THE LONDON ROOTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS MARTIN HARLEY Plus Guests
Martin Harley is celebrated as “One of the UK’s finest contemporary roots musicians” (Guitarist Magazine) and a “slide guitar master” (Roots Magazine). Known for his spellbinding slide guitar and ability to blend Americana, Blues, and Folk, Harley has captivated audiences for three decades, recording albums in Texas, Nashville, and Wales.
His sold-out shows at venues like London’s Union Chapel and appearances at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall highlight his dynamic stage presence. His music has featured on TV shows like The Vampire Diaries and Banshee and in live segments on PBS’s Music City Roots. Harley has collaborated with icons like Jerry Douglas and Grammy winner Derek Mixon, and his album Static in the Wires reached #2 on the iTunes Blues charts.
His latest release, Morning Sun, produced by Nigel Stonier, showcases his finest songwriting to date, with inventive contributions from Michael Blair, Mark Lewis, and Chris (CJ) Hillman. Harley’s heartfelt music continues to push boundaries in contemporary roots.
With heartfelt songwriting and masterful musicianship, Harley remains a pioneering force in contemporary roots music.
Line Up
Martin Harley has been making music and touring the world for over two decades. His sound has never been more down to earth. Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’, Harley has released eight albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic in Texas and Nashville.
An album with Grammy nominated Daniel Kimbro and Sam Lewis is on the way for 2022. The three have collaborated live since 2014. “We’ve all jumped of a few rocks together, physically and mentally, this record has got scars, bars and underwater superheroes” 2021 includes some intimate acoustic shows for Martin with a band tour in the autumn. martinharley.com for tours and tickets.
His recent nominations include, AMA instrumentalist of the year, Best Acoustic Guitarist, Best Acoustic Blues artist. Notable appearances include Glastonbury Acoustic and Avalon stages, Beautiful Days, Royal Albert Hall, Union Chapel, Bluebird Nashville, Tønder Festival, The Troubadour LA and at home round the fire pit with his two daughters.
“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
