Martin Smith

A unique vocal talent, Martin has the cool, smooth delivery of old-school jazz crooners but also the emotional power and a contemporary edge developed in his time singing blues, rock and musical theatre.

Martin's father was a trumpet player and his mother a singer during the golden age of big band swing. So a love for swing, jazz and the great ballads written at that time runs deep within him - and he has inherited a talent for performing in these genres. He cites the likes of Mel Torme, Mark Murphy and Ella Fitzgerald among his influences.

However, he doesn't see himself as just a jazz singer. "I just like to sing great songs, to try and do them justice and bring a little of myself to them." So, a performance by Martin is likely to include songs by Bob Dylan or Stevie Wonder as well as Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart etc.

He also happens to be no mean guitar player. So don't be surprised to see him pick-up the guitar during a performance and throw-in a solo.

For small, intimate venues, Martin will frequently be accompanied by just keyboards or guitar. For larger venues, he may also use a rhythm section or perhaps even a sax or trumpet player. Martin can be booked to perform at private functions and parties. He also takes a limited number of pupils for singing and guitar lessons.

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