Welcome to the website of Martin Smith -  vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. 

A unique vocal talent, Martin has the cool, smooth delivery of old-school jazz crooners but also the emotional power and a contemporary edge developed in his time singing blues, rock and musical theatre.

Martin's father was a trumpet player and his mother a singer during the golden age of big band swing.  So a love for swing, jazz and the great ballads written at that time runs deep within him - and he has inherited a talent for performing in these genres.  He cites the likes of Mel Torme, Mark Murphy and Ella Fitzgerald among his influences.

However, he doesn't see himself as just a jazz singer. "I just like to sing great songs, to try and do them justice and bring a little of myself to them."  So, a performance by Martin is likely to include songs by Bob Dylan or Stevie Wonder as well as Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart etc.

He also happens to be no mean guitar player.  So don't be surprised to see him pick-up the guitar during a performance and throw-in a solo.

Martin hosts a great, regular monthly jazz event at Bruschetta restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames with female vocalist Jenny Green. See diary to the right of this page for details.

Martin can be booked to perform at private functions and parties.  To enquire, please use the contact details on this site.  He also takes a limited number of pupils for singing and guitar lessons.  Again, you can enquire about these through the contact details on this site.

 

 

Diary/Gigs/Events

(Details here of public performances - private functions not listed)

Saturday, 29th May 2010 - Bruschetta, Kingston With Jamie Howell Trio

Saturday, 24th April 2010 - Bruschetta, Kingston With Jenny Green (vocals), Tom Jurkiewicz (piano) and his trio - £8

Saturday, 13th March 2010 - The Up 'n' Under, Twickenham - With Jenny Green (vocals), Tom Jurkiewicz (piano) and his trio - £8

Saturday, 27th February 2010 - Bruschetta, Kingston - With Jenny Green (vocals), Jonathan Vinten (piano) and his trio - £8

Sunday, 7th February 2010 - The Duchess, Battersea - With Fiona Egan (vocals) and Tom Jurkiewicz (piano)

Saturday, 30th January 2010 - Bruschetta, Kingston - With Jenny Green (Vocals), Jamie Howell (Guitar) and his trio - £8

Friday, 11th December 2009 - Performing and hosting a jazz jam and open mic at Bruschetta restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames.  Bruschetta, 141 London Road, Kingston, KT2 6NH  - £5

Saturday, 28th November 2009 - Singing and hosting a night of jazz at Bruschetta restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames.  Co-hosting and also performing is the terrific vocalist Jenny Green.  Bruschetta, 141 London Road, Kingston, KT2 6NH  NB: LAST MONTH'S EVENT WAS FULLY BOOKED - ADVANCE BOOKING IS ADVISED. 020 8546 9328  - £8

Sunday, 22nd November 2009 - Performing in a lunchtime jazz session at The Duchess in Battersea.  101 Battersea Park Road, London.  Hosted by vocalist Fiona Egan.  Geoff Castle on piano.

Saturday, 31st October 2009 - Singing and hosting a night of jazz at Bruschetta restaurant in Kingston-upon-Thames.  Co-hosting and also performing is the terrific vocalist Jenny Green.  SPECIAL GUEST: Jonathan Vinten on piano. Jonathan worked with George Melly for 10 years and has worked with every big name in British jazz.  Bruschetta, 141 London Road, Kingston, KT2 6NH

Sunday, 25th October 2009- Performing in a post-workshop concert with the amazing Anita Wardell - The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ

Sunday, 13 September 2009 - Lunchtime jazz and ballads in the restaurant - The Fox & Hounds, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey KT20 &7RU - starts 12.30 - Booking advisable - see www.thefoxandhounds.net

Sunday, 6 September 2009 - Jazz jam at Friends Provident Social Club, Dorking, Surrey