Marie Barlow Martin: Recommendations

REVIEW of "Shelter-Worship Through The Ages",
from Woship Leader Magazine:


"Releases in the folky solo-piano style that had its biggest wave of popularity in the 70's and 80's (Evie, Cynthia Clawson, Twyla Paris, Sandi Patty) aren't made so much to top the charts today as they are to simply enrich in their meditative beauty. With "Shelter", Martin makes us realize that some things, such as sweeping vocals and the simple beauty of a single piano accompaniment are timeless. Not that "Shelter" is completely stripped. Strings and mandolins and even steel guitar offer textures to the whole but always stay as subtle supports to Martin's vocal presence.

As a journey through the ages, Martin's Broadway-schooled tones move from meditative early first century ("Ode 40 (Sing Allelu)") then skip ahead to the 18th century (the ethereal "Be Still, My Soul") and even venture into the early twentieth century spiritual choruses ("In The Garden") before dipping in the current well of worship music. Along with quiet meditation, you'll hear a touch of country in some of these dramatic and beautifully understated ballads that come through the ages but work so beautifully in context of today.

WORSHIP LEADER TAKEAWAY: Built on vocal strength and understated power, each of these songs could be called on to support a service of worship in a special solo."

Roxbury Holiness Camp and Conference Center recently hosted a Couples
Retreat on September 16 - 28, 2008. Gordy and Marie (Barlow) Martin were
our guest speakers/singers.
The professionally trained voice of Marie mixes well with the smooth harmony
of her husband, Gordy, to bring a beautiful blend. Gordy's personally
written love songs are an inspiration to couples in all walks of life.
Other songs tell a story of life and love but all bring glory to God. His
guitar and banjo accompaniment are a great mix and appeal to a broad
spectrum of people. Our guests actually requested more banjo! They led the
group in worship songs, old and new. And they also blessed us with classics
like, "His Eye is On The Sparrow" and the hymns of the church, including one
from 100 A.D.
The content of their material was excellent and well presented. New and
unique plus some oft heard advice was well received by couples who have been
married two years to 51 years. Many expressed their appreciation that the
Martin's ministry was a benefit to their marriage. One couple's marriage
was especially renewed.
Gordy and Marie were personable and friendly, making themselves available
for counsel and advise.
I highly recomment Gordy and Marie to you for a musical concert or couples
events.

REGARDING THE NEW ALBUM, YEARS - MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS:
"The title of this album is certainly appropriate, as we all seem to associate the holidays with some of the ubiquitous classic songs that permeate the season. A carefully selected group of tracks are offered here, spun with mellow jazzy elements and given a professional treatment that exudes warmth and comfort. With a minimalistic (but not nearly empty) approach to the guitar and piano based backing tracks, the strength of the female vocals remains the focus of these songs, showcasing compatibility that glides through a vast array of
styles. Featuring some well known songs ("The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland") as well as some semi-obscure cuts that blend well within the theme ("Years," "I Wonder As I Wander"), the encompassing variety is this album's greatest strength. The songs speak gently with passion and experience, resulting in a timeless thematic collection perfect for the holiday season."

Marie Barlow Martin and devoted husband Gordy Martin combine on Years: Memories of Christmas, a lovely jazz offering. For me, the album is all about "the voice"; Marie Barlow Martin has an exceptional vocal instrument that is effortlessly clear and warmly nuanced. Just beautiful.

This album largely reflects the more contemplative and spiritual side of jazz, and the eclectic song selection is a pleasure. Although the album's tone is relatively subdued overall, the ambiance is intensely joyful. My favorite moments include Marie's a cappella segments on I Wonder as I Wander and Veni, Veni Emmanuel, and the couple's charming duet on Coventry Carol. The one instrumental, Winter Wonderland, is a refreshing burst of jazzy enthusiasm. The surprising O Holy Night closes the album with an operatic fluorish.

"The voice" is a delight. My thanks to the Martins for a memorable holiday release!

"I had the privilege of ministering with Gordy and Marie at a couples conference this winter 2007. From Broadway style, big sound solos to quiet duets accompanied by acoustic guitar this is a couple that touches an audience with an intense, fresh passion for Jesus and His Word. Strongly consider inviting them to come and use their special gift in your ministry."

We were delighted to have Gordy and Marie appear in concert at our 2007
Cristian Camp and Conference Association National Convention & Exhibition in San Diego this year - They were a pleasure to work with and our people simply loved them. Marie's powerful and pristine vocals along with Gordy's endearing humor and exceptional guitar accompaniment made for a memorable time of
entertainment and worship.

It is my joy to recommend the Martins to your fellowship. Whether it is a concert, special event, as guest artists for a church production, or simply to minister in a service, Marie and Gordy are capable and experienced performers. More importantly, they minister with a spirit of humility and servanthood. Too often, I have seen guest artists come with a pre-set package or agenda. It is refreshing to work with talented artists whose desire is to help the local congregation achieve its ministry goals. The Martins are delightful to work with from both a platform and a prayer room perspective. I first met the Martins in 2005 while serving as the pastor of Worship Arts at Manor Ch urch, Lancaster, PA and have worked with them on several occasions. From those experiences I can say that I wholeheartedly recommend them to you. You will be blessed!

"During the 2006 Christmas holidays, my wife and I had the privilege of enjoying the ministry of Gordy and Marie Martin for the first time in one of our Nazarene churches. Their ministry excelled in both quality and spirit. Their ability to connect with people was evident as they shared the message through song. We were personally enriched and blessed by being in the service that day. I would highly recommend their ministry to other churches, Christian groups, and organizations."

"Thank you so very much for your conscientious, prayerful preparation of the music you presented at Sandy Cove Women’s Weekend. The ladies loved you and demonstrated their satisfaction with high numbers on the evaluation forms. I considered your concert to be outstanding—a great variety and mixture of music along with your stories which helped the women get to know you a little bit. They love that! You did an extraordinary job of including various types of music--old and new—which goes a long way in guest satisfaction. Well done! I was delighted with your presentations and, more importantly, the vast majority of the women who came were thrilled. You did a fabulous job! Thank you once again for contributing to the great blessing of last weekend. I thank the Lord for your desire to please Him and strengthen the Body of Christ through your gifts."

It is my pleasure to write a letter of reference for Marie Barlow Martin and
Gordy Martin. We had the pleasure of hosting them at our church this summer and they were very well received. With four worship services each Sunday maintaining quality can be a difficulty. Marie and Gordy were outstanding in helping us worship through special music each time. Marie’s voice is exceptional and Gordy’s harmonies a wonderful compliment. Sunday evening we had an open concert. Our people responded and were blessed. With a combination of show tunes, ballads, and worship, we were both entertained and led in praise. Gordy and Marie shared their story in an inspirational way that made us appreciate the music even more. God gifts each believer and expects us to use those gifts to His glory. I hope you will have the chance to experience Marie and Gordy sharing theirs.
Sincerely in Christ,
Phil Hill
Executive Pastor

"When I booked Marie and Gordy to come and minister to our congregation, little did I know how much of a divine appoinment of grace their coming would be. Just two days prior to their arrival our church experienced a very tragic death that affected the entire congregation. This fine couple were sensitive to the Lord's guidance, and we were comforted through both song and word. I fully appreciated their sensitivity to the Spirit's leading. Their presentation and musical gifting is of the highest quality. I can't recommend them enough."

I recently had the opportunity to work with Marie Barlow Martin. Not only was I extremely impressed with her vocal abilities and her ability to truly communicate the message of a song, I was most impressed by her spirit and her love for the Lord. Gordy’s sensitive instrumentals and vocals are an incredible compliment to Marie’s pure vocal sound. They are truly a great musical “team”. Musicianship however is only a small portion of their ministry. They both show a real maturity in their walk with the Lord and a true love for His presence… I would highly recommend this ministry to your church, organization, or event. They have made an impact on my life and I’m sure they will on yours as well.

"It was a blessing to have Gordy and Marie Martin in our church. What a joy to hear Marie's beautiful voice as she used her talents to bring glory to God. Gordy's songs were sensitive and touching. They were wonderful to deal with and our whole church was greatly blessed by having them here."

Having Marie and Gordy share their musical talents at our annual client
appreciation Christmas banquet was truly a blessing. We were absorbed in a powerful time of praise to our God. Everything about their presentation was passionate and focused on worship. God was glorified and we were blessed.
We will most certainly have the Martin's back to share with us.

Jim and I were very privileged to Worship with Marie and Gordy Martin at the Harrisburg Bethany Church of the Nazarene Mortgage burning celebration. With definite purpose, this humble husband and wife team quickly ushered us into God's Presence. With Marie's accomplished vocal ability and Gordy's gifted instrumental guitar and technical abilities, it is clearly evident that the mission of God's love compels them to minister through music. They smoothly incorporate diverse musical styles using creativity, power, enthusiasm and keen sensitivity. We highly recommend these very gifted Christian Musicians. Through these vessels, God will surely touch your hearts. Prepare to be blessed!!!

"It was a joy to have Gordy and Marie Barlow Martin return to Manor Church. They love the Lord, have gracious spirits and offer a great variety of music to share from their hearts. Our church family really appreciates their ministry. We will look forward to having them again!"

“We enjoyed a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with Gordy and Marie. They brought with them a genuine love for the Lord and sensitivity both to the Spirit’s leading and to our needs as a local body of believers. One of my lay people sums it up well in an email to me. ’I wanted to thank you for a lovely Sunday morning. Cait’s comment [her teenage daughter]: “I’m glad I made the effort to get up.” The service was inspiring and the Martin’s voices and presence was simply beautiful.’ Again, thank you for coming, and thank you for partnering with us in ministry.”

Having Gordy and Marie in concert here at Grace Baptist was one of the highlights of the year for our church. Marie's versatile voice and ability to sing in various styles of music reaches across generational lines and ministers to all. It is very evident that they view this as a ministry and not just a performance. We will definitely have them back!

As a church, I feel we were privileged to have Gordy and Marie with us in concert. I was so pleased. At the church where I previously served for 19 years, we were fortunate to have some of the biggest names in gospel music. I was very pleased with each group we had invited, they had great musical skills, and humble attitudes. To be honest, I was skeptical in having Gordy and Marie come; I had seen some of the best talent from Nashville, etc. and they were from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Gordy and Marie were more than equal to any group I had seen at my previous church. God has blessed them with musical talent, but I was really impressed with their humility and ability to connect with our people. Our people thoroughly enjoyed them as people and musicians. I was encouraged by their authentic humility and love for the Lord and for others. We immediately booked them for next year. I can recommend Gordy and Marie without hesitation, it is evident the Holy Spirit’s power and grace is upon them.

I was blessed to get to know Gordy and Marie as individuals before experiencing the full impact of their musical skill and experience. They are two of my favorite people, devoted to God and each other… Marie’s presentation is so much more than a vocal performance. She sings with every part of her being and is able to relate to her listeners in an extraordinarily personal and intimate way, no matter the size of the crowd. Gordy, with his years of professional music experience, deftly complements Marie with his production work, guitar mastery, and subtle vocals. Listening to them is as much an experience of fellowship and worship as it is one of entertainment. Music is a labor of love for Gordy and Marie, and I hope you take the opportunity to hear them share it.

Perhaps it was the combination of meaningful repertoire, outstanding musical talent, and a sweet, humble spirit both on and off the stage. Whatever the reason: Marie and Gordy connected with the people of our church in a way that was musically enjoyable, emotionally touching, and spiritually
meaningful. We will invite them again.

It is rare when musicians come along whose devotion to Christ is so transparent and genuine that their art transcends earthly borders and lifts you into the heavenly realms. Gordy and Marie are such artists. I have known Gordy for over 16 years and he is indeed a man after God's own heart. Marie is his perfect compliment. Together they will bless your ministry and your congregation as they lead you into a worship experience that will usher you into the heart of God and the power of His Spirit. The excellence of their playing, songwriting and production honors Christ and guarantees a quality performance that will deepen your desire to worship.

It is a privilege to recommend to you the outstanding musical ministry of Marie Barlow Martin and Gordy Martin. They bring a wide variety of rich, inspirational Christian music that has truly blessed the people of our church. Their spirit is gracious and their dedicated talent will touch the hearts of your people. I have known Marie since her childhood days and today marvel at her giftedness. Schedule them quickly, they are wonderful!

Marie Barlow's performance was musically contagious and spiritually uplifting. I feel fortunate that we were able to have her here at Messiah College to perform for our students and community. Her amazing voice is complimented by a genuine sincerity and a true ability to connect with her audience. Seeing the reaction of our audience including my own young daughter convinces me that Marie's artistic talents are truly a powerful ministry. I will welcome this versatile performer to our campus anytime knowing that it will be a wonderful musical and personal experience!

Audiences will be captivated when they hear the enchantingly, delightful voice of Marie Barlow Martin. It is a pleasure to experience the charm, energy and emotion that Marie expresses in each song.

"...It is the music ministry that I want to take a moment and recommend to you. Individually, Gordy and Marie have had amazing musical careers. Gordy was one of the cutting edge worship ministers in the country and Marie was a Broadway vocalist. In God's great sense of humor, He has united them in marriage and they are now harnessing their talents for the Lord. Their technical excellence combined with the broad variety of music styles provides for a wonderful blend of music and message. Both have tremendous testimonies of God's grace in their lives. And both have a love and commitment to the people of God...I just wanted to encourage you about their ministry and fully endorse this wonderful couple. I hope you would book them for a concert, event or even for special music. Marie has an incredible CD that gives you a taste of her talent. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions..."