Press Kit
Bio
The
music of vocalist and songwriter, Barbara Martin, solidly reflects
the greats of traditional jazz, never forgets the blues, but relates
to the world today. Based in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley, her
skillful song crafting and solid guitar chops set her apart. Her
performances seamlessly cross genres, reflecting her unique blend
of styles.
Over a 20 year career Barbara has produced seven recordings, impressing critics with her original songs and the vocal stylings to put them across: “...slice of life songs that ring with truth, wit and experience.” The Washington Post, “a songwriter with an unexpected gift for sultry melody and a singer with a penchant for smoldering seduction.” Geoffrey Himes, Howard County Sun, Baltimore. She was chosen as one of ten recent releases by worthy jazz singers by Alexander Gelfand, Jazziz Magazine. Her songs have been placed in two national TV programs, ABC Family, Greek and CBS, Swingtown and two documentaries. She has performed at numerous festivals and concerts including The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, Fleet Blues Festival, Albany, NY and Herndon Jazz Festival, Herndon, VA. Barbara’s commitment to carrying on the traditions of American music to the next generation is reflected in her Parent’s Choice Silver Honor Award for her children’s recording, From Ragtime to Rock and Roll.
For Barbara music is about learning, growing and creating an experience for others to enjoy. She continues to hone her craft, integrating tips from studying with such great jazz vocalists as, Sheila Jordan, Stephanie Nakasian, Jay Clayton and Madeline Eastman. Her partnerships with Baltimore guitar virtuoso, Mac Walter, talented Virginia-based, jazz pianist, Liz Barnes and California jazz composer, Joel Evans enrich her musical life even further. A new recording of jazz standards and originals is planned for 2009.
Recent Performances
Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Herndon Jazz Festival, Herndon, VA
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston, VA
Columbia Pikes Blues Festival, Arlington, VA
Jazz By Night Celebration, Towne House Restaurant, Forge Room, 117
Veterans Square, Media, PA
Mainstay Theater, Rock Hall, MD
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, MD
Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA
Low Country Blues Festival, Charleston, SC
Fleet Blues Festival, Albany, NY
St. John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland,
Williamsburg Regional Library & Art Center, Williamsburg, VA
Palace Theater, 113 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN
About Barbara:
Picked as a recent release by worthy jazz singers by Alexander Gelfand, Jazziz Magazine
“This singer-songwriter’s artistry is as American in style as it is universal in emotional intelligence…” Washington Post
“She is carrying the torch of Ida Cox, Bessie Smith and Sippie Wallace and beautifully evokes their styles into her own compositions.” Blues Rag, Baltimore Blues Society
“Barbara has the ability to capture the tradition of the blues and make the music come alive for her listeners.” Patrick Golden, Williamsburg Regional Library and Arts Center
“Whether she’s singing a smoky blues number or a gentle ballad, her wonderfully versatile and powerful voice pulls you in and makes you listen.” Brenda Barkley, Tidewater Friends of Folk Music
“... (she is) not only well-received by audiences but a real pleasure
to work with. Barb is a versatile performer with an excellent blues
voice and an easy rapport with her audience.”
Brook Dickson, Program Coordinator, Arts Council of the Blue
Ridge, Roanoke, VA
“Thanks for sharing your talents, humor and yourselves with the Longwood
visitors. You have an easy manner of presentation that draws your
audience to you and everyone enjoyed the range of music you presented.”
Priscilla Johnson, Performing Arts Coordinator, Longwood Gardens,
Kennett Square, PA
“Your extraordinary performance upheld the high quality standard of
our mission. We received rave reviews from our audience.”
Garrett Lakes Art Festival, McHenry, MD
“articulate, focused, polished and engaging” Performing Songwriter
Lady Sings the Blues, Ed Tutwiler, May/June, Americana Rhythm
Music Magazine
http://www.americanarhythm.com/Current_Issue.html