I write songs and play 'em whenever I get the chance. Somebody once asked me to specify the genre of my music. Since I draw from so many different influences when I write, I was a bit stymied for an answer.....and then it hit me.....I must be..... "Bluefolkacana".
It never ceases to amaze me how uncomfortable some people get when they can't fit you all neat and tidy into a box.
Influenced ? Yes ..... by many different musicians from a variety of genres.
Here's what some folks have said about my music
Virginia Beach, VA -
Your music is pure and honest. I enjoyed what I heard very much.
England, UK -
This is in the true tradition of all that makes America the best at producing great singer/songwriters.
Cambridge, England
The sheer quality of your singing and playing shines through, as does a soulful heart.
Toronto, Canada -
I really like your sound...very genuine and soulful...well thought out arrangements as well.
London, England -
What folk music should be - independent, creative, and rounded off with subtle musicianship.
Ottawa, Canada -
I love your stuff. Excellent lyrics and beautiful voice.
Mount Juliet, TN -
A knack for keeping the story real. That's what Americana is all about.
Llandyder, UK -
Your songs are varied, extremely good and as you say, distinctly you.
Murfreesboro, TN -
Your music digs deep into my heart.
Staffordshire, UK -
Your lyrics are amazing, as is your singing and playing.
Vermont, USA -
It is a pleasure to connect with the oasis of your music, roots firmly entrenched in Americana in the best way.
Falkirk, Scotland -
Excellent lyrics and a story well told.
Elon, NC -
You have such a pure, sincere voice.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -
It was a real pleasure discovering your voice and your music.
Middle Georgia, USA -
Your songs have that honest to the human condition soul.
Cornwall, UK -
Beautiful vocals - Awesome lyrics !
Peabody, MA -
You have a sound that really comes thru the song and gets ya.
Moscow, Russia -
Nice songs. Amazing vocal.
San Francisco, CA -
Keep up the beautiful music.
Pacifica, CA -
Your songs shine with a rare, unadorned beauty - strikingly honest, brilliantly resonant.
Michigan, USA -
I simply love your style. It is pure and heartfelt.
New York, NY -
I heard your beautiful songs and each song is pure gold. So simple and pure and beautiful.
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VIDEOS
You can view videos of me performing here OR by clicking on "Videos" under my photo at the top of this page.
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Born in Montgomery, AL; raised in Augusta, GA; graduated from UGA; played in cover bands in Atlanta, GA; took sabbatical before moving to NW Georgia; now performing predominately original music.
1st cd: Simply... (June 2006)
2nd cd: Lately... (May 2009)
ABOUT MY GENRE
I felt very flattered when told that I had "the heart and soul of a true storyteller." While my songs are normally well grounded in the folk music tradition of relating personal experiences, common occurrences, and newsworthy events; they also have contemporary and unique elements that allow them to freely flow in, out, around, and through many different genres.
I've found that genres can be confining as well as defining; not to mention downright confusing. I coined a new term - Bluefolkacana - for my musical style since it doesn't fit exactly within the boundries of current genres. I wanted a genre to fit the music I created rather than trying to create music that easily fit within the confines of an existing genre.
ABOUT MY INFLUENCES
I believe that my musical style is ever evolving and has been influenced by many musical styles from folk to rock and classical to country. Every songwriter/musician reaps the fruit of fields previously plowed by their predecessors and adds a little more flavor of their own to the musical stew left simmering for those who follow.
ABOUT MY PERFORMANCES
I'm thankful that my music has been well received at various clubs, house concerts, festivals, and songwriter events; and to paraphrase a recurring remark I've heard from time to time - "my performances draw people in, touch their hearts, and leave them wanting to hear more."
What more could a singer/songwriter ever want ?
I'm currently available for select bookings. If interested, please contact me through my website.
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TO HEAR MORE OF MY MUSIC... or ... TO BUY my CDs / DOWNLOADS
(All transactions on my website are PayPal simple and secure)..
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SPECIAL THANKS to NEIL YOUNG
A very special thank you to Neil Young for including one of my songs "When Your Soldier Comes Back Home" on his website where it bounced around the top of his list of over 3000 songs for over 2 1/2 years. (It was first added to his list in mid-June 2006 and stayed at Number 1 for 10 weeks).
Please visit his website at www.neilyoung.com. If you like the song, it is available as a FREE DOWNLOAD on the Music Store page of my website.
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GEORGIA BULLDOG FANS & ALUMNI
Visit my website MarthaAnnBrooks.com and listen to "That Bulldawg Song". You can listen to the entire song for free at that website by clicking on the Music Store page. Although it's a booster song for my Alma Mater, even non-Georgia fans might enjoy the music.
My Darling Martha! You did a wonderful Interview tonight on Indie Showcase with Shashona!! Simply Brilliant! Not only a beautiful, talented, and fun Lady but one who is filled with Grace. It has been our absolute pleasure to interview you. Thanks so much Martha Ann Brooks. Podcast will be posted soon. Watch for bulletins , blogs, moods. xxx
Yours in the music Shashona , Skys & The Indie Showcase DJ Team www.indieshowcase.net & Our Partners AwesomeRadio.net where the party never stops
Ciao,Martha Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Check Out Review on Martha Ann Brooks Album "Lately" In our blog section and on www.indieshowcase.net This lady is wonderful!! Yours in the music Shashona Indie Showcase
Hey!! Thanks for allowing me to be your friend! I absolutely LOVE Gary! He was wonderful at setting me at ease. He absolutely works wonders on his productions. I have to agree with you, can't go wrong with Gary in the studio!!
Loving you Here at Indie Showcase !! Tracks are rolling to a very appreciative audience Martha!! Can't wait to interview you live via Skyps. Review will be this weekend. Yours in the music Shashona www.indieshowcase.net
Visit with Folk-Blues singer-songwriter/published author David Olney every Tuesday via USTREAM for a few random thoughts, conversation, music and visions of inspiration and insight. 7:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Central).
*Debuting Tuesday, August 18, 2009!
USTREAM Show Page: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/david-olney-show
Martha ~ been a while since i've been in touch but your songs warm my soul as always ... i finally uploaded to the new ten song limit and thought you might enjoy some of my new 'oldies' ... stay in touch ~ paul