Matt Nathanson/Charlotte Martin
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - November 03, 2004

"Pieces of..." a "One Girl Army"

Pair a classical closet goth and a Rick Springfield-wannabe rocker — and it makes for a musically diverse evening. Nevertheless, seeing Charlotte Martin for the first time, and Matt Nathanson yet again was a blast.

Charlotte opened up the show exuding emotion with her feminine-yet-dark songs. She'll never escape the Tori Amos comparison, but that doesn't mean she doesn't stand out.

She has a knack for manipulating her voice, the mic, and the piano -- all into a harmonious range that lets certain aspects break through during the songs. When the piano goes soft, her voice carries on. When her voice trails off, she uses echo effects in the mic. It's a glorious circle that allows this female vocalist to highlight her diverse talents.

I've seen plenty of gals wail on a mic; but Charlotte deserves the spotlight, let me tell you. She's a bit of a classical singer, but her voice can harp up and down a range of tones and notes.

"Beautiful Life" was most gripping, for its lyrics and also just watching her get into it. The song shows that her songs may sound like black velvet paired with pink lace, but her lyrics and vocals can be as sweet as beige silk. "One Girl Army" was amazing. The song is about independence and strength, and Charlotte sang her heart out in front of a bongo backdrop. Matt's drummer took time out to tap the bongos during the various breaks of the song — and what an impression it made.

He warmed up the crowd with "Sad Songs" and "Vandalized", and payed a short homage to Motley Crew. Compared to the last time Dan and I saw the band at the same venue, they've kicked up the sound and vibrance of the show. That "being on" aspect is important to Matt, the band says. And they were. Especially electric guitarist and swing-keyboardist, Aben — that dude has incorporated some sweet interludes into the mix. "Bass Guy" John — always amazing.

Nathanson stepped up his show incorporating his usual hysterical banter into current issues. As the band whipped up the chorus to Ashlee Simpson's "Pieces of Me", a witty Nathanson imitated the recently discovered lip syncher. Catchy pun lyrics and his charm added to the hysterics. I'm not sure how he does it, but Matt is so quick-witted on stage, so creative, so freaking funny. I love how his music is so sensitive, and he can be so hysterically crude. You don't think the guy who sings, "Sing me sweet/say you'll never let me go" would have a mohawk and talk of perverse activities, but he does it—and he does it with style.

He also sang "Vandalized" "Princess" and "Bare", which sounded better than I've ever heard them. Hoping to hear "Never Forget My Memories" at one of his shows soon, but even if he never plays it again, I'm sure Dan and I will continue to follow this brilliant band.

See more photos here.

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com