Juan Martín

A celebrated virtuoso of the flamenco guitar who hast twice been voted into the ‘top three guitarists in the world’ by US magazine Guitar Player, Juan has recorded 18 albums, mostly as a composer and currently has a number of best selling DVD's. “A composer to be ranked with Túrina and Tarrega”. ANGLO-SPANISH REVIEW.

Juan’s method book El Arte Flamenco de la Guitarra, in its seventh print, has revolutionised the learning of the art worldwide. In 2005 Juan was asked to write the foreword to ‘The Complete Guitar Handbook’ which features the greatest guitarists of all time. He is one of only 2 flamenco guitarists featured in the book.

He performs with a highly distinctive compositional style which was formed from his early years in Málaga and further developed through wide experience in Madrid, including contact with Paco de Lucía and with his idol Niño Ricardo. Juan’s continued mastery and polish came through recordings with the Royal Philharmonic and live performances with artists of the calibre of Miles Davis. The Spanish paper El Mundo said he has “a terrifyingly good technique and an absolute dominance of the guitar, filling the concert hall with crystalline clarity”.

Juan has performed at major International Arts Festivals including Edinburgh, Ludwigsburg, Montreux Jazz as a solo artist and with Herbie Hancock, Istanbul and Hong Kong as well as at leading halls worldwide. He has broadcast on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Spanish RTE and German ZDF television and in the US for CNN. His solo performance of a rumba La Fería brought the Royal Albert Hall to its feet during BBC TV’s Joy to the World.

On his previous visit to Australia in 2002, Juan played to full houses at his two Melbourne concerts. “Martin is such a natural player that there is no need for flashy histrionics. His art may be technically awe-inspiring, but technique is never an end in itself... When Martin plays a Soléa por Buleria, it breathes with the fierce energy of pure flamenco”. Jessica Nicholas THE AGE.

Juan’s recent visit to Jakarta in March this year brought unprecedented praise from his audience. “At the end of the scheduled program the crowd spontaneously rose to their feet in a raucous, full-house standing ovation -- something of a rarity for genteel Jakarta audiences more accustomed to applauding politely”. Jim Read JAKARTA POST.

In 2006 Juan’s worldwide touring commitments include concerts in the UK, Europe, Asia, Canada and the USA, as well as his much anticipated return to Australia in October.

Juan’s website: www.juanmartin.com
CD’s are available in Australia from Session Records