Born in Brooklyn, NY, Martin began playing piano as soon as he could reach it - around age two. From the beginning, his interest seemed focused on improvisation and composition. Martin was possibly the world's worst piano student - not practicing, leaving his music at home and coming late to the lesson - and was summarily dismissed by any number of earnest teachers. It seemed inevitable that he would gravitate towards jazz, which he did around the age of twelve, forming a number of bands throughout high school and college
After moving to Los Angeles, Martin formed the avant-garde New Jazz Trio with bassist Gary Marker (later of The Rising Sons) and drummer Ed Cassidy (later of Spirit) which performed at the first Lighthouse Jazz Festival. During this period Martin also performed with legendary saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and bassist Charlie Hayden.
Returning to New York, Martin was fortunate to be one of the denizens of what is now know as The Jazz Loft, and become a part of the Don Ellis band which included most of the cutting edge musicians of that era. In 1964, Martin did a Carnegie Recital Hall concert with bassist Barre Phillips and drummer Charles Moffet, and also appeared in the October Revolution in Jazz with bassist David Izenzon and drummer Paul Motian.
In the midst of all this experimentation, he awoke one early morning with a "pop" song complete in his head - lyrics and all. Of course, it did include some of the changes from Giant Steps, but, still, a "pop" tune. This began a period of what Martin likes to call "projectile song writing," a phenomenon which drew him more and more into the pop world. For the next decade or so, he made his living as a songwriter, studio player and musical director for artists such as Mama Cass Elliot and Righteous Brother Bobby Hatfield.
Becoming disillusioned with the "biz," Martin returned to school and became Dr. Eagle - Psychologist, thus fulfilling his parents hopes and dreams. Now, having retired from this profession, he has returned to his first love.
The audio/video link will allow you to audition all of Martin's CDs and to view a number of solo piano and band videos. The pictures link will show you some colleagues, past and present, and the contact link will let you send email.
After moving to Los Angeles, Martin formed the avant-garde New Jazz Trio with bassist Gary Marker (later of The Rising Sons) and drummer Ed Cassidy (later of Spirit) which performed at the first Lighthouse Jazz Festival. During this period Martin also performed with legendary saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and bassist Charlie Hayden.
Returning to New York, Martin was fortunate to be one of the denizens of what is now know as The Jazz Loft, and become a part of the Don Ellis band which included most of the cutting edge musicians of that era. In 1964, Martin did a Carnegie Recital Hall concert with bassist Barre Phillips and drummer Charles Moffet, and also appeared in the October Revolution in Jazz with bassist David Izenzon and drummer Paul Motian.
In the midst of all this experimentation, he awoke one early morning with a "pop" song complete in his head - lyrics and all. Of course, it did include some of the changes from Giant Steps, but, still, a "pop" tune. This began a period of what Martin likes to call "projectile song writing," a phenomenon which drew him more and more into the pop world. For the next decade or so, he made his living as a songwriter, studio player and musical director for artists such as Mama Cass Elliot and Righteous Brother Bobby Hatfield.
Becoming disillusioned with the "biz," Martin returned to school and became Dr. Eagle - Psychologist, thus fulfilling his parents hopes and dreams. Now, having retired from this profession, he has returned to his first love.
The audio/video link will allow you to audition all of Martin's CDs and to view a number of solo piano and band videos. The pictures link will show you some colleagues, past and present, and the contact link will let you send email.
