WORDS: Stephen Harrison PIX: Julie Harrison
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the incredible Dom Martin live on several occasions. And honestly, each time I see him perform, he seems to reach new heights. So, saying I was looking forward to this gig at The Philharmonic Music Rooms would be quite the understatement.
As an added bonus, this night gave me the chance to finally catch Thomas Heppell live, opening the show. I’d reviewed one of Thomas’s albums a few years back, but this was my first time seeing him in person. It’s clear why Thomas is quickly earning a strong reputation as a rising star in the Blues scene — his talent as a singer-songwriter is undeniable, and his voice is something special.
Then came the main event. Dom Martin radiates style, class, and a deep-rooted understanding of the Blues. It’s not just that he sings the Blues — it’s the phrasing, the feeling, and the sheer conviction in his delivery. Combine that with his skill as a guitarist, and it’s no wonder he’s receiving accolades from all over. Gigs across Europe don’t land in your lap by chance; they come from years of hard work, persistence, and passion. His appearance at last year’s Brezoi International Festival in Romania speaks volumes about his craft.
As this was an acoustic tour, there was no safety net — no band to lean on. Just Dom, his guitar, and that remarkable voice.
His ninety-minute set was packed with both new material and older favourites from his albums, each one enthusiastically received by an almost full house. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, he surprised the crowd with a blistering rendition of the Pink Floyd classic, Breathe.
If you haven’t yet experienced Dom Martin live, I strongly recommend you put that right as soon as you can. Dom is rising fast, and you’ll be glad you got to witness it.
