The Martin Harley Band

Martin Harley is a contemporary singer/songwriter, extraordinary guitarist, and front man for the Martin Harley Band. Formed in 2003 after the release of Martin’s first solo album.

Martin Harley was born for life on the road, and Martin set out on this journey with a little money and an acoustic guitar. His travels took him to the USA, Africa, India and Australia. Using a converted 12-string he bought from a junk shop for $30 (and still uses to this day), he played wherever he was welcome and his warm voice, earnest yet poetic lyrics, and distinctive guitar style made an impression.

Upon his return to the UK he set about recording his debut album, “Martin Harley” (2003), enlisting Adam Wolters on two-string stick bass and Pete Swatton on a minimal cock-tail drum kit and balalaika.

With a thrifty DIY attitude, a collection of great songs, and three musicians whose combined sound is hugely greater than the sum of their parts, The Martin Harley Band was born.

They toured Great Britain and Ireland, playing venues big and small, from festivals in and around London to busking on the streets of Truro.

In 2005 he was invited to take part in the World’s Highest Gig, an event aimed at setting a record for a concert held at the highest altitude in aid of creating an orphanage for victims of the on going violence in Nepal. The event raised over £30,000, which has been used to set up a shelter and skills centre.

In 2006 “Money Don’t Matter” was released to great acclaim, supported by numerous gigs and festivals across the UK as well as jaunts to France and Germany to spread the word further afield. With the success of their second offering, the band found themselves with an ever more demanding gigging schedule, and founding band member Adam Wolters made the decision to split from the band in order to spend more time with his family.

With the departure of Adam Wolters, Martin and Pete searched far and wide for a replacement, eventually enlisting Graeme Ross on double bass. Poached directly from the chaotic dissolution of his previous band, Graeme immediately made his mark on the MHB sound with his distinctive brand of percussive bass playing. Combined with Martin’s unique take on slide guitar, and Pete’s animalistic, groove infused drumming, they make a formidable trio indeed.

In 2007, “Grow Your Own”, was recorded with a collection of songs written largely on Martin’s travels. Recorded at One Life Productions in London, produced by Simon Handley, and mastered by audio guru Bob Katz, this is certainly their most enterprising record yet, venturing beyond home recording and broadening their sound with tasteful use of strings, horns, and electric guitars, drifting from mournful ballads to jazzy swing to bluesy hip-hop and beyond into full blown rock. Released in stores and online in April 2008 to outstanding reviews and extensive radio play, including Bob Harris and Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2 and with live sessions on the way, the boys hit the road in support, playing throughout the UK, stunning audiences with their now legendary live performances.

In 2009 MHB have had their busiest and most successful year to date. They have been asked to open most of the UK shows (and some in mainland Europe) for Brit Award winner James Morrison, and completed their own 25 date UK tour. In addition the band made a high profile debut at Glastonbury Festival, with killer performances on the famous Acoustic and Avalon stages which received critical acclaim. The latter part of the year has remained busy, the band are settling in their new bassist Jay Carter and have been recording material for their next studio album, scheduled for release in spring 2010. The Martin Harley Band will enjoy a well earned break in the sun at Surfers Bay this November, and look forward to a busy year ahead.