Last Friday night I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff Martin for the second time in as many years doing a solo gig at The John Street Pub in Arnprior, Ontario. Jeff’s performance was fantastic and with the intimate venue and great opening acts the entire night was perfect.

Up first to get the night started was Black Water Brigade a 3-piece power trio which on their Facebook page says there influences are “any piece of music that made any of us notice it”. Well on that night they were certainly noticed. These guys had some cool rock sounds to get the crowd energized for the night.

Black Water Brigade at John Street Pub in Arnprior ON Photo: Rob Blanchette.

Next up was CeVILAIN a Canadian Hard-Rock Band from Ottawa, Ontario. There second song was their first single titled Hush from their EP – Rise. Definitely a hard rock lovers delight. A throwback to their high school days, I absolutely enjoyed their cover of The Kill by Thirty Seconds to Mars as did the entire dance floor. Still one of the most energetic and active drummers I’ve come across yet. Their last song was Breakdown – another original was solid. The vocals, the harmonies, the guitar and the drum playing are all just one solid unit. Good job tonight guys.

CeVILAIN at John Street Pub in Arnprior ON Photo: Rob Blanchette.

CeVILAIN at John Street Pub in Arnprior ON Photo: Rob Blanchette.

Finally the man we were all here to see Jeff Martin took to the stage and kept the attention of everyone in attendance from start to finish. In preparation for The Tea Party tour, or as he refers to it – The Big Monster, in 2019, Martin played many of the classic Tea Party songs we have all come to love and keep on rotation in our playlists.

Jeff Martin at John Street Pub in Arnprior ON Photo: Rob Blanchette.

Dedicating the song “The Requiem/Hurt” to a friend he lost in a battle with cancer was such a touching dedication not only for Martin but for those in the audience who have lost loved one’s. Demonstrating the control he has over his voice is just amazing and when you get to be this close to the stage you only get a better grasp of how good he really is.

Jeff Martin at John Street Pub in Arnprior ON Photo: Rob Blanchette.

Singing the monster song Heaven’s Coming Down still has the same reaction for me as it did when it was first released – beautiful song. All-in-all this was probably one of the best shows I’ve seen in 2018. If you didn’t get out to a solo show of Martin’s you can’t miss The Tea Party in 2019.