Having the skill to wield an axe is one thing, earninh your living with music is another, but translating that talent into a successful and listenable album is something else again. Remarkably Martin has achieved this with a set of his own material that's as original as any blues/rock based repertoire could be whilst remaining classifiable in the genre. The album opens with a Jimi-styled intro to While She Was Sleeping, a number that I imagine as a farewell to one of Martin's inspirations. It's not bleak though, rather a light and cheerful journey to a happier place that builds with some stinging licks into a rich hammond solo. All I Ever Wanted To Be lifts the tempo with its toe tapping beat and flying, sustained lead, Tonight The Blues Came Over Me is an expressive slow blues using contrary guitar tones to good effect, and Slidin'South is a slow instrumental in the Allmans'tradition. Volume peal features heavily in Jim's Lullaby, a beaty tribute that evolves into a Roy Buchanan blues that builds and builds. Super Babe Groove seems a litle out of place as it's more funk/jazz-rock and includes synthesizer keyboards. The country/rockabilly I've Never Been To Texas sits more comfortably and Cruel World leans on '60s blues basics with guitar improvising over a rolling Fleetwod- Mc Vie rhythm section.

The Godfather is a light jazz theme with organ backing and volume pedalling on the solo. Electric piano supports a deep south slide lead on Alligator while Private Eye is a light, jazzy piece with clean electric guitar, brushed snare and a Hammond swing. Bass tapping and pulling introduces a more funky styled number withsustained treble string soloing from Martin on Rattlesnake, a number that lacks the direction of its fellows and is overlong at seven minutes. Feelin'Blue is a lullaby in blues to close this surprisingly good album from a guitarist we are sure to hear more about.