john martz

Upon first picking up a guitar in 1990, John decided to learn to rock and roll from the roots, then move forward to the new stuff. He found deeper roots than expected, and moved ever backward until finally setlling in the blues of the early 20th century. The simple, driving pulse of the old sound speaks with a powerful voice, and John heard it loud and clear. With a background as a banjo player (experience common with many early blues players) as well as some good records, he taught himself trademark moves of players such as Tommy and Robert Johnson, Skip James, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bill Broonzy, and Missisippi John Hurt. With some convincing covers under his belt, he stepped out with original material that can be intricate and modern, yet steadfastly rooted in tradition.