Martin Swinger: Press & News

“ I have hired Martin more frequently than any other performer on my list. ...he puts on a high quality show that appeals to audiences across the age spectrum. I recommend him without reservation.”

“There are performers who play AT the audience and musicians who play TO the audience. The performer who plays TO the audience is feeding back on their reactions and drawing them into his or her performance. Martin Swinger makes this connection. Martin’s ability to bring people inside his music is a wonderful talent. Aside from the fact that he is a fine songwriter, Swingers warmth and humor connects with his audience and leaves them wanting more. Our feedback from the East Sangerville Grange Coffeehouse has been A+++ and we recommend him highly.”

Martin was a real hit at our Turtle Hill Folk Festival last year. He is talented as a singer and musician, presenting interesting, fun and thoughtful material, including covers as well as originals. He is an entertaining guy on and off stage, and a skillful songwriter to boot....His music was a perfect fit for the event.”

“ Martin, I write good songs and sing well, but watching you I realized there is something else I still need to develop. You just draw people into your stories and engage them, and I can’t put my finger on what it is, it’s a comfort and intimacy that you exude on stage. Maybe it just takes time to develop. I thought I was comfortable up there and then I saw you just make everyone feel like they were good friends you wanted to relate to. Anyway, you are truly inspirational to me...”

I feel I have never heard anyone sing quite like that before. It was a truly spiritual experience for me. You just threw your head back and let your voice come out from someplace deep inside. It was so beautiful. You seemed so unself-concious and unnervous -- like you had this incredible gift to share with us and it was the most natural thing in the world.

This sharing led me to wondering if we all have such a voice deep inside that only needs our letting go of worldly fears that get in the way of sharing it with others.

" Man, you sing the crap out of shit! "

“ I looked at the cover and thought, 'Oh. Another self-released songwriter CD. Well, I owe it to everyone to pass it through my CD player. Hmmmm. Nice voice. Hmmmm. Fine players. Hmmm. Upbeat. Hmmmm. Smart writing. Hmmm. An uplifting feel. Let's play it again. And again. And again.' I get a ton of them...pounds and pounds of plastic each week and only a few precious ounces of real music. Do you realize how special your SCRAPBOOK is? Every singer/songwriter feels s/he is blessed, but so few truly are. Our listeners – and my fellow on air hosts – just love it.”

This (SCRAPBOOK) is a first class recording from a first class group of musicians. Martin also has one hell of a voice. If I had any connections at Austin City Limits I would be on the phone today.

Howdy Pardner!

I just sat down and listened to this CD (BearNAKED) about 4 times and I must say, you are a GENIUS!!!

A wonderful evening at Pucks in the charming and quaint ($$$!) village of Doylestown, where The Lawyers live. LisaBeth and Maggie headed up an impressive show of harmony, great songs and a GREAT back-up band. (ok... I was in the back-up band). We all had a blast with the sold-out house and I was honored to be invited to share "Little Plastic Part" with the audience. They were applauding and hooting before I got to the second verse. Maggie and LisaBeth sang a sweet back-up that gave the song new life. I look forward to singing it with them again soon!

I have enjoyed my busiest summer yet with LOTS of performances around the state. Current projects include teaching songwriting to 7th and 8th graders through Foothills Arts Center with some upcoming community writing projects on the theme of GLOBAL WARMING. I am also deeply involved in generating new songs and workshop projects with my improvisational a capella group, ImproVox. Add producing another Cafe' Noir house concert here at home and an occasional afternoon hiking or kyaking and you've got the picture of a busy but happy boy!
Today I am revamping this website to reflect my original music and concerts for the sake of more direct and effective marketing and I have just developed a whole NEW web site devoted to my work with children and as an educator. Visit that site at www.swingersongwritercircle.com.

I was honored when my song, CHRISTMAS BLUES was selected to be part of the film score for an independant film out of California called "A Day in the Life of John". My 8.5 cent check should be arriving any day now!

Last fall I performed at The Mews coffeehouse in Provincetown, MA and the concert was taped and later played on WOMR radio in Boston and on the Cape. I sang BETTY BOOP AND BUDDHA in the concert which was included in the broadcast. To my surprise I was contacted by Ned Sonntag, the "OFFICIAL" Betty Boop Artist who expressed interest in using my song as a basis for a new cartoon! This is a long shot which is still in the works - but it sure is a FUN DAYDREAM! Ned came to hear me perform the song at an August performance with The Big Taboo in Provincetown and I was honored to meet the man with such talented hands!

Dr. Gruning has written a book which is an overview of current trends in the world and business of "Folk" music. The last chapter of the book, entitled "Unnatural Acts, Sexuality adn Folk Music" offers an interview and observations of Martin's work in the world of "Bear Music" and generally the implications of sexual diversity in the Folk world. Fascinating read!
The book is available through University of Georgia Press

I am anticipating school programs to begin popping up and keep me busy through the Spring. Meanwhile I have begun the process of starting my next recording. I will record with Jud Caswell, a talented technician, musician and friend. This 'adult audience' album will include Betty Boop and Buddha, Cony Island Lullaby, Something Like Goodby, Hiding Out Blues, Little Plastic Part, Gravity and many surprises. This is an exciting time of energy and financial investment!

Visit the "GUESTBOOK" section of this website to read what visiting fans have to say about Martin Swinger, his music, his workshops, his personality.
ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS THERE!