Click here to view a slideshow of the band’s tour of Russia!

Vinny St. Marten sees what many of us are blind to on heartfelt EP

Reviewed by Brooke Curtis, Twangtown

I’ve heard many stories about racial prejudice but hardly any that knocks me on the head as much as “Think About It (Roy’s Song).” I found myself in tears, actually, because as a young girl I had a close friend who was black in an all-white school. I can only imagine what she went through, but her strength inspired me to seek greatness and, with that, I am forever in her debt. Marten’s lesson is that, when you physically cannot see a fellow human being’s skin color, you will realize that we are all the same inside.

At a time when music has become so detached and artificial comes along this blind gentleman with a big, beating heart, sharing his love for the good things in life, especially loyal friendships. The easy-listening ballad “Please Let Me Be Your Eyes” and the homesick “16 Grove Street” have the softness and warmth of a home-cooked meal.

Vinny St. Marten is New York’s best-kept secret

Reviewed by Vivian Fields, Midnight Jazz

In a better world, Vinny St. Marten is performing before a crowd of adoring millions, seduced and mesmerized by his blue-eyed crooning. Then again, it’s never too late, isn’t it? Label him as New York’s best-kept secret, and it’s been that way too long if you read his history on the web. Actually, on this EP Marten will beat you to that as he, with the heartfelt warmth of a grandpa and the dramatic tone of a professional storyteller, shares some of those stories with you. The first one, “Think About It (Roy’s Song),” dates back to decades past but sadly is still relevant in these times. As a young blind man, racism absolutely made no sense to Marten as he had no sense of color to begin with. But his friendship with a black boy named Roy attracted bigoted dismissal from his peers. The track, part spoken-word diary, part classic soul, cuts deep; the emotionally reflective piano gives it a cinematic backdrop, and this is probably the best use of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech ever.

Marten leaves behind social commentary on “Please Let Me Be Your Eyes,” a love song with longtime partner Elysa Sunshine. Hearing Marten’s husky voice swimming alongside Sunshine’s silky smoothness makes for a gentle, sun-soaked message. Although there are only three cuts on this EP, they are all memorable and lovable, written with a profound degree of nostalgia and wisdom.

Savage Nation Features Vinny St. Marten

Michael Savage Receives Unique Phone Call
Michael Savage, host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show “Savage Nation,” is a no- nonsense political commentator who is widely known for dismissing his callers abruptly. However, on February 8, 2007, Savage started reminiscing about his upbringing and long-lost family values. Vinny decided to call into the show and speak about his own early life. Savage was so moved by Vinny’s story that he kept him on the air for over an hour. This unprecedented event meant that the rest of the show, which included an interview with a congressman, had to be rescheduled. The radio station was flooded with e-mails and phone calls from all over the country, and an article was immediately posted on “Vegas Buzz News.” In addition, a condensed version of Vinny’s interview on the “Savage Nation” has been rebroadcast numerous times.

Click below to listen to Vinny’s compelling and powerful story that almost brought Michael Savage to tears.

Part 1

Part 2