Martin Messent

Biography

Martin has been playing original material solo and in various line ups since 2002 on the acoustic and roots circuit. His sound takes in folk, jazz and alt. country; a kind of English Americana. Influences include Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Davy Graham and Paul Simon. He has released an EP (2004) and four self produced albums: Saw The Sun, 2007; Blues For Plankton, 2008 - ‘Ever On’ was played on BBC Radio 6 Music Introducing - Angels and Jackals, 2010; and Try To Begin, 2011. He has also played several live sessions for BBC Southern Counties Radio, Juice 107.2 FM and Radio Reverb.

He’s appeared at Bestival (2005, 06 & 07), Glastonbury (2005); The Greys, Brighton; 12 Bar Club and The Green Note, London, among numerous dates at popular UK acoustic venues and last summer shared a stage with Jon Boden and Ewan McLennan at Crawley Folk festival. His live band includes Steve Thompson on double bass, Giles Gobat on drums and Mike Simmonds (Alice Russell, Quantic Soul Orchestra, Bonobo) on violin.

Recent performances include supporting Greg Trooper, Drew Nelson, Sarah MacDougall, Jon Boden, The Strawbs, Andy White and Julia Biel.

Live reviews

“Soulful jazz-tinged experimental songs crammed to bursting point with pop hooks, soaring highs and enough melancholy to leave even the most hardened of gig-goers with an open jaw and a lump in their throat.”

Ric Blow, The Greys, 6/3/06

“...an unfussy and bare vocal strength with an acute edginess redolent of Neil Young. Full of mellow subtleties, lonesome riffs and fine vocal moments…”

  MW, Drowned In Sound, 6/6/02
CD reviews

Dark yet full of creativity and imagination ...with his acoustic guitar entwined with the sound of Mike Simmonds' viola, something beautiful and shining can be heard. ...Martin know[s] how to make his song real and personal. This [...] artist is full of creativity and wonder.”
 
  ***1/2 Maverick magazine, July 2010

“Simple, downbeat stories bleed with emotion as Messent talks with a Van Morrison-esque level of introspection and reflection. It's equally serene and poignant and lends this glorious LP a further level of quality.”

  Stephen Jasper, Fresh Deer Meat, 8/9/08 - read the full review here

“The acoustic instrumentation beautifully complements Messent's enigmatic and soulful voice, resulting in a perfectly balanced, unpretentious sound that provides a rare tranquillity.”

  Mike Wilson, Folking.com, 23/2/09 - read the full review here

Contact

Email: martin.mab@gmail.com
Web: martinmessent.com
To download press kit click here