STU MARTIN- Born June 12th 1938 Liberty, NY - Died June 12th 1980 Paris France.
Sylvester Czajkowski wrote in a JAZZ FORUM feature story (Dec. 26th 1973)
"He won't have any bullshitting on a conversation - just as he won't have it when playing"
Stu Martin began playing in 1956. Appearing with the Orchestras of Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Slide Hampton and Maynard Ferguson.
During 1965-1966, he played in Europe with Donald Byrd, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Jean-Luc Ponty, Don Byas and Dexter Gordon.
Returning to the United States to join the Gary Burton Quartet. Subsequently he appeared in Europe with Albert Mangelsdorff, Attila Zoller, Joachim and Rolf Kuhn, Eje Thelin, Red Mitchell and Slide Hampton.
In October 1969, he became a member of "The Trio". Consisting of John Surman on Sax and Barre Phillips on Bass. With this group, he toured England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland - playing at concerts, on TV and Radio, and at all the important European Festivals.
In October 1971, the group broke up. Stu started playing with "AMBUSH". Consisting of Barre Phillips on Bass, Peter Warren on Bass and Cello and Charlie Mariano on Sax.
Stu Martin went on to play with such greats as John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus and many more. Performing all over the world from the Paris Opera to NY City. As well as recording numerous albums:
"Where Fortune Smiles", "Live at Woodstock Town Hall", "Sunrise" just to name a few.
Stu Martin "The Drummer is keeper of the time - now isn't that true?"
Written by Zeke Martin - son
