A blend of percussive fingerstyle guitar and mellow vocals is one way to describe the unique and highly refined sound of Martin Nelson. Born in 1983 Martin started playing the guitar at the age of four. At fifteen, Martin was awarded the title "Takamine Guitarist of the Year 1998" in a competition at the International Guitar Festival in Bath.
In 2003, Martin returned to Bath where he attended a fingerstyle master class with Jacques Stotzem and the late Eric Roche. Martin went on to record the instrumental EP "Sentiments" in which you can clearly hear the influence both Jacques and Eric had on Martin's playing.
Four years on and December 2007 sees the self release of Martin's first album "Sit Back And Smile" a collection of original songs and instrumental pieces reflecting on events in Martin's life so far. Still unsigned and pursuing a future in the industry Martin toured the UK to promote the album receiving radio play from BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3, as well as worldwide digital distribution through iTunes and cdbaby.com.
After performing at the Live and Unsigned 2009 Competition, Martin was approached by a number of London based Record Labels and offered both Management and Production Agreements. Having given each offer considerable thought, Martin made a decision to remain unsigned.
2010 and making a conscious return to his fingerstyle roots, Martin is currently writing and recording his third album for release later this year. Following renewed endorsement from Takamine guitars, Martin is looking forward with eager anticipation to the coming year and all that it will bring.