Artist Information
Biography
While keeping one foot planted firmly in the roots of American music, singer/songwriter Brian Martin is forging a distinct path into its future as well. Blending styles of old-time country blues, barrel-house boogie, and indie folk, he delivers down-home witty tales with a soulful gritty voice, resulting in music that is both unique and inviting for generations young and old.
Hailing from southern Arkansas, Brian began the journey of a fulltime musician in 2004. He has since gained an ever growing fan base as well as several distinctions throughout the region. In 2004 he was a finalist in the Emerging Artist Competition for the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. In 2006 & 2007 he was invited to perform in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, one of only a handful of Arkansans' selected to perform with blues musicians from around the world. Also in 2006, he received a LAMA (Lower Arkansas Music Award) for Most Unique Performer of the year. More recently, Brian took 2nd place in the 2008 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase.
In addition to his individual performances, Brian has supported a diverse range of national touring acts such as alt. country rockers Lucero, blues legend Bobby Rush, and jam band originator Col. Bruce Hampton. In late spring of 2010 he formed a band entitled Sad Daddy with upright bassist Melissa Carper and banjo player Joe Sundell. Together, they recorded a self-title album and toured extensively throughout the summer and early fall. The trio have taken the winter off to work on their individual solo projects and will resume touring in the spring of 2011.
Instrumentation
Brian Martin-voice, acoustic & electric guitar, resonator guitar, banjo, harmonica, foot percussion
Discography
demo's available at:
www.myspace.com/brianmartinmusic
&
www.brianmartinmusic.com
Links
Video
Press
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Martin a modern-day disciple of old-school Delta country blues
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With a voice imbued with the spirits of Leon Redbone, Mississippi John Hurt and Tom Waits and b...
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Spa City Blues Society names IBC competitors
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From Delta and "hill country" blues to Dixieland and juke joint anthems, Martin covers the spec...
Setlist
typical set lengths are:
up to 2x75 minutes sets plus encore
generally, I perform all originals with occasional traditional songs.