About Me
Joe Martin is one of the most sought-after bassists on the current New York City jazz scene. Known for his warm sound, facile ear, harmonic flexibility, and lyrical solos, he has performed with a diverse range of musicians. Most recently he was an integral member of Kurt Rosenwinkel’s group, documented on a live recording: The Remedy-Live At The Village Vanguard. He has also performed with Andy Bey, Vinicius Cantuaria, Bill Charlap, Art Farmer, Aaron Goldberg, Jon Gordon, Ari Hoenig, Joel Frahm, Fred Hersch, Ethan Iverson, Guillermo Klein, Ivan Lins, Lionel Loueke, Bill McHenry, John McNeil, Brad Mehldau, Mingus Big Band, Ben Monder, Jane Monheit, Jean-Michel Pilc, Chris Potter, Maria Schneider, Jaleel Shaw, Grady Tate, Mark Turner, and many others. Continuous musical dialogue amongst great musicians is a major source of inspiration for Joe. Composition is another indispensable component to Joe’s musical world. A strong melodic sense and the use of the bass part as both function and counterpoint are apparent in his writing. His debut CD Passage, which features Mark Turner, Kevin Hays, and Jorge Rossy, received much acclaim from critics and musicians alike. He leads gigs regularly in New York City at clubs including The Jazz Gallery, Smoke, and Small’s. He has also toured with his band in Italy. The experience he has gained performing with jazz legends, as well as his contemporaries, has and continues to further his growth and maturity as a musician.
