Todd Martin
Time for Good
self-released
Grade: BSomewhere in between the quiet, pensive melodies of Damien Rice and the jazz-and-blues-driven swoonings of John Mayer lies a brand of singer/songwriter folk rock so teeming with passion that listeners would be hard-pressed not to hum along. On Time for Good, his full-band follow-up to the 2004 solo album How It Is That I'm Alone, Philadelphia-based Todd Martin takes his heart off of his sleeve and pins it to twelve tracks of introspective, guitar-based delight. Aiding Martin are good friends and current touring partners Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, both backing Martin instrumentally and vocally.

Here, the self-taught Martin and his acoustic guitar exude the subtle undertones of his many influences, which include David Gray, Ryan Adams, Counting Crows and Damien Rice. Many of the tracks on Time for Good showcase Martin's love of chorus effects and three-part harmonies.

In "Out to Sea," Martin duets with Kellogg-the result is a brokenhearted country-folk anthem which may remind listeners of British songster Jamie Cullum. But don't be fooled by his soft side-Todd Martin's sense of humor has as much influence on his music as his heart does. If you're lucky enough to catch one of Martin's shows, there's as good of a chance that you'll hear a cover of TLC's "No Scrubs" as a Ryan Adams tune.

Fans of better-known singer/songwriters such as Mayer, Jason Mraz and Howie Day will enjoy Todd Martin's brand of soulful semi-folk rock. Though native to Philadelphia, Martin is no stranger to the Boston area, having spent two years in the city taking part in its well-known market for up-and-coming singer/songwriters.

-Jonathan Lowe

Editors' note: Martin will perform for free at the Stein Thursday, Oct. 27 at 10 p.m.