It is strange to think that John Arthur Martinez finished above the now much more commercially successful Miranda Lambert in the inaugural season of TV talent contest, Nashville Star in 2003.
But while Lambert has followed the Nashville path to fame and fortune, Martinez has sought to make music on his own terms, music that celebrates, among other things, his Mexican roots and the rich cultural heritage of his home state of Texas.
“I’m like the menu at a Texas diner,” he states in the album's press release. “There’s chicken fried steak; there’s chili con carne-smothered enchiladas; there’s the spinach veggie omelet; there’s fresh pecan pie. It all comes out of the same kitchen, just like my folk stuff, my country songs, my Latin tunes, my ballads, my rockers.”
Purgatory Road does indeed include a variety of musical styles. It begins strongly with Utopia, a thought-provoking Americana-esque number which, according to the press release, is "a true story about a Kerrville man who battles the bottle and his childhood memories."
The rockier title track continues in this darker vein and was apparently inspired by a harrowing experience the singer's daughter had with a dodgy loan shark who went to extreme lengths to ensure payment was made.
"I made a deal with the Devil to pay what I owe, now I'm driving like hell down Purgatory Road," sings Martinez menacingly.
On Que No Puede Ver (Can't She See), the verses alternate between English and Spanish, with the Spanish words, as well as an accordion, adding a real Mexican flavour to the proceedings. The sense of yearning in the song was inspired by a girl with whom Martinez fell in love at college, but who, unfortunately, did not reciprocate his feelings.
Closer to my Dreams, a song about following the heart, is the real stand-out track of the album, with its utterly gorgeous melody, sublime mandolin, emotive guitar licks, and positive, upbeat lyrics: "I'll be closer to Austin and closer to my dreams."
Other high points include: The Ride, a tune that wouldn't sound out of place in a Western, Cobalt Blues, with its slow-burning groove, and the romantic Spanish guitar that lights up What Good is I Love You.
Overall, an enjoyable album, one that improves with every listen, and one which suggests that there may be much more to come from this talented singer/songwriter.
He may not have achieved the same level of superstardom enjoyed by some of his Nashville-based contemporaries, but John Arthur Martinez appears happy in himself and in making music that reflects who he is and where he's from, and for that, fans of traditional country music should be truly grateful.
Purgatory Road is out on Sptember 22nd.
Adrian Peel - Adrian is an English freelance writer and journalist currently living in Mexico. Over the past eight years, he has had articles, features ...
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