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Martin Van Blockson

Martin Blockson started his musical journey at the tender age of eight learning to read music in school bands playing clarinet and eventually picking up the saxophone at age 11 in jr. high school. As he honed his talents in band, Martin soon developed a passion for writing songs and started playing the piano as well.

Growing up in a military family and living all over the world exposed Martin to many cultures and music. The church also played a major role in his musical development. During his high school years, Martin played in several local jazz clubs and various churches in the Tidewater, Va. Area.

After graduating from high school, Martin received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied Jazz composition, commercial song writing, jingle writing and developed his skills as a record producer.

It was at Berklee where he formed a relationship with artist Lalah Hathaway. His first song placement on Virgin Records was on Lalah’s debut CD entitled Stay Home Tonight. Blockson also signed a publishing deal with Warner/ Chapelle Publishing shortly thereafter.

Martin has written, produced, and remixed records for artists such as Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, Dale Bozzio, Chris Bender, Gerald Levert, Vesta, Men At Large, Skyy, Glen Jones, Chris Pittman, David Pic Conley, Surface Cindy Mizelle, Lorenzo, En Vogue, Mick Murphy, Ann G., Cornell Stone, Rayna, Bad Boyz of the Industry, CeCe Rogers, Ten City, In Reverence, Terry Dexter, Deborah Killings, In Due Season,Parmalee, Darnerien McCants, Byron Stingily, Sue Ann Carwell, and the list goes on as the musical journey continues.

Today, Martin teaches private music instruction, plays with a Jazz group quite often and is still writing and producing records as well as producing music for film and television commercials.

Tags

Primary Instrument

Saxophone, tenor

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Berklee College of Music 1985-1990

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

When She Smiles...

Self Produced
2009

buy

When She Smiles

Self Produced
0

buy

Last One for the Road

From: When She Smiles...
By Martin Van Blockson

When She Smiles...

From: When She Smiles
By Martin Van Blockson

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