Beetcafe.com
rockford illinois entertainment guide
Date: 01/04/2009
Matt Martino - Let It Shine
© 2008
mattmartino.net
Reviewed by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
www.musicstreetjournal.com
Rating:
out of

Matt Martino is coming to Kryptonite on Friday along with the Tom Fuller Band. That seems like a good reason to have a look at his CD. First off, literally “looking” at it, some of you might recognize Martino. That’s because (with a different last name) he was the main man (keys, saxophone and vocals) behind the band Stank Willie (aka The Stank) who used to play around Rockford all the time. He’s relocated to Nashville and adopted a different last name, but he’s the same talented guy.

In fairness I need to admit that when Martino was in the area he and I were good friend and I managed The Stank for a year. The thing is, I got involved with him professionally because I believed in his musical vision. The man can write some great songs and perform them in an infectious and likable way. If you like soulful pop rock with a timeless feel, you just can’t go wrong with this disc. Yes, Matt’s my friend, but he’s also a great musician and has produced an excellent disc here.

The opener “Don’t Stop Now” has an excellent pop rock melody and is a great way to lead off the disc. Those who knew Martino in his days around here will probably find “The Other Side” to be of special interest because it talks his life change in the move to Tennessee. It’s also got some crooner sounds in it’s mix and some R and B and jazz in there, too.

Overall, if you liked Stank Willie, you’ll enjoy this CD. It stretches further even than that band did, though. However you slice it, you can’t get beyond Martino’s talent. The guy deserves to be a star. Pick up the disc and check it out, but you should also make the show on Friday. For those who were there in the audience when The Stank played here, it’s a good way to bring back some memories. For those who weren’t it will still be a great show.

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