John Arthur Martinez

"I always tell people I went to the Hank Williams school of songwriting," says john Arthur martinez. "I was always trying to capture his ability to marry a lyric with a melody." With PURGATORY ROAD, he's definitely earned himself an A. Martinez's flowing melodies carry stories told by a true Texas songwriter, with evocative lyrics inspired by wide open spaces, friends, family and the wayfarers who populate our lives in unexpected ways.

Martinez's forthcoming release is filled with the spiritual and creative energy of Texas' hill country, where he lives in Marble Falls, and musical influences that range from Dan Fogelberg and James Taylor to Carlos Santana, Cuco Sanchez and Asleep at the Wheel.

"I'm like the menu at a Texas diner," he adds. "There's chicken fried steak, there's chili con carne-smothered enchiladas, there's the spinach veggie omelet, there's fresh pecan pie. It all comes out of the same kitchen, just like my folk stuff, my country songs, my Latin tunes, my ballads, my rockers."

It's a tasty menu, indeed.