Gig Review: Jeffrey Martin - The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham. Friday 23rd January 2026

 Jeffrey Martin doesn’t waste a breath, nor a word, nor a note. He funnels life through the strings of a guitar, and songs pondering his inner most thoughts, trying to make sense of it all. He pauses, takes stock, adds insightful comment then resumes the artistic calling. The magnitude of his work holds an audience in a state of freeze-frame, listening with rooted intent. He revels in the cold wet January climate of the English Midlands, unsure whether he’s been to this town before He mischievously greets The Sunflower Lounge basement performing space as a “hole," though one soon to fill with adoration. This evening, one of Birmingham’s quirkier venues lends its ear to a troubadour from the resistant enclave of Portland Oregon, one uncomfortably wearing his nationality, yet bringing peace and calmness through the international language of song. 

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The stifling basement bar was near full to capacity; a testament to an artist cannily forging a in-person response to his music. The songs of Jeffrey Martin have found intended ears. Most are unlikely to return to a venue noted for its hot and sweaty indie rock, but they sought its perverse charm to engage ninety minutes in the company of a musician built for the road.

Succinct interludes packed an impact. Scenes were set, whether inviting you to Spain in the 1500s or to a classroom of High School freshers critiquing Hitler’s art, alongside stories of doomed investing and a mad writer shooting their loved ones.  The mind of a songwriter sees no boundaries, just an opportunity to pursue a craft. Jeffrey Martin exposed his creative splash through epic songs like ‘Paper Crown’, ‘Red Station Wagon’ and ‘There is Treasure’. He quickly leaned into ‘Garden’ when jumping the gun by starting his set a quarter of an hour before the stated 9pm time. ‘Coal Fire’ piqued a lyrical interest and a cover of Neil Young’s ‘Out on the Weekend’ was a good measure of how the original songs match up. 

Time has neatly progressed since being introduced to UK audiences nearly a decade ago alongside his Oregon associate Anna Tivel. The latest tour is accompanied by the release of his latest album, a live record. Perhaps a signal that what Jeffrey Martin does best is worthy of a recorded keepsake. Live records can have a pseudo presence in the wake of the personal experience. Maybe an open mind to an extended reach is a clue to its worth. A short interesting array of tour dates pitched Bush Hall in London with The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham. Whatever the success of the former, the latter was a statement that a city can respond. 

Tour organisers lined up a multi venue opener in the shape of an English singer-songwriter introduced by herself as Katie but using the name Tenderness to curate her latest project. A support set pushing nearly forty minutes allowed time for her music to settle. The voice gave the songs depth, lightly touched electric guitar added an ambient layer. The themes shone inwards with a more active pursuit likely beneficial. The debut album is out in March.

Jeffrey Martin eased his way to a concluding song without the need for an encore. A busy merch table loomed where connections would move to a different level. However, it is through the subtle medium of the sculpted song where this artist sets the tone. He turned a basement bar into a intense listening emporium with the idealistic panache of a cultured performer.