The Oracle
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Creative music that is enjoyable and danceable" - Barry Altchul
"Creative music that is enjoyable and danceable" - Barry Altchul
"Infectious rhythms, captivating grooves, melodies you'll be sure to remember, and a joyful cooperative spirit that comes through the music of The ZMQ! I highly recommend their new CD Landscapes for a special listening experience!" - Jack DeJohnette
"Infectious rhythms, captivating grooves, melodies you'll be sure to remember, and a joyful cooperative spirit that comes through the music of The ZMQ! I highly recommend their new CD Landscapes for a special listening experience!" - Jack DeJohnette
“The musicianship on Four, which gained its name by being the Zeke Martin Project’s fourth recording, is excellent and even while the music grooves, it is creative in subtle ways. Throughout Four, while the individual solos are impressive, it is the group sound and the spirit of the ensemble that is most memorable. The Zeke Martin Project is in prime form on Four, a set that is easily recommended to those who love the funkier side of jazz.”
– Scott Yanow, Jazz Author and Journalist - Scott Yanow
“The musicianship on Four, which gained its name by being the Zeke Martin Project’s fourth recording, is excellent and even while the music grooves, it is creative in subtle ways. Throughout Four, while the individual solos are impressive, it is the group sound and the spirit of the ensemble that is most memorable. The Zeke Martin Project is in prime form on Four, a set that is easily recommended to those who love the funkier side of jazz.”
– Scott Yanow, Jazz Author and Journalist - Scott Yanow
“There’s no one finer at holding down the bottom line than Boston drummer Zeke Martin, and you’ll find no groovier and funkier instrumental CD this year than the Zeke Martin Project’s Four. If Rhodes runs springy guitar work (from Wan Gigi) and in-the-pocket tunes are your thing, you have to get your hands on this album. Creed Taylor would be proud of this gig. Everything gets thrown into the mix on “It Ain’t You”, “What You Gonna Say” and “Song for Eugenia”, three dynamite tracks with plenty of stretching out from band members, especially from Yusaku Yoshimura’s organ on “Song For Eugenia”, a track written by Martin’s late father, the jazz drummer Stu Martin. But not all’s up- tempo, as I hereby vote “Say Something at 6 am” as cool jam of the year. While Martin’s staccato drums and Rozhan Razman’s bass keeps the groove anchored, Yoshimura’s suave organ floats above it all in a gentle, swaying motion. “Tusutsu Motase” is the most traditional jazz tune, a swinging number with acoustic piano. “Know Time” has a seventies feel which swings happily. “Four” shows a tight ensemble at its best, and can’t be recommended enough for fans of funky, tight and exhilarating jazz.” – Brian Soergel, JazzTimes - Brian Soergel - Jazz Times
“There’s no one finer at holding down the bottom line than Boston drummer Zeke Martin, and you’ll find no groovier and funkier instrumental CD this year than the Zeke Martin Project’s Four. If Rhodes runs springy guitar work (from Wan Gigi) and in-the-pocket tunes are your thing, you have to get your hands on this album. Creed Taylor would be proud of this gig. Everything gets thrown into the mix on “It Ain’t You”, “What You Gonna Say” and “Song for Eugenia”, three dynamite tracks with plenty of stretching out from band members, especially from Yusaku Yoshimura’s organ on “Song For Eugenia”, a track written by Martin’s late father, the jazz drummer Stu Martin. But not all’s up- tempo, as I hereby vote “Say Something at 6 am” as cool jam of the year. While Martin’s staccato drums and Rozhan Razman’s bass keeps the groove anchored, Yoshimura’s suave organ floats above it all in a gentle, swaying motion. “Tusutsu Motase” is the most traditional jazz tune, a swinging number with acoustic piano. “Know Time” has a seventies feel which swings happily. “Four” shows a tight ensemble at its best, and can’t be recommended enough for fans of funky, tight and exhilarating jazz.” – Brian Soergel, JazzTimes - Brian Soergel - Jazz Times
Discography
Landscapes - (2001)
Funky Stuff - (2006)
U4RIA - (2009)
4 - (2010)
Photos
Bio
Born in Brussels in 1973, Zeke Martin entered the world with a pair of drumsticks in his hands. Influenced by his father, Stu Martin, who played with Jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Charles Mingus, Dave Holland and Quincy Jones to name a few, Zeke’s musical repertoire includes a blend of Jazz, Funk, R&B, Reggae, Rock and more.
In 1985, at the age of 12, Zeke had his first gig with Steve Lacy, in France. Shortly after, he moved to the United States where he began a successful career, including the formation of The Zeke Martin Project in 2000. Since then The ZMP has released four CD’s entitled LANDSCAPES (2001), FUNKY STUFF (2006), U4RIA (2009) and 4 (2012). Zeke’s band, The Zeke Martin Project, was awarded Best Jazz CD (U4RIA) by the New England Urban Music Award (2010). The band has been reviewed in Jazz Times Magazine (April 2010 and January 2012) and by Scott Yanow from LA Jazz Scene (Jun. 2009, Jan. 2012).
Zeke’s unique and soulful style has enabled him to secure endorsement deals with Vic Firth Sticks (2005), Creation Drums (2009), Supernatural Cymbals (2013), Evans Drumheads (2009), Kickport (2010), Beato Bags (2010) and Mono Cases (2009). Zeke Martin has also received accolades from Drum! Magazine (August 2002).
Zeke Martin has performed in many locations throughout the world, including NAMM The Venue Stage in Anaheim, CA, The Berklee Performance Center, The House Of Blues in Boston, The Black Repertory Theater in RI, Minton’s Playhouse and Sweet Rhythm in NYC, New Mexico, along the East Coast and tours to Malaysia. Additionally, Zeke Martin has shared the stage with such star performers as The Neville Brothers, The Funk Brothers, Ali-Ollie Woodson from the Temptations, three time grammy winner Justin Raines (Israel Houghton), Nicole Nelson (The Voice), Drop Kick Murphy’s, Rie Tsuji (Beyonce), Jason Langley (Dream Girls, Memphis), Bronson Arroyo, and Regina Bell to name a few. Currently, Zeke resides in Boston, MA and he continues to perform with his band and teaches at numerous music stores (Music and Arts) as well as Northeastern University.
http://www.zekemartin.com/epk/
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