Upon hearing the first few notes, audience members are struck by the sheer magnitude of Samantha Martin’s other-worldly voice. Cigarette-ravaged and whiskey-soaked, her vocals can bring listeners to tears in
Biography
Upon hearing the first few notes, audience members are struck by the sheer magnitude of Samantha Martin’s other-worldly voice. Cigarette-ravaged and whiskey-soaked, her vocals can bring listeners to tears in one instance and raise their souls in the next. Over the years, she has moved from classic R&B and rockabilly toward a gospel-tinged and soulful sound; throughout it all, Samantha’s voice has remained gritty and full of early rock and roll attitude. The five-time Maple Blues award nominee is primarily known for her vocals, although her songwriting, influenced by gospel and southern soul, with hints of roots and pop, reveals her as an old soul with wisdom beyond her years. The Edmonton-born singer and guitarist, who now calls Toronto home, is making her Festival debut with the backing of Delta Sugar: Stacie Tabb and Sherie Marshall on vocals and percussion and Michael McCallum on electric guitar. Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar’s 2015 recording, Send the Nightingale, is packed full of dazzling guitar work and stunning three-part harmonies.