MARTIN TAYLOR

Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, jazz guitarist Martin Taylor has been playing for as long as he can remember. At four years of age young, Martin was given his first instrument by his father, who was a professional bassist and band leader.

His career began on board the Queen Elizabeth II at a mere 11 years old, playing with jazz and dance bands. On one such occasion he fulfilled his dream to play with the Count Basie Orchestra.

In 1979, the acclaimed jazz guitarist Ike Issacs introduced him to Stephane Grappelli. The beginning of a long and celebrated association. For the next decade Taylor played with Grappelli throughout the world. The two recorded many albums together, including the collaboration “Reunion.”

In 1980, Martin met David Grisman and the two became fast friends touring in the company of the great violin maestro. Martin also played on two David Grisman recording projects, “Dawg Grass/Dawg Jazz” and “Acoustic Christmas.”

Since that time, Taylor has honed his celebrated solo guitar style on numerous recordings of his own. In 1994, Martin returned to ensemble playing with his group, “Spirit of Django.” He is regarded as one of the finest jazz guitarist in the world. Martin is featured on both “Tone Poems II,” (ACD-18), and “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” (ACD-36).