Back in the day before He was well known he came to play at a Venue in Virginia, Named IOTAS, and let's just say that he never returned to play there again and expressed his disdain to the audience clearly that night. People need to understand that he will not return to a venue where the audience is rude and unappreciative. Martin gives the audience many opportunities to participate, and be a part of the show, WHEN HE WANTS TO! If he does not want input, then please be courteous, there is nothing wrong with clapping and whispering in amazement in between songs, and if ya can't fit it there, then save it till the end. [[If it was important you will remeber it!!]] Folding up my soap box now, and I have to say, that Martin is a once in a million type performer. Just amazing to see Live, and these shows, thanks to those who record them, keep up the good work!!
[last I knew as an X denizen of columbus, is that the venue's name is the NewPort..]

At least Martin had fun, and really enjoyed himself at this show. ...I had a great time too, though the rest of this review doesn't convey that. Martin gets 5 stars while the crowd gets 1. That brings the show to 3 stars. Here's how I see it...The setlist was creative and unique. I haven't heard the quality of the download (it was unavailable when I wrote this), but I was there and I know the show was great. The recording quality of Martin's shows on archive is well above average, though the crowd continues to be a distraction. Just like my first show, I spent THIS entire show looking behind me, because I was continually distracted by the LOUD, overly "chatty" crowd. I swear, about half of the people behind me were CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT EACH OTHER! I've spent most of my nearly 300 concerts seeing jam bands, at those shows the crowd pays attention and is appreciative and respectful of the performer. Phish played their last and my 40th show in August, and that same month I was introduced to Martin's remarkable music. I immediately thought, "now here's a guy whose music I can be passionate about!" In September, I saw my first Martin show. Martin was great (as always), but I was REALLY PUT OFF by the disruptive, disrespectful, partying crowd. At the time, I gave them the benefit of the doubt, since the show was in a bar that was known for hosting concerts more suited for drinking and partying. The show in this review, however, was held in a locally famous concert hall! Yet, it was the same type of crowd! I had to INTENTLY FOCUS on what Martin was doing, because the crowd was such a constant distraction. I love, respect, and appreciate Martin's music and ability. He is ONE MAN making all that beautful sound! It's like the walls are flexing when he sings! I've listened to Martin almost constantly for 7 1/2 months now, and I'm still consistently impressed with his musical abilty. It REALLY PAINS me to give a Martin show less than 5 stars, but his fans push me to insanity! There's no brotherhood, no "family", just a bunch of party-people screaming out what songs they want to hear instead of what Martin is playing! I HATE that! Sure, the fans are nice enough to respond when spoken to, but how many will actually start a converstation? Sadly, very few. Its almost like going to the mall or a club! I'll continue to go see Martin every time I get half a chance, but unless the crowd somehow improves DRASTICALLY, I will never get out of it what I could. Also... STOP SCREAMNG CANDY! Yeah it's a great song, but would it still be great if he played it every time someone yelled out at a show? All the crowds aren't this bad, but all I'm asking is please realize that this type of thing doesn't happen every day, and appreciate what you're hearing and seeing...get it? ...God! I've written a book here! I know no one's going to read all of this, but I HAD to say something.-Terrapinbrad


...in case you still want to read more...

A short time has now passed, and I have downloaded and listen to the show. I understand your (theweasel's) patience and optimism that the crowd just needs a break and for me to be less critical, but after hearing the recording, I realize that I can't do that. Yes there WERE "just 2" girls talking constantly and SHOUTING Martin's perfect lyrics with reckless abandon, but the reality is that the microphone could have been placed almost anywhere in the venue, (except the front row) and it would just be someone else's obnoxious voice filthying up an otherwise superb recording. I'm leaving my rating the same at 3, because it should reflect the recording, not just the performer. I also want to say that in no way does my review reflect at all on the person who recorded it. -Terrapinbrad

After reading through the previous reviews for this show... I couldn't agree more. Martin is such a force to be witness to... and to attend a show where the crowd has (over the past few years) morphed into a seemingly more unappreciative, unattentive audience pains me. This show had an amazing set list, and as Sexton tends to do in Columbus, he more than crossed my bar of expectations.

The crowd however was a different story. A lot of loud/overt socialization throughout the club, as well as a disrespect towards the man on stage. I too have been in the "jam band" scene going on 15 years now, and have grown accoustomed to the fans attending shows to see the band, feel the music, meld with the vibrations... However, this seems to be an ever decreasing atmosphere at more recent shows. It is honestly a very sad characteristic... as this type of action tends to wreak havoc on the performers and assist in their decline. (take Phish into consideration for this point... the fan base shifted and greatly lost sight of what the band/music/scene was all about)

The recording for this show is great however - clarity, levels, etc... even with the ramblings of the audience, a number of vulgarities, and a bit of extremely out-of-tune singing from a few close to the mic.

Don't get me wrong... as a collector of live performances, not only do I love the music... but I also dig on hearing the fans in the background... however, I have found on more recent recordings... the background audio has been filled with conversations/rants/ramblings of a more disrespectful, disgusting, and ignorant nature. Take for example.. the background conversations you may hear during Dear Prudence.

As mentioned/implied before... it seems many of those in attendance are forgetting why they are at the show... and are solely there for a more egocentric purpose... Folks... take a look around you, meet new people, mingle... but remember the reason we are all here... to bask in the moment of artistic creation, enjoying the vibe, growing, and above all... sharing in the groove.

Finally.. if you do find the need to get overly toasted... at least make a mental note of where the mic is placed and avoid that area... lol.

Great show nonetheless... and the work that Martin put forth on stage that night outweighs any negatives that may have arisen due to the audience.

Listen to whats on the radio these days or whats on Mtv and its understandable that the youth are incapable of respecting or really understanding what good music and good singing truely are. I dont blame the youth....I blame the Program Directors and the Labels, for playing sooooooo much SHIT! Thank god for live clubs.
Heres a perfect example of what I'm talking about. I was a road mgr for a country rock group and we had a show in Tucson(cant remember the club name) anyway this club had two sides...one side was live country and the other side was yes live Hip-Hop. My band had four musicians and tons of equipment. We were paid $5000 for a 90 minute set. On the other side was Nelly, who at the time had the #1 (Billboard) song. He was paid $20,000 for twenty minutes w/ a fucking DAT machine. After that show, I knew my music business days were numbered.
This show I havent heard yet. I was at Columbus 2004 and have been freakin lovin Columbus 2000. So I pretty much know this show ROCKED.
Spread the word
After a listen, this show gets a fiver. The crowd is fantastic....besides a couple of chicks gabbin' near the mic. WOW.