Joe Martin

The audience will get well-constructed and technically impressive arrangements of songs they will likely have familiarity with. Since Joe doesn't sing but always works the vocal melody into his arrangements, the audience often finds it fun to play "name that tune" with each other. Musicians, music lovers and active listeners in particular tend to enjoy and engage with the music, as Joe's extensive musical background and command of the instrument reveal a musical depth they naturally appreciate.

The music can serve equally well in a full blown concert with chairs facing Joe, or "background ambience" such as in a restaurant or lounge, or festivals, parties and other outdoor contexts.

Joe's setup remains minimal and doesn't take much room. It includes an amp, Bose tower speaker system, plus the guitar and Joe on a stool, plus a mic stand (for talking, not singing). The Bose tower takes the place of a PA system, and sounds just as good IMHO without requiring nearly the same amount of real estate, i.e. there's no pair of large speakers/stands to take up room. Joe's stool actually doubles as a guitar stand, which is extra efficient from a space perspective. Joe only needs a single electrical outlet nearby. All that said, Joe does revel in gigs where a PA system and operator is provided by the venue.

Joe aspires to the highest standards of professional conduct. He will always arrive on time, interact with staff and audience professionally and courteously, and execute all agreements and contracts in good faith. Joe generally likes to arrive about an hour before show time, which provides enough time to setup and warmup.

Joe Martin began playing guitar at age 11. Upon learning to play “Photograph” by his favorite band Def Leppard, he never looked back. He immersed himself in the instrument, excited by the energy of classic rock and early 80s metal, and found himself in his first rock band at age 12.

Joe’s musical interests widened when he hit high school, thanks to inspiring and committed teachers who sensed his potential. Not only did his stylistic influences expand into classical and jazz, he also began to conquer several other instruments, including piano, saxophone and drums. He took every opportunity to play in numerous rock, classical and jazz groups, including New York’s All-State Jazz Band. Inspired by technically advanced musicians such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse, Chick Corea and Frank Gambale, Joe kept setting the bar for his technicality and expressiveness higher and higher. Joe credits a miraculously supportive family, school, church and a like-minded community of artistic friends for enabling and encouraging such intense focus during his high school years.

Joe became a classical piano major at Ithaca College in 1990, where he also had the privilege of studying jazz harmony and improvisation under Rick Beato. While he subsequently decided to pursue a career other than music, he stayed heavily involved in the college music scene, absorbing every music theory course he could, playing in several rock and jazz groups, and honing his jazz improvisation skills.

Later in 1999 Joe composed, recorded and produced Algorythm, an instrumental album on which he played all the instruments - guitar, piano, bass and drums - fusing all the divergent styles he spent his formative years absorbing.

Joe has since carved out a successful career as a software developer, and has no regrets about refraining from a full time career in music. However, Joe has established a side career performing his own exciting and emotional arrangements of well-known rock, jazz and classical selections. You can catch him at various venues in the northern Shenandoah Valley.

For venues without a PA system:
Joe's setup remains minimal and doesn't take much room. It includes an amp, Bose tower speaker system, plus the guitar and Joe on a stool, plus a mic stand (for talking, not singing). The Bose tower takes the place of a PA system, and sounds just as good IMHO without requiring nearly the same amount of real estate, i.e. there's no pair of large speakers/stands to take up room. Joe's stool actually doubles as a guitar stand, which is extra efficient from a space perspective. Joe only needs a single electrical outlet nearby. All that said, Joe does revel in gigs where a PA system and operator is provided by the venue.

For venues with a PA system:
Joe currently uses a Line 6 amp to amplify his Ovation acoustic/electric guitar. It has a single quarter inch jack in the back that can route Joe's guitar signal to a PA system. If the PA board has only XLR jacks, a converter box will be required.