MARTIN HARLEY

"I’m ready to make a bigger noise…...Muddy Waters invented electricity right?"

In 2019 British guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley is making a change. Having created a deep impression on the acoustic blues roots and Americana scene with his last two Nashville recorded albums, his highly anticipated new record finds a new and exciting sound. An Intimate and gritty analogue album, recorded in a remote chapel deep in the wilds of Pembrokeshire. Taking county blues riffs to the electric bottleneck slide guitar, served with sweet vocal harmonies over the driving rhythms of co producer and drummer Harry Harding (Yola Carter/William the Conquerer) Award winning Australian bassist Rex Horan finalises the line up. He has recorded and performed with Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and Laura Marling.

Through Harley's road worn songwriting style this record explores hopes and fears for fast changing times, offering gospel like comfort and consolation. The song 'Roll with the Punches' implores the listener not to get dragged down when challenges seem unsurmountable. ‘Coming Home' asks questions beyond the end of life and ruminates on freedom from worldly desires.

If success can be measured by growing global demand to attend Martins dynamic life performances then perhaps his touring schedule is proof of that. (He recently played to full house at the Union Chapel in Islington and has appeared at Edmonton, Vancouver, Canmore and Calgary folk festivals in Canada, Glastonbury, Bestival, Beautiful days in the UK, numerous European and US tours and events including the AMAs, The Bluebird in Nashville and Tønder in Denmark) In 2018 Total guitar ranked him #16 in the worlds greatest acoustic guitarist poll and he was nominated as Instrumentalist of the year at the Americana music awards.

“Harley offers the listener a masterclass in taste, style and roots blues” – Guitarist Magazine

“No doubt that he is a slide guitar master. He is the business” – Roots Magazine

“Spellbinding” – The Guardian

“Quite simply a great live act” – Time Out London

 

 


ARTIST WEBSITE: 
www.martinharley.com

AGENT CONTACT:
CANADA/U.S. shawna@dollartone.com
UK/EU             matt@midnightmango.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE:

Static in The Wires Press Release download
Live From Southern Ground download

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“Awesome” – Johnnie Walker, BBC Radio 2

“Quite simply a great live act” – Time Out London

“No doubt that he is a slide guitar master. He is the business” – Roots Magazine

PRAISE FOR THE ALBUM Southern Ground

“This is how acoustic roots should be heard on a record that allows Harley’s indisputable talent and spirit to shine through” – The Blues Magazine 8/10 stars

“Incredible slide guitar chops, Cementing his reputation as one of it’s finest exponents” – The Blues Magazine 8/10

“’If you only invest in one Blues album this year then make it this one” – Rock Society

‘A gem of a record for all blues and hollowneck fans’ – Weissenborn Exchange

“Martin is arguably the best Weissenborn player in the UK and has been for many years. This release only underlines his stature even further as Britons best steel on steel blues ambassador.” – Weissenborn Exchange

‘From the first note to the last, this is a gorgeous album, played beautifully and with some real respect between the players.’ – 5/5 stars Music News

“A spelbinding 50 minutes” – The Observer

“Handsome showcase for Harley’s talents as an acoustic guitarist, writer and performer” – The Guardian

“Martin Harley is one of our finest acoustic guitar players” – Blues in the North West

“For all lovers of acoustic blues and top class roots music . . . this is for you.” – Blues in the North West

“Live At Southern Ground is an album for everyone who loves acoustic blues” – Bluesdoodles 9/10