Old-Time Fiddlin’ & Singin’ by Benny Martin – A Raw Slice of Americana
Alright, let’s talk about Old-Time Fiddlin’ & Singin’ by Benny Martin. This little gem from Wing Records is a deep dive into the heart of Folk, World, and Country sounds—straight outta the US. If you’re into music that feels like it was pulled straight from an old barn dance or a porch on a hot summer evening, this one might just hit the spot.
Now, I gotta say, not every track blew my socks off (and honestly, some were kinda forgettable). But there were moments where Benny really nailed it. Let me break it down for ya.
First up, “Girls, Girls.” Man, this tune sticks in your head like gum on a shoe. It’s got this playful energy to it—you can almost picture Benny strumming away with a sly grin on his face. The lyrics are cheeky but simple enough that you don’t need a PhD to get what he’s saying. Plus, the fiddle work here? Super solid. Like, toe-tapping good. You know those songs that make you wanna grab someone and spin ‘em around? Yeah, this is one of ‘em.
Then there’s “To Cry the Blues Each Day.” Whoa, total mood shift, right? This one slows things down and hits different. There’s something raw about how Benny sings it—he doesn’t overdo it, which makes it feel more real. It’s like he’s sitting across from you at a kitchen table, spilling his guts. And hey, who hasn’t had days where they felt like crying the blues? Relatable stuff. The melody isn’t flashy, but sometimes less is more, y’know?
The rest of the album has its ups and downs. Tracks like “I’m Checking Out” and “Me and My Fiddle” keep things moving, though nothing else stood out quite as much as those two did. By the time you get to “Take My Word,” it’s clear Benny knows his way around storytelling, even if the production feels a bit dated. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. It’s unpolished, sure, but it’s also kinda refreshing in today’s world of auto-tuned perfection.
Reflecting on this record, I think what stays with me most is how human it feels. These aren’t perfect songs—they’re messy, heartfelt, and full of personality. Listening to them reminds me of why people fell in love with folk and country music in the first place: it’s all about connection. Oh, and here’s a weird thought—I bet Benny would’ve killed it playing live. Too bad we’ll never know!
So yeah, give Old-Time Fiddlin’ & Singin’ a spin if you’re curious. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking. Sometimes, though, the simplest things leave the biggest impression.
