martinnelsonuk

A blend of percussive, fingerstyle guitar and mellow vocals best defines the unique and highly refined sound of Martin Nelson.

Born in 1983, Martin started playing the guitar at the age of four. At fifteen, Martin was awarded the title "Takamine Guitarist of the Year 1998", taking 1st place at the International Guitar Festival in Bath. His performance in the final was described by head judge, Steve Fairclough as “Embodying the true spirit of fingerstyle guitar”. Martin is still proudly endorsed by Takamine today.

In 2003, Martin returned to Bath where he attended a fingerstyle master class with Jacques Stotzem and the late Eric Roche. Martin went on to record and release the instrumental EP "Sentiments" in which you can clearly hear the influence both Jacques and Eric had on Martin's playing.

December 2007, saw the release of Martin's first full length album "Sit Back And Smile" a collection of original songs and instrumental compositions. Martin toured the UK to promote the album receiving radio play from BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3 and later receiving a Gold Artist Award for the record from Radio Indy who dubbed the album “Acoustic guitar work, nothing short of phenomenal”.

After a showcase performance in 2009, Martin was approached by a London based Record Label and offered both Management and Production Agreements. Having given each offer considerable thought, Martin made a conscious decision not to pursue the opportunity.

Today, Martin resides in the East Midlands where he specialises in fingerstyle guitar tuition both privately and through master classes, he also provides performance coaching and clinic sessions for guitarists, acoustic ensembles and singer songwriters.

Martin has a number of albums available on general release and continues to compose, arrange and perform. He is available for weddings; parties; corporate functions; events and private bookings.