Martin Taylor

"His remarkably fluid touch imbues a seamless beauty" - The Washington Post

According to Chet Atkins, Martin Taylor is one of the best guitarists in the world today, yet he was entirely self-taught. He picked up his first guitar at the age of four, was playing at village dances in his dad's jazz band at the age of 12 and by 16, found himself aboard the QE2 on a Caribbean cruise supporting the great Count Basie and his Orchestra!

Martin was influenced by pianists Art Tatum and Fats Domino, great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt as well as Ike Isaacs through whom he met Stephane Grappelli. When Grappelli's resident guitarist broke his wrist, Martin was asked to step in - it was the start of their long-term collaboration throughout the 70s and 80s which saw Martin play all over the world and record some 20 albums with Stephane and guest musicians including Michel Legrand, Peggy Lee, Yehudi Menuhin and Nelson Riddle.

In 1987, Martin received wide acclaim for Sarabanda, a solo album featuring bassist John Patitucci and Brazilian percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. By the end of the decade Stephane's health started deteriorating and Martin started playing some shows of his own.

The albums Don't Fret and Artistry followed, the latter topping the UK Jazz Charts for six weeks in 1993. The same year saw Martin's team up with Stephane Grappelli once again for Reunion.

In 1994 Martin formed Martin Taylor's Spirit of Django, paying homage to Django Reinhardt. Their first album hit the top of the Jazz charts once again and was nominated 1995's Best Album of the Year at the British Jazz Awards. Martin, meanwhile, was voted Best Guitarist for the seventh time.

In 1998, Martin was given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his major contribution to the world of guitar music while 1999 saw him make Honorary Doctor of the University of Paisley.

Martin has also played with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings on both their albums as well as on their tours in 1998 and 1999 alongside the likes of Georgie Fame, Gary Brooker and Albert Lee.