust Neil Young!!
***** Reviewer : Doug - United Kingdom


***** 5 STARS *****
Martha Ann Brooks, "Simply...", yes, simply the REAL DEAL. No denying it in her voice or in the songs she writes and sings about.
Every song on this CD is great.
The songs, "If I'm Not Enough" and "Cold and Dark" are my favorites....."Cold and Dark" is a masterpiece!!!
This will truly be a CD you will listen to over and over and over. I love it!
***** Reviewer: Sheila - Georgia, USA


**** 4 STARS ****
Great stuff!
A Fabulous first album from Martha Ann...maybe a full band would provide a more authentic sound to her songs...either way.......love it and enjoy it!
**** Reviewer: Ian Lang - United Kingdom - CD Baby


Discography

CD: "Simply...Martha Ann Brooks", Released 2006
CD: "Lately...Martha Ann Brooks", Released 3/2009

Photos

Bio

Martha Ann Brooks has "the heart and soul of a true storyteller".

Once asked to specify her particular genre of music, she decided that "Bluefolkacana" was probably the most accurate description of her distinctively "roots" based style. Although well grounded in traditional folk music, her songs have many contemporary elements that keep them both fresh and unique as they weave in, out, around, and through various other musical genres.

She's been very flattered by the comparisons that have been made between her style of writing and that of some of her musical storytelling idols such as David Olney, Mary Gauthier, Townes Van Zandt, and Guy Clark.

Her vocals incorporate everything from the soft and sweet tones of a gentle lullaby to a voice that can soar like an angel all the way to the clouds or belt out with a down & dirty blues tonality that surprises even her.

The heartfelt sincerity of her performances will draw people in, touch even the coldest of hearts and leave them wanting to hear more.

Born in Montgomery, AL and raised in Augusta, GA; after graduating from the University of Georgia, she moved to Atlanta where she began her career as a solo artist. After a successful year playing solo, she expanded her act and fronted local bands for the next five years, garnering a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Atlanta Society of Entertainers along the way. Martha Ann put her musical career on hold in order to begin raising her family and to focus on her other creative endeavor, painting.

Her passion for music was rekindled after moving to Northwest Georgia, where she resumed writing and performing.

The World Folk Music Alliance (considered to be one of the premier Folk Music organizations) has listed her on their website alongside many reknown folk artists such as: Pete Seeger; Bob Dylan; Roger McGuinn; Joan Baez; Harry Chapin; Peter, Paul & Mary; John Denver; and Tom Rush. (http://wfma.net/wwwperf.htm)

For NEIL YOUNG -
A special thank you for including Martha Ann's song "When Your Soldier Comes Back Home" on his website, where it lingered near the top of over 3000 featured songs for over 2 1/2 years and was the#1 song for 10 weeks. (Included in that list are songs from such notables as Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle, Todd Snider, Son Volt, and even his CSNY bandmates David Crosby & Graham Nash.)

Martha Ann has been receiving excellent responses to her songs and performances in listening rooms, house concerts, festivals, and Songwriter events.

VIDEO
"Home videos" of several live performances of her songs (1) "Unfamiliar Circumstances" (2) "Could We Go Back" (3) "Sylvie Marie" and (4) "Poor Little Rich Girl" can be seen on YouTube and were featured on the website of the UK's prominent music publication "NME".