Martin Harley

Renowned as “One of the UK’s finest contemporary roots musicians” in Guitarist Magazine, Martin’s song-writing encompasses an expressive, lyrical slide guitar style that The Guardian referred to as “spellbinding”.

New album Morning Sun was described as “Simply sublime. Probably the best roots Blues album I’ve heard this year – or the last few years for that matter” by Music News – 5/5 stars.

Martin Harley has been making music and touring the world for over two decades. His sound has never been more down to earth. Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’, Harley has released nine albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic in Texas and Nashville.

Martin’s solo shows are known for mixing excellent musicianship and song-writing with a down to earth sense of humour and tales of 3 decades of world travel.

The new album Morning Sun has been released to rave reviews, with Rocking Magpie stating that “(Martin is) An Exceptional Talent and Creator of Exquisite Sounds, Moulding Folk, Country and Contemporary Blues In a Seamless Fashion”. Rumbles asserted that “It is a relaxed sounding album, much in the way of say a J J Cale album, with no sharp edges. Tremulous”. 

Influential outlet Americana UK laid on further praise – “Harley delivers an excellent set of laidback self-penned songs. 8/10”. 

Martins recent nominations include, AMA instrumentalist of the year, Best Acoustic Guitarist, Best Acoustic Blues artist. Notable appearances include Glastonbury Acoustic and Avalon stages, Beautiful Days, Royal Albert Hall, Union Chapel, Bluebird Nashville, Tønder Festival, The Troubadour LA and at home round the fire pit with his two daughters.

Photo credit: Michal Augustini