Sean Hayes w/ Drew Martin
Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
02.22.18
Sean Hayes could set up a residency in Seattle and call it a second home, filling up the Tractor Tavern and other numerous venues across the city. Until then, if you were not able to catch this intimate yet inclusive performance, Hayes has and will continue to be a frequent visitor to the city.
Opening for Hayes was Maui transplant, Drew Martin. Martin moved to Seattle a little over four years ago, and delivers a combination of Hawaiian-infused guitar and soulful vocals reminiscent of songs you might hear in Makawao, Maui.
In Seattle, Martin has been able to perform with a backing band combining a plethora of different instruments. Martin consistently—yet effortlessly—switches from 12-string guitar to a banjo and harmonica, carrying the crowd into each song.
Hayes released his eighth album, Low Light, in 2016. Performing these tracks as a three-piece served Hayes well, especially during his show at the Tractor Tavern. The warmth of Hayes’ vocals reverberated off the exposed brick in the old venue, prompting the crowd to swell into the tight space.
With Hayes in close proximity to the crowd, their singing along to tracks both old and new lent the evening a subtle harmony. For title track, “Low Light,” and “Open Up a Window,” from the 2010 release, Run Wolves Run, the crowd followed intently with Hayes, permeating the tracks with a euphoric energy. With an almost sold out crowd, Hayes will continue to play Seattle, treating those who will listen to his circuitous lyrics and incredibly indelible voice.
Review and photos by Matthew B. Thompson
Sean Hayes
Drew Martin
